Michael Davis
The Philly Cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced beef steak, sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions, topped with melted cheese and served in a long sandwich hoagie. However, there are vegetarian and vegan variations of the sandwich that substitute the beef with mushrooms as the main ingredient. These meatless alternatives have become popular among those who want to enjoy the flavours of a Philly Cheesesteak without the beef.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Sandwich |
| Variations | Vegetarian, Non-vegetarian |
| Main Ingredients | Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, Cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Olive oil, Butter, Salt, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic, Thyme, Bread, Hoagie Sauce, Cream of Mushroom Soup |
| Nutritional Information | 414 kcal, 49g Carbohydrates, 18g Protein, 17g Fat, 5g Saturated Fat, 19mg Cholesterol, 1090mg Sodium, 633mg Potassium, 4g Fiber, 11g Sugar, 1290IU Vitamin A, 69.9mg Vitamin C, 250mg Calcium, 12.1mg Iron |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cuisine | American, East Coast |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak
Philly Cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The classic recipe includes thinly sliced beefsteak, sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions, topped with melted cheese. It is served in a long sandwich hoagie or roll with baked french fries, chips, and pickles.
Vegetarian/Vegan Alternatives
A vegetarian or vegan Philly Cheesesteak can be made by substituting the beefsteak with meat alternatives like mushrooms, tofu, jackfruit, or plant-based crumbles. Here is a detailed recipe for a vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak:
Ingredients
- Mushrooms
- Peppers
- Onions
- Vegan/Vegetarian Cheese or Cheese Sauce
- Sub rolls or Hoagie rolls
- Butter
- Garlic Salt
- Olive Oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Sauté the sliced mushrooms, peppers, and onions in olive oil until tender. Mushrooms are a great meat substitute as they are chewy and packed with umami flavor.
- In a separate pan, toast the sub rolls or hoagie rolls with melted butter and garlic salt.
- Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions further until they are caramelized and golden brown.
- Scoop the mushroom, pepper, and onion mixture onto the toasted rolls.
- Top with caramelized onions and melted vegan/vegetarian cheese or cheese sauce.
- Serve with baked french fries, chips, pickles, or onion rings on the side.
Variations and Tips
- For a vegan option, use vegan cheese or make your own cheese sauce with soaked cashews, carrots, nutritional yeast, garlic, and spices.
- Add fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, or haystack fries to the sandwich for a spicy kick.
- Use tofu or jackfruit instead of mushrooms for a change in taste and texture.
- If using tofu, squeeze out excess moisture and marinate it with soy sauce, brown sugar, marmite, nutritional yeast, garlic, mustard powder, vegetable oil, and vegan Worcestershire sauce before cooking.
- For a healthier option, bulk up the sandwich with more vegetables like multicolored bell peppers.
- This sandwich can also be served as sliders or appetizers for parties.
Enjoy your vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak, packed with flavor and texture!
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Mushrooms as a meat substitute
Mushrooms are a popular meat substitute, offering a range of benefits from improved sustainability to enhanced flavour. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to stir-fries, and are known for their ability to absorb flavours and take on a meaty texture.
One example of a dish that uses mushrooms as a meat substitute is the Philly Cheesesteak. Traditionally, this sandwich features thinly sliced beef steak with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions, topped with melted cheese and served in a hoagie roll. However, vegetarian and vegan versions of this classic sandwich have emerged, substituting the beef with mushrooms to create a meat-free option. These vegetarian and vegan Philly Cheesesteaks showcase how mushrooms can successfully replace meat in a dish without compromising on taste or texture.
The key to using mushrooms as a meat substitute lies in their preparation and seasoning. When cooked properly, mushrooms can develop a chewy or crispy texture, making them a satisfying stand-in for meat. Slicing, shredding, or dicing mushrooms can also mimic the texture of meat in dishes. Additionally, mushrooms are like sponges when it comes to absorbing flavours. Marinating them in sauces or cooking them with herbs and spices can enhance their flavour and make them even more reminiscent of meat.
Different types of mushrooms offer unique qualities as meat substitutes. For instance, shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich umami flavour and smoky notes, making them ideal for adding depth to vegan recipes. Oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, have a more subtle, woodsy flavour and a robust texture, making them versatile for both light and hearty dishes. King oyster mushrooms are another variety that can be sliced and seared, providing a satisfying texture similar to meat.
By choosing mushrooms as a meat alternative, individuals can not only enjoy delicious, flavourful meals but also contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate diet. Mushrooms require less environmental degradation and animal exploitation than meat production, making them an ecologically and ethically conscious choice.
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Authentic Philly Cheesesteak ingredients
The Philly Cheesesteak is a hotly debated sandwich, with many strong opinions on what constitutes an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. The sandwich is said to have originated in Philadelphia in the early 20th century, with two shops in Philly, Pat's and Geno's, in heavy competition for the best sandwich.
