Philly Steak Sandwich Recipe

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and seitan.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sandwich.

Green bell pepper: Provides a slightly bitter and fresh taste.

Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and vibrant flavor.

Mushrooms: Contributes a meaty texture and umami flavor.

Seitan: A plant-based protein that mimics the texture of meat.

Hoagie rolls: The bread base for the sandwich, providing a soft and chewy texture.

Vegan cheese sauce: A dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese, adding creaminess and flavor.

When cooking the onions, make sure to slice them thinly and cook them until they are translucent. This will ensure they are soft and sweet, adding a rich flavor to your Philly steak sandwich. Additionally, when adding the bell peppers and mushrooms, cook them until they are tender and have released their moisture. This will prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. Finally, toasting the hoagie rolls before filling them with the seitan mixture will add a nice crunch and help the rolls hold up better against the filling.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for sautéing.

• Large onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor, which can add a nuanced taste to the sandwich.

• Large green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers provide a mild heat and a rich flavor, adding a different dimension to the sandwich.

• Large red bell pepper - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers have a smoky, sweet flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.

• Sliced mushrooms - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and rich flavor, making them an excellent substitute for sliced mushrooms.

• Seitan - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a firm texture and a nutty flavor, providing a protein-rich alternative to seitan.

• Hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole grain rolls: Whole grain rolls offer more fiber and nutrients, making them a healthier option.

• Vegan cheese sauce - Substitute with cashew cheese: Cashew cheese is creamy and rich, providing a similar texture and flavor to vegan cheese sauce.

• Allow the seitan mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your hoagie rolls soggy.

• Transfer the cooled seitan mixture into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the mixture snugly to minimize air exposure.

• Store the seitan mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing.

• To freeze, place the seitan mixture in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. The seitan mixture can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the seitan mixture in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Reheat the seitan mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Store the hoagie rolls separately at room temperature in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

• If you need to store the hoagie rolls for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

• To thaw the hoagie rolls, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• The vegan cheese sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 5-7 days.

• For freezing the vegan cheese sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• Thaw the vegan cheese sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from separating.

• Assemble your Philly steak sandwiches just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Philly steak sandwich in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwich directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes until the bread is crispy and the filling is hot.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and place the sandwich in the skillet. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.

• Large skillet: Use this to cook the onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and seitan.
• Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet.
• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Chef's knife: Necessary for thinly slicing the vegetables and seitan.
• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the olive oil accurately.
• Toaster or oven: Toast the hoagie rolls to add a nice crunch.
• Serving spoon: Helps in filling the hoagie rolls with the seitan mixture.
• Small saucepan: Use this to heat the vegan cheese sauce if needed.

Prep ingredients ahead: Slice onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms the night before to save time.

Use pre-sliced seitan: Buy pre-sliced seitan to skip the slicing step.

Make cheese sauce in advance: Prepare the vegan cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

One-pan cooking: Use a large skillet to cook all ingredients together, reducing cleanup time.

Toast rolls in oven: Toast hoagie rolls in the oven while cooking the filling to multitask efficiently.