Vegan Cheesesteak-Inspired Sandwich (1 pan, 30 minutes, gf, sf, and nf options)

This vegan cheesesteak uses soy curls as the meat. Soy curls have more of a chicken-like texture, rather than steak, so I can’t really call it a Philly cheesesteak, but it hits such similar flavor notes and textures.

This sandwich is so easy to make! You pan fry seasoned, smoky soy curls and make my easy nacho cheese sauce. If you don’t want to use that sauce, you can also use my liquid mozzarella or Potato carrot cheese sauce instead.

Either way, you serve this sandwich up in buns or on hoagie rolls or however else you like. If you’re craving a vegan cheesesteak, I definitely recommend making this recipe.

What are soy curls?

Soy-curls are a meet alternative made with just 1 ingredient. Whole soybeans. Soy beans are boiled and dehydrated in a certain way to get that chicken like texture. Soycurls can be cooked in many ways. I love rehydrating them in a marinade or broth to make stir fried like myGeneral tso soy curls, use it to make vegan chickin curry by cooking them in the curry, add it to creamy pasta sauces like myflorentine, make spicy crispy soycurls snack and many more ways!

Why You’ll Love this Vegan Cheesesteak

• smoky, crispy soy curls cook up in just 1 pan
• satisfying, toothsome texture with creamy cheese sauce on toasted bread
• choose your favorite vegan cheese sauce – so versatile!
• easily made nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free with simple swaps

More Vegan Sandwiches

• Miso Chili Garlic Tofu Sandwich
• Vegan Club Sandwich
• Mediterranean Chickpea Sandwich
• Moong Egg Sandwich
• Falafel Spice Lentil Sandwich

Ingredients and Substitutions

• soy curls – You’ll soak these in vegan chicken or vegan beef broth and drain them. You can sub in seitan, mushrooms, or tofu instead. No need to soak any of these, if you do that.
• oil – To pan fry the soy curls.
• seasoning – We are seasoning the soy curls with all-purpose or poultry seasoning, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powders, salt, and black pepper.
• onion and bell pepper – For that classic vegan cheesesteak vibe.
• sauces – Vegan Worcestershire, ketchup and BBQ sauce or steak sauce add even more flavor to the soy curls.
• vegan cheese sauce – You can use store-bought or make one of my quick and easy vegan cheese sauces: nacho cheese sauce, liquid mozzarella, or Instant Pot cheese sauce.

💡 Tips

• When you drain the soy curls, don’t squeeze them out too much. You want to leave them moist for the best flavor.
• Save time by prepping the veggies, cheese sauce, and other ingredients while the soy curls soak.

How to Make this Vegan Cheesesteak

Soak the soy curls, if you haven’t already. Then, after 15 minutes, drain them and set aside. Don’t press them too much, you just want to remove some of the excess moisture. Reserve the soaking stock.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the soy curls and cook and roast them for 2 to 4 minutes, until they start to turn golden on some of the edges.

Then, add all of the spices, salt, and pepper and mix really well to coat the soy curls and cook for a minute

Add the onion and bell pepper and another teaspoon of oil and cook until the onions are translucent, then add all of the sauces and mix well.

Add in 2 to 4 tablespoons of chicken-flavor or beef-flavor broth to help the mixture come together. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, then switch off the heat.

Taste and adjust the flavor by adding more sauces and salt or heat etc., then prep your bread by toasting it up on a skillet with some butter or in a toaster.

Top the bread it with a good helping of the cheese sauce, then this soy curl mixture, then more cheese sauce. You can add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, if you like. Close the sandwich with the other half of the bread and serve immediately. 
Store the soycurls and cheese sauce separately in the fridge for upto 3 days. Reheat on skillet and make sandwiches

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this recipe allergy friendly?

This recipe is naturally nut-free, as long as you use a nut-free cheese sauce. It’s gluten-free if you choose gluten-free bread and gluten-free Worcestershire and tamari.

You can make this vegan cheesesteak soy-free by using seitan or mushrooms instead of the soy curls. Also make sure that your sauces are soy-free.

What can I use instead of soy curls?

You can make this sandwich with seitan, mushrooms, or tofu, as well. You don’t need to soak any of these. Just add to a skillet, crisp up a little bit with the spices and add the onion, pepper and continue with the recipe as written from there.