The Meat
At its core, the Philly Cheesesteak is a simple sandwich with just three elements: beef, cheese, and bread. The beef is the star of the show, with thinly shaved steak, usually ribeye or top round, cooked on a griddle until browned. Some recipes call for the steak to be sautéed with the other ingredients, while others suggest frying the steak in its own fat and juices first.
The Cheese
The original Philly Cheesesteak did not include cheese, but it has since become a key component. The classic choice is provolone, which is melted and gooey, coating the steak to form a cohesive mixture. Other popular options include Cheese Whiz, American cheese, or a combination of these. Some creative recipes even include freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
The Bread
The bread can make or break the sandwich, and the classic choice is an Amoroso roll, a type of hoagie roll. However, these rolls can be hard to find outside of Philadelphia, so a regular hoagie roll or another type of crusty bread can be used instead.
The Veggies
Onions, peppers, and mushrooms are common additions to the Philly Cheesesteak. The onions are typically caramelized, adding a sweet and savoury element to the sandwich. Green bell peppers are often sautéed along with the onions and mushrooms, providing a slight crunch and a vibrant colour.
Variations
While the above ingredients form the basis of an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, there are many variations to consider. Some like to add mayonnaise to their sandwich instead of cheese, while others include pickles or pizza sauce. Ultimately, the beauty of the Philly Cheesesteak is its versatility, allowing for creative interpretations while still retaining the essential elements of steak, cheese, and bread.
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Sautéing mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a popular addition to the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. They can be used as a meat replacement for vegetarians or vegans, or simply as a complement to the thinly sliced beefsteak.
Next, heat a mixture of oil and butter in a pan over medium to high heat. Olive oil is a good option, as it adds a rich flavor. Add the mushrooms to the pan, leaving some space between them. Cook for 3-5 minutes, then turn and stir. Allow the mushrooms to cook for a couple of minutes more. It is important not to stir the mushrooms too often, as they need time to tenderize.
Once the mushrooms are lightly browned, you can add additional ingredients like wine, teriyaki sauce, sliced garlic, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes or so, until the mushrooms are tender. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can deglaze the pan by adding a few tablespoons of water, wine, stock, cream, or sherry, and stirring until the liquid evaporates.
Finally, season the mushrooms to taste with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. If serving as a side dish, toss in a little extra butter, olive oil, or truffle oil before serving. Sautéed mushrooms go well with steak, pasta, or baked potatoes. They can also be used as a topping for burgers or sandwiches, adding a savory, umami flavor to any dish.
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Vegan Philly Cheesesteak
Philly Cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced beef steak, mushrooms, peppers, and onions, topped with cheese and served in a hoagie roll. However, there are now several vegetarian and vegan variations of the sandwich. Here is a detailed guide on how to make a delicious vegan Philly Cheesesteak.
Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu
- Vegan stock cube
- Dark soy sauce
- Dark brown sugar
- Marmite or yeast extract
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic mustard powder or English mustard
- Vegetable oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- Vegan Worcestershire sauce
- Ground black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
- Vegan beef crumbles or mushrooms
- Onions
- Peppers (green, red, yellow, orange, or a mix)
- Vegan cheese (provolone or cheddar)
- Plant milk
- Vegan mayo, ketchup, or your favourite sauce
- Fresh tomatoes and jalapenos (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu steak by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, marmite, nutritional yeast, mustard, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Grill or fry the tofu until it is nicely browned.
- In a separate pan, saute the onions, peppers, and mushrooms in olive oil for about 10 minutes until the onions are caramelized.
- Add the vegan beef crumbles to the veggie mixture and cook until browned. If using tofu instead of beef crumbles, add it at this step.
- Stir in your favourite seasonings to add extra flavour.
- In a separate pan, melt the vegan cheese with a little plant milk to make a cheese sauce.
- Toast the hoagie rolls in the oven or on a stovetop until slightly crispy.
- Spread the toasted rolls with vegan mayo, ketchup, or your favourite sauce.
- Fill the rolls with the cheesesteak mixture, topping it with the melted cheese.
- Serve the sandwiches with roasted potatoes, fries, vegan coleslaw, or a side of your choice.
Tips and Variations
- For a spicier kick, add pickled jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
- If you prefer a more authentic cheese sauce, make a cheese whiz sauce by melting vegan cheddar with plant milk over low heat.
- For a heartier sandwich, bulk it up with more veggies, such as tomatoes and multicoloured bell peppers.
- For a crispy element, add haystack fries or crushed chips directly into the sandwich.
- For appetizers or parties, make smaller portions by using slider buns instead of hoagie rolls.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are a common ingredient in Philly cheesesteak. They can be sautéed, grilled, or thinly sliced and are often used as a vegetarian substitute for steak.
To make a vegetarian Philly cheesesteak with mushrooms, you'll need to sauté the mushrooms with onions and peppers. You can then top it with cheese and serve it on a toasted sub roll or hoagie roll.
In addition to mushrooms, you can include a variety of ingredients such as caramelized onions, garlic, green peppers, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and cheese. You can also get creative with toppings like jalapeños, peppers, or shredded cabbage.
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