Seitan 'Philly Cheesesteak' Sandwich
Indulge in a hearty and satisfying vegan 'Philly Cheesesteak' sandwich, featuring thinly sliced, marinated seitan pan-seared to perfection, piled high with caramelized onions and bell peppers, and finished with gooey melted vegan provolone on a toasted hoagie roll.
For 2 servings
Prepare the Seitan: Thinly slice the block of seitan into very thin (about 1/8-inch thick) strips or small pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and maple syrup to create the marinade. Add the sliced seitan to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the green and red bell peppers to the pan and continue to cook for another 5-8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove the cooked vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Seitan: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Once hot, add the marinated seitan in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Sear the seitan for 2-3 minutes per side, until deeply browned and slightly crispy. If cooking in batches, return all seitan to the pan once cooked.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the sautéed onions and peppers to the skillet with the cooked seitan. Stir everything together to combine. Divide the mixture into two equal portions within the pan. Place two slices of vegan provolone cheese over each portion of the seitan and vegetable mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Toast the Rolls: While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hoagie rolls. You can do this by placing them cut-side down in a dry pan, under a broiler, or in a toaster oven until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Assemble and Serve: Carefully transfer one portion of the cheesy seitan and vegetable mixture into each toasted hoagie roll. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious vegan 'Philly Cheesesteak'!
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Thin Slicing is Key: For the best 'steak-like' texture, slice the seitan as thinly as possible. A sharp knife or even a mandoline (with caution!) can help achieve this.
- 2Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the seitan, cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming. Overcrowding will prevent a good sear.
- 3Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or jalapeños for an extra kick, or use different colored bell peppers for visual appeal.
- 4Toasted Rolls Matter: Lightly toasting the hoagie rolls prevents them from getting soggy and adds a crucial textural element to the sandwich.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the finished sandwich for a spicy twist.
Mushroom BoostMushroom Boost
Incorporate thinly sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of umami and texture.
Different CheeseDifferent Cheese
Experiment with other vegan cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar slices for a different flavor profile, or a vegan cheese sauce for a 'whiz' style cheesesteak.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich
Seitan is an excellent source of plant-based protein, crucial for muscle repair and satiety, making this a very filling meal.
Fiber-Packed Vegetables
Bell peppers and onions contribute dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol-Free
Being entirely plant-based, this sandwich is naturally cholesterol-free, supporting cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can slice and marinate the seitan up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can even enhance the flavor.
