Philly Cheesesteak

Nut-free option, Soy-free option 

This veganized version of a classic recipe combines panfried Simmered Seitan with caramelized onion, sautéed peppers and vegan cheese sauce—it’s perfection served in a fresh hoagie roll. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps; this recipe is absolutely worth the effort. While the onions are caramelizing, you can prepare the other elements, but make sure to keep everything warm for assembling the sandwiches at the end! Pair these with our Baked Seasoned Fries.

Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich renowned for its delicious combination of thinly sliced, pan-fried beefsteak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, typically served on a long roll or hoagie. This mouthwatering sandwich originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hence its name, and has become a beloved classic across the United States.

The heart of a Philly Cheesesteak lies in the choice of meat, which is traditionally ribeye steak or top round steak. The meat is thinly sliced and quickly cooked on a hot griddle or skillet, often with onions. The combination of tender beef and sweet, caramelized onions creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

The sandwich is then topped with generous slices of cheese, usually provolone or American cheese. As the cheese melts over the hot beef and onions, it adds a creamy and savory component that ties the entire sandwich together.

Philly Cheesesteaks are highly customizable, and variations include options like adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or hot peppers for extra flavor and heat. The choice of bread is also crucial, with the long, soft hoagie roll being the classic vessel for this delectable sandwich.

Savory, cheesy, and satisfying, Philly Cheesesteaks have earned their place in American culinary history and continue to be a favorite comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re in Philadelphia or far from it, savoring a well-made Philly Cheesesteak is always a treat.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes plus, prep time for Simmered Seitan

COOK TIME: 50 minutes

YIELD: 6 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS:

CARAMELIZED ONION 

• 2 tbsp (28 g) vegan butter (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1 medium-sized white onion, sliced into long, thin slices (about 1 cup [160 g])

SAUTEED PEPPER 

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced (about 1½ cups [223 g])

CHEESE SAUCE 

• 1½ tbsp (21 g) vegan butter (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1½ tbsp (12 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (180 ml) plain, unsweetened rice milk
• ¾ cup (84 g) vegan Mozzarella shreds or store-bought (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)

PANFRIED SEITAN 

• 1 batch Simmered Seitan (soy-free if needed)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, plus more as needed

FOR ASSEMBLING 

• 6 vegan hoagie rolls

INSTRUCTIONS:

CARAMELIZE THE ONION 

1. In a large skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced white onion and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.
3. Lower the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 45 minutes, or until the onions turn deeply golden brown.
4. Remove the caramelized onions from the heat and set them aside.

SAUTE THE PEPPER 

1. In a small sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced red bell pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pepper is fork-tender. If the slices start to burn or stick to the pan, add a small amount of water.

MAKE THE CHEESE SAUCE 

1. In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium-low heat.
2. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually pour in the plain, unsweetened rice milk while whisking continuously.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to whisk.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens.
6. Stir in the vegan Mozzarella shreds until they melt completely. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and set it aside.

PANFRY THE SEITAN 

1. Slice the seitan into approximately 24 long, thin pieces.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Work in batches to panfry the seitan slices for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they become crispy. Add additional oil if needed.
4. Repeat until all seitan slices are panfried.

ASSEMBLE THE CHEESESTEAKS 

1. For each hoagie roll, layer about four pieces of crispy seitan.
2. Add a portion of caramelized onions and sautéed peppers.
3. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared cheese sauce.
4. Close the hoagie rolls to complete the cheesesteaks.