Vegan Philly Cheesesteak (Mushroom)

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

I absolutely love how the oyster mushrooms in this recipe take on a meaty texture, thanks to the marinating and pan-frying process. They are the perfect vegan alternative to the traditional beef used in Philly cheesesteaks.

Ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar in the marinade infuse the mushrooms with a rich, savory flavor and help them develop a delicious, crispy exterior when fried.

Plus, the cooking method is so simple, making it an easy recipe to master. Sautéing the mushrooms after marinating them locks in all the flavors and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture that is essential for a good Philly cheesesteak. It’s a straightforward process that yields delicious results.

🧾 Key ingredients

This vegan Philly cheesesteak is a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic sandwich. The best part is that you can easily find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store.

Oyster mushrooms are the star of this dish and for a good reason. When sliced and cooked, they have a meaty texture that is similar to traditional beef steak. Make sure to use pearl oyster mushrooms for this recipe and not king oysters,

Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar infuse the mushrooms with a savory, umami flavor. They help to mimic the richness of traditional cheesesteak filling.

Vegan provolone cheese is the perfect finishing touch for this sandwich. It adds a creamy, gooey element that pairs perfectly with the hearty mushrooms and onions.

Onions are a must for any Philly cheesesteak, vegan or not. They add a sweet and savory flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

To make the best vegan Philly cheesesteak, the most crucial piece of equipment you will need is a good quality non-stick frying pan or skillet. This will be used to sauté both the onions and the marinated oyster mushrooms.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Begin by preparing the oyster mushrooms. Trim off the end of the stem and then tear both the caps and stem into shreds using your hands.

STEP 2
Next, prepare the marinade for the mushrooms. In a bowl, combine olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or tamari, balsamic vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix this marinade with the oyster mushrooms and set it aside for five to ten minutes.

Making the vegan Philly cheesesteak

STEP 1
Heat a non-stick frying pan or skillet to medium heat and olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for five to eight minutes, or until it becomes golden brown, soft, and tender. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a separate plate.

STEP 2
Using the same skillet, heat it to high heat. Add the marinated oyster mushrooms in one layer. It is essential to work in batches if you plan to make more servings. Stir the mushrooms with a spatula and fry them until they are crispy. This should take about ten to fifteen minutes. If the mushrooms feel too dry, add a dash of olive oil.

STEP 3
Once the oyster mushrooms are crispy, it is time to assemble. Divide the mushrooms and the sautéed onions by the number of servings. Add one serving to each side of the skillet.

STEP 4
Place two to four slices of vegan cheese on top of the mushrooms and onions. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt.

STEP 5
While the cheese is melting, prepare the bread. Cut the bread loaf in half and toast it if desired.

STEP 6
Once the cheese has melted, use a slotted turner to transfer the mushrooms, onions, and melted cheese onto the bread. Your vegan Philly cheesesteak sandwich is now ready to enjoy!

💡 Expert tip

The key to achieving the perfect, meaty texture is to fry the marinated oyster mushrooms on high heat. This process will ensure mushrooms become crispy, resembling the traditional beefsteak used in a classic Philly cheesesteak. Low or medium heat will release their liquid, and they will end up soft instead of crispy.

🔄 Variations

Add a spicy twist with jalapenos or pepperoncini. These hot peppers will bring a fiery kick to your vegan Philly cheesesteak.

Incorporate a variety of textures with crispy fried onions or vegan bacon bits. This will give your sandwich a satisfying crunch and a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the tender oyster mushrooms and onions.

Turn it into a vegan cheesesteak BLT by adding tomato and lettuce. This will bring a fresh, crisp element to your sandwich and make it even more reminiscent of a classic BLT.

If you like your food with extra sauce, consider adding a drizzle of vegan nacho cheese sauce or any other vegan cheese sauce you like.

🥣 Serving ideas

These vegan Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal on their own. They are a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

I love serving them with some crispy French fries or onion rings on the side. The combination of the savory sandwich and the crunchy, salty fries is always a hit.

If you prefer a lighter option, you can serve them with a side of chips or nachos. They are perfect for dipping into some salsa or guacamole.

For a fresh and healthy option, consider serving them with a vegan coleslaw salad or a classic garden salad. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing are a great contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the sandwich.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing and reheating this vegan Philly cheesesteak is easy.

You can store pan-fried oyster mushrooms in an airtight container in a fridge for 3-4 days without any problem. Mushrooms may lose their crispiness as time goes by or dry out. I recommend eating them sooner rather than later.

I do not recommend freezing this dish. The texture of the mushrooms and seitan can become spongy and less appetizing after thawing, so it is best to enjoy this dish fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a few days.

To reheat, you can reheat the components of the dish separately in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Then, you can assemble the sandwiches and toast them in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese and toast the bread.

🤔 FAQs

More oyster mushroom recipes

You can choose from more than 30 oyster mushroom recipes from all over the world so you can pick the perfect one to try first or check out one of the these below

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