I still remember the first time I took a bite of a traditional Philly cheesesteak. It was during a trip to Philadelphia, and I was excited to experience a food that’s famed for its incredible flavor and unique vibe.
But as my culinary journey led me to plant-based diets, I wondered if I could recreate that iconic sandwich without the meat and dairy. After many attempts, I finally landed on the perfect recipe for a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak. Spoiler alert: it’s absolutely delicious, and it will surely win over your taste buds.
So what exactly is a vegan Philly cheesesteak? In its simplest form, it's a plant-based version of the beloved sandwich that usually features thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and cheese nestled in a soft hoagie roll.
My vegan twist replaces the beef with flavorful, marinated tofu and pairs it with sautéed veggies and a creamy cheese sauce made from plant-based ingredients. It's satisfying, savory, and utterly enjoyable.
When friends first hear about a vegan version of Philly cheesesteak, they often raise an eyebrow. But those first skeptical bites quickly turn into smiles of delight. I promise you’ll appreciate the bold flavors and textures.
The tofu offers a chewy counterpart to the vegetables, while the cheese sauce brings richness to the mix. Plus, this recipe is totally customizable. You can make it gluten-free by using suitable rolls, or spice it up with your favorite toppings. What’s not to love?
Here’s what you’ll need to create this taste sensation:
For the Tofu Steak:
For the Veggies:
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
For the Sandwiches:
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this vegan masterpiece to life.
First, drain the tofu and press it carefully to remove excess moisture. Slice it into thin, steak-like pieces. In a bowl, combine the flaky sea salt, dark soy sauce, dark brown sugar, Marmite, mustard powder, nutritional yeast, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and liquid smoke.
Add the tofu to this marinade and let it soak in the flavors for at least 30 minutes. You can even do this a day ahead for more flavor.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the marinated tofu slices. Cook them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. When done, remove the tofu and set it aside. Don’t clean the skillet just yet; the leftover flavors will add depth to the veggies.
In the same skillet, add a drizzle more oil if necessary. Throw in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sprinkle with the sugar, flaky sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Sauté them until they soften, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic just for the last minute to avoid burning it.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together the soy milk, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, onion salt, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, and water. Stir continuously to avoid lumps until it thickens up. Now, toss in the vegan cheese, butter, white vinegar, miso paste, and Dijon mustard. Mix until everything is well combined and gooey. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more plant milk.
Spread the softened vegan butter over the insides of each hoagie roll. Sprinkle the dried oregano on top for an extra kick of flavor. Now, layer the tofu and the sautéed veggies generously into each roll. Drizzle with the creamy cheese sauce, and don’t hold back—you want it gooey!
To add some extra texture and warmth, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking tray and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until the rolls are slightly crispy.
Here are a few tips to elevate your experience with this Vegan Philly Cheesesteak:
Now, for the part that many of us care about—nutrition! Each serving of a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak provides approximately:
This hearty meal is rich in protein, thanks to the tofu and chickpeas, and provides essential nutrients from the vegetables.
Absolutely! You can store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. Just like that memorable cheesesteak you had in Philly, it may even taste better the next day. You’ll simply need to reheat it in the oven or on a skillet. Just be cautious not to overheat, as you want to preserve the delicious flavors.
Looking for sides to complement your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak? Here are some tasty options:
If you want to switch it up a bit, here are some variations you might enjoy:
Creating a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak at home has been a journey well worth taking. Not only have I managed to recreate the iconic taste I once savored, but it also slots perfectly into a healthier lifestyle. The best part? It introduces meatless eating to those who might otherwise shy away from it.
Trust me, even hard-core meat lovers will be thrilled to indulge in this sandwich. So fire up your kitchen, gather those ingredients, and let’s enjoy a slice of plant-based goodness that celebrates all the great flavors and textures we love.
Whether you fancy a cozy night in or you're hosting a casual get-together, these vegan cheesesteaks are sure to impress. You’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Bon appétit!
I still remember the first time I took a bite of a traditional Philly cheesesteak. It was during a trip to Philadelphia, and I was excited to experience a food that’s famed for its incredible flavor and unique vibe. But as my culinary journey led me to plant-based diets, I wondered if I could recreate that iconic sandwich without the meat and dairy. After many attempts, I finally landed on the perfect recipe for a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak. Spoiler alert: it’s absolutely delicious, and it will surely win over your taste buds.
First, drain the tofu and press it carefully to remove excess moisture. Slice it into thin, steak-like pieces. In a bowl, combine the flaky sea salt, dark soy sauce, dark brown sugar, Marmite, mustard powder, nutritional yeast, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and liquid smoke.
Add the tofu to this marinade and let it soak in the flavors for at least 30 minutes. You can even do this a day ahead for more flavor.
Servings 2
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Irene Adkins, a registered dietitian and creator of Delicious Meal Ideas. Growing up in Syracuse, NY, I developed a passion for simple, flavorful cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. Through my blog, I share easy, healthy recipes that bring joy to everyday meals, making home cooking fun and accessible for everyone.