Best Easy Vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Recipe

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Vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Recipe: How to Make a Delicious Meatless Version of the Classic Sandwich

Are you a vegetarian who misses the taste of a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich? Look no further! We have found the perfect recipe for you. This vegetarian version of the classic sandwich is made with meaty and flavorful mushrooms, peppers, onions, and a delicious cheese blend.

The key to making this sandwich is to use the right type of mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms or Oyster mushrooms work best as they have a meaty texture and can be shredded to mimic the texture of steak. The mushrooms are then sautéed with onions and peppers until they are caramelized and tender. The cheese blend is made with vegan cheese and adds a creamy and indulgent flavor to the sandwich.

This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to the classic Philly cheese steak sandwich. It is packed with nutrients from the mushrooms, peppers, and onions, and is lower in saturated fat and calories compared to the meat version. So, whether you are a vegetarian or just looking for a healthier option, this vegetarian Philly cheese steak sandwich is a must-try!

If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of the classic Philly cheesesteak, you’re in luck! This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy your cravings. 

In this easy vegetarian Philly Cheese steak recipe we’re covering

• Origins of Philly cheese steak
• Tips and Tricks for making Vegan and vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak 
• Best bread for Philly Cheesesteak 
• Ingredients for making vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak 
• How to make vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak 
• Best vegan and vegetarian cheese options for Philly Cheesesteak 
• Gluten-free vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak options 
• FAQs 

Origins of Philly cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930s. It is said to have been invented by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who decided to grill some beef and add it to a sandwich. According to legend, a taxi driver smelled the aroma of the sandwich and asked for one for himself. The driver then spread the word about the delicious sandwich, and it became a local favorite. Eventually, Pat Olivieri opened up his own restaurant in South Philadelphia, which became known as Pat’s King of Steaks. Today, there are many variations of the Philly cheesesteak, but the original recipe includes thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions served on a long, crusty roll.

Tips and tricks for making the best vegetarian Philly cheese steak recipe

1. Choose the right meat substitute: For a vegetarian Philly cheese steak, you can use meat substitutes like seitan, soy curls, portobello mushrooms, or tofu. Choose a meat substitute that has a firm texture and can withstand being grilled or sautéed. In this easy vegetarian Philly cheese steak recipe we’re using Portobello mushrooms thinly sliced, but you can easily replace them with another vegan meat substitute.

2. What type of pan is best to fry vegetarian cheese steak: A non-stick pan is the best type of pan to fry mushrooms because it helps prevent the mushrooms from sticking to the pan and avoids the need for excess oil. You can also use a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel pan to fry mushrooms, but you may need to add more oil or butter to prevent sticking. It’s important to use a pan that is big enough to hold all of the mushrooms in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.

3. Add the right seasoning: The seasoning is what gives this dish its unique flavor. Use a combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to get the perfect balance of seasoning.

4. Sauté the veggies: The veggies are a key component of this dish, so sauté them until they’re tender but still slightly crisp. You can use a variety of veggies, but onions and bell peppers are a must.

5. Use the right cheese: The cheese is what ties this dish together. Use a cheese that will melt nicely, like provolone or American cheese, or slices of vegan cheese that has a good melting quality.

6. Toast the roll: The roll is just as important as the filling. Toast it in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes until it’s lightly crisp.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious vegetarian Philly cheese steak that’s just as satisfying

Best Bread for Philly Cheesesteak

The best bread for a Philly cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll that is soft on the inside. The traditional bread used is an Italian roll or a hoagie roll, which is a long roll that is about 10-12 inches in length. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the filling, but soft enough to absorb the juices and flavors of the meat, cheese and vegetables. A good quality bread with a crispy crust and a soft interior is important to make the perfect Philly cheesesteak.

For the plant based Philly Steak

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, separated – or avocado oil or vegan butter. 
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 onion, or shallots, sliced – or white onions. You can use any type of onions you have at home to make delicious caramelized onions that are one of the main important part of the ingredients. 
• 2 funds (900g) chopped mushrooms, I used portobello mushrooms but king oysters, or baby bella mushrooms can also work as our vegan beef. Just slice into thin strips to resemble traditional cheesesteak meat. 
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 
• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning

Optional extras

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced – green peppers aren’t part of the original cheesesteak or vegan cheesesteak recipe, but it gives the vegan philly cheesesteak recipe a delicious peppery taste when you saute slices of green bell peppers. 
• 4 slices vegetarian provolone cheese – or your preferred vegan cheese slices

Ingredients For the vegan Cheese Sauce, optional but delicious!

