Serves 4 · Prep 10 min · Cook 25 min · 625 calories per serving
Thinly sliced, savory seitan is sautéed with onions and bell peppers, then piled high on a toasted hoagie roll and smothered in creamy vegan cheese sauce. This hearty sandwich is a plant-based take on the iconic classic that's sure to satisfy.
Why it's healthy
This seitan-based cheesesteak offers a healthy, plant-powered profile. Seitan provides a substantial amount of protein, crucial for muscle repair and satiety, while being very low in fat and entirely free of cholesterol. This makes it a heart-healthy alternative to the traditional beef filling. The inclusion of bell peppers and onions adds dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, and provides essential nutrients like Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Using olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats. This vegan version delivers the satisfying experience of a classic comfort food with a significantly improved nutritional panel, particularly regarding saturated fat and cholesterol.
Ingredients
For the Seitan & Veggies:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb seitan, very thinly sliced
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
1 tbsp vegan butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
4 hoagie rolls, split open
Instructions
1. First, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk until no lumps remain. Continue to whisk as the sauce heats up and begins to thicken.
3. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and turmeric. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare the seitan and vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced seitan to the other side in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and slightly crispy.
6. Combine the seitan and vegetables in the skillet. Add the soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
7. While the seitan mixture cooks, toast the hoagie rolls. You can do this in an oven, toaster oven, or on a dry part of your griddle.
8. To assemble, pile the seitan and vegetable mixture generously onto the toasted rolls. Drizzle, or pour, a liberal amount of the warm vegan cheese sauce over the top.