Vegan Philly Melts

Do you guys ever watch the Buzz Feed “worth it” videos? I am totally into the food-related ones.

After watching the Philly Cheesesteak Episode last week, I knew I needed to make one. The episode showcased versions that were so robust, looked so flavourful, and had my mouth watering.

The only thing is: I’m not really big on meat – and allergic to dairy. There was no doubt in my mind, I needed to make one. All I would need is a couple of adjustments.

I don’t eat a lot of meat, I don’t eat dairy at all, and I try to avoid gluten. But I never compromise on is flavour, and trust me – this Vegan Philly Melt does not disappoint! That being said, this recipe doesn’t make the best “last minute dinner” idea, as it takes some prep work.

Think of it as more of a “plan-ahead for family night”, or “Saturday night dining al fresco” sort of meal.

This recipe is vegan and can easily be made gluten free (as I made mine)! Makes 4 melts.

Ingredients

Tofu Steak

• 1 container medium tofu, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (gluten free if preferred)
• 2 TBSP maple syrup
• 1 TSP liquid smoke
• 1 TSP vegan worcestershire sauce
• 1 TSP garlic powder
• 1/2 TSP onion powder
• 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar

Everything else

• 4 buns (gluten free if preferred)
• dairy-free cheese (I used Daiya shreds)
• Chipotle sauce (optional but highly reccomended)
• 1/4 purple onion, sliced
• 1/2 green pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

At least 3 hours before you plan to make these Philly Melts, prep the tofu steak. Mix together all of the ingredients except the tofu. Then, marinade the tofu for a couple of hours or overnight in a sealed container. This step is really important – tofu is excellent at absorbing flavours but needs the time necessary to do so!

When your ready to cook them up, preheat the oven to 375. Remove marinated tofu slices from the container and put on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove baking sheet from the oven. Add sliced pepper and onion to the baking sheet and drizzle olive oil over. Bake for another 25 minutes.

Assembly is simple: toast your buns if desired. Slather with chipotle sauce (again, not necessary but highly recommended for saucy-goodness). Add cheese to the top bun, and stack tofu on the bottom bun. Add peppers and onions in between.

That’s it – you’re good to go baby.

Of course, you can make your own tweaks on this recipe as desired. I personally love daiya cheese, but I know other people prefer different vegan brands. I think any mozzarella-style would work the best, but why don’t you test that out and let me know?

And yeah I mean, I know the traditional Philly Cheesesteaks aren’t usually served on a hamburger style bun. But I’m so attached to these! They are the Udi’s Gluten Free Hamburger Buns and I really enjoy them. If you don’t need a gluten free bun then you absolutely have a greater range of options to explore!

I’ve also given some thought to what else you could add if you were feeling adventurous… mushrooms, jalapenos, even some naturally fermented kraut … try this recipe out but don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Enjoy!