Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak

This vegetarian Philly cheesesteak delivers all the rich, savoury flavours of the original but without the meat. Featuring crispy tofu, caramelised onions, peppers, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying plant-based twist on a classic comfort food favourite.

A Meat-Free Twist on the Classic Philly Cheesesteak

Craving the classic flavours of a Philly cheesesteak without the meat? This vegetarian twist delivers all the savoury satisfaction you would expect without compromising on taste or texture.

Perfectly seasoned tofu takes the spotlight here, pan-fried until golden and crisp, then mixed with sautéed onions, peppers, and a generous helping of gooey, melted cheese. It’s satisfying, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes. The kind of recipe that is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a no-fuss weekend treat.

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich from Philadelphia. Traditionally, it features thinly sliced ribeye steak, cooked on a flat-top grill and combined with sautéed onions. It’s messy, gooey and utterly satisfying.

The key to this meat-free version is frozen tofu thawed and pressed to remove excess moisture, then cut into strips and pan-fried in a blend of herbs and spices.

Next come the vegetables. Classic Philly cheesesteaks are known for their sweet, slightly charred onions and peppers, and this vegetarian version is no different. Green peppers and onions are cooked until soft and fragrant to release a natural sweetness

Once the filling is ready, it’s time to build the sandwich. Soft sub rolls are split and filled with the tofu and veggie mixture. Shredded cheese is piled on top, choose one that melts well. I like cheddar but provolone or mozzarella work well too. Then, the whole sandwich is placed under the grill just until the cheese is bubbling and gooey.

The result? A sandwich that’s bold, flavourful, and deliciously comforting. Each bite offers the contrast of crisp tofu, tender veg, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm, soft roll. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without being heavy, and quick enough to make it into your regular dinner rotation.

Whether you’re looking to cut down on meat or just try something new, this vegetarian Philly cheesesteak is a fantastic option. It has all the best parts of the original (melty cheese, savoury filling, hearty bread) while introducing a fresh, plant-based twist that’s just as satisfying.

🌱 MAKE IT VEGAN : To make these vegetarian Philly cheesesteak vegan, simply use dairy-free spread and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve these vegetarian Philly cheesesteaks on their own or with a side of:

• Sweet Potato Fries or Regular Fries
• Coleslaw
• Courgette Fries
• Mixed Green Salad

Other Recipes To Try

• Mushroom Sandwich
• Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Vegan Shawarma Recipe
• Vegan BLT Sandwich with Tempeh Bacon
• Pizza Bagels

Watch How To Make This Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

How To Make This Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Ingredients:

To make these vegetarian Philly cheesesteaks you will need:

• extra-firm frozen tofu, thawed
• onion
• green pepper
• vegetable oil
• rolls (such as hoagies, sub rolls, or hot dog rolls)
• Buttery spread of choice
• cheddar cheese

SPICE BLEND

• paprika
• Italian herbs
• chilli powder
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• salt
• vegetable oil

Step 1: Prepare The Tofu

Place the spice blend ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Drain the thawed tofu to extract as much water as possible. Cut the tofu block into small strips. Toss the tofu strips and gently in the spice blend until coated all over. Set aside while you cook the onion and pepper.

Step 2: Fry The Onion and Pepper

Heat 2 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and pepper and fry until the onion is soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Fry The Tofu

Remove the onion and pepper from the pan. Add a little bit of oil to the pan if needed, and fry the tofu strips until golden. Mix in the onion and pepper. Season to taste with salt. Remove the pan from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Grill The Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak and Serve

Switch on the oven grill.

Cut the rolls in half lengthwise and butter the insides. Place the rolls on an oven tray.

Divide the tofu mixture between each roll. Top each roll with grated cheese. Grill for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and serve.

Storage Tips and Reheating

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate the cooked filling separately from the rolls for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• If assembled, consume within a day to prevent soggy bread.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Stovetop Method (Recommended): Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Toast the roll separately and assemble. Place under the grill to melt the cheese.
2. Microwave Method: Place the filling in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Toast the roll separately and assemble. Place under the grill to melt the cheese.
3. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Wrap the assembled sandwich in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Place under the grill to melt the cheese.

I hope you enjoy this vegetarian Philly cheesesteak recipe as much as I do. If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

Other Things You Might Like

• Tesco Vegan and Vegetarian Festive Food
• Courgette Bake
• Pasta with Creamy Red Pepper Cashew Sauce [vegan]
• Crispy Fried Tofu Bowls
• Tofu Curry