• 1/2 cup cashews, soaked overnight
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tsp Salt, more to taste – or soy sauce (tamari sauce for gluten free version)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 

For the Sandwiches

• 4 hoagie rolls, sliced in half – or sub roll or other soft fluffy buns or long rolls of bread can also work well in creating the best vegan philly cheesesteak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the steak, you’ll need a few simple ingredients like olive oil, red pepper flakes, onion or shallots, mushrooms, bell peppers (optional), smoked paprika, and steak seasoning. These ingredients will create a savory and flavorful vegetarian steak that is sure to impress.

For the optional cheese sauce, you’ll need cashews, nutritional yeast, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy and cheesy sauce is made from cashews and is a great alternative to traditional cheese sauce.

Note: if you’re not using cheese sauce you can use your favorite vegetarian cheese. I like Violife mozzarella shreds.

Finally, for the sandwiches, you’ll need hoagie rolls, olive oil, onion, green bell pepper, and provolone cheese. These ingredients will create the perfect sandwich that is packed with flavor and texture.

Overall, these ingredients work together to create a delicious and satisfying vegetarian Philly cheesesteak.

Instructions – How to make Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Preparing the vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan and add the sliced mushrooms and sliced onions (if you’re using bell peppers add them now as well). Let them cook at high temperature for 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally. 

Season with salt, smoked paprika and steak seasoning and stir to coat everything evenly. Continue sautéing for a few more minutes until the mushrooms and onions are golden, soft and light Caramelized.

If you’re opting for vegan cheese, pile the cheese over the sautéed mushrooms and let the heat from the pan melt the cheese. Turn down the heat and leave while you prepare the bread. 

Making the Cheese Sauce

To make the cheese sauce, you will need the ingredients listed above and a high speed blender.

• Soak the raw cashews in 2 cups of water overnight (optionally, you can soak them in hot water for 3 minutes if you are in a rush).
• Once the cashews have finished soaking you are ready to make the sauce: add drained cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, and the rest of the cheese ingredients to a high powered blender. Blend until smooth (you may need to scrape down the sides a few times)Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. That’s it! Your cheese sauce is ready to serve!

Assembling the Sandwiches

To assemble your vegan Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, start by toasting a soft hoagie roll. Then, layer on your prepared fried mushrooms, sautéed peppers (if using) and onions, and a generous amount of the cheese sauce.

If desired, you can also add additional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or avocado. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and satisfying vegetarian Philly cheese steak sandwich.

What are some great vegetarian cheese options for plant-based diets

There are many delicious vegetarian cheese options available! Some popular choices include:

1. Cheddar-style cheese made from cashew milk

2. Mozzarella-style cheese made from almond milk

3. Feta-style cheese made from tofu

4. Parmesan-style cheese made from cashew or Brazil nut

5. Cream cheese made from almond or cashew

6. Ricotta-style cheese made from tofu or cashew

7. Swiss-style cheese made from coconut milk

8. Monterey Jack-style cheese made from soy or almond milk

9. Pepper jack-style cheese made from cashew or almond milk

These options are great for those who practice a vegetarian lifestyle or those who are lactose intolerant.

Gluten-free bread option for vegetarian and vegan Philly cheese steak

You can buy a gluten free soft white bread at most well stocked grocery stores, or you can use my easy vegan gluten-free ciabatta bread recipe to make delicious fluffy white bread that’s perfect for Philly cheese steak sandwiches.

What to serve with vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak

Vegan Cheesesteak is delicious comfort foods at its best. It’s the real deal, popular choice for game days sandwich loaded with fantastic meat substitute that’s so good no one will miss real meat. The cheesesteak filling and melty vegan cheese is all you need for a great day. And it’s one of the easiest vegan recipes that tastes like a super authentic philly cheesesteak recipe. You can serve these delicious vegan cheesesteak cheese melt sandwiches with a side of french fries for a great meal everyone will love.  

Or get fancy and serve with one of these easy vegan recipes:

• Sesame roasted potatoes
• Vegan chicken nuggets with vegan queso dip
• Easy sweet potato fries
• Authentic Greek Salad
• Easy summer couscous

Frequently asked questions about Vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Recipe

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Vegetarian cheesesteak Recipe:

FAQs – storage and reheating vegetarian and vegan Philly cheese steak

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