Vegan Philly Jackfruit Cheesesteak

Name: Vegan Philly Jackfruit Cheesesteak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cans young green jackfruit, in brine, drained and shredded; 4 hoagie rolls; 1 cup raw cashews, soaked; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup water

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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If you’re on a quest for a satisfying, plant-based alternative to the classic Philly cheesesteak, look no further. This Vegan Philly Jackfruit Cheesesteak is a game-changer, combining hearty jackfruit with a creamy cashew cheese sauce to create a sandwich that's both indulgent and nutritious.

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Ingredients for Vegan Philly Jackfruit Cheesesteak

The backbone of this recipe is jackfruit, a versatile fruit that, when shredded, perfectly imitates the texture of pulled meat. Olive oil is used to sauté the onion and bell peppers, which add sweetness and color. The aromatic base is enhanced with garlic and a mix of smoked paprika and ground cumin for a hint of smokiness and warmth. The cashew cheese sauce, made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and a splash of lemon juice, provides a creamy, cheesy finish without any dairy.

Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain and rinse the jackfruit well to remove any briny taste.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the jackfruit while cooking.
Soak the cashews overnight for a smoother cheese sauce, or for at least 30 minutes in hot water if you’re short on time.
Double the cheese sauce recipe if you like your sandwiches extra saucy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sandwich with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. A cold glass of iced tea or a light beer complements the rich, smoky flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh jackfruit instead of canned?: Yes, but it's more work to prepare. You’ll need to remove the seeds and core before shredding.
What's the best substitute for nutritional yeast?: You can try a bit of miso paste for umami flavor, but the cheesy taste might not be as pronounced.
How long will the cheese sauce last?: Store it in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container.

Vegan Philly Jackfruit Cheesesteak Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by warming your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Let them cook for about five minutes until they soften and release their sweet aroma. Add in the garlic, followed by the smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the veggies thoroughly.

Now it's time for the jackfruit. Add the shredded pieces to the skillet and cook for another ten minutes. You'll want the jackfruit to get slightly crispy around the edges, mimicking the texture of the traditional steak in a Philly cheesesteak.

While the jackfruit is cooking, prepare your cheese sauce. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Toast the hoagie rolls either in the oven or on a skillet for a crunchy exterior that holds up well to the filling. Once they’re ready, it’s time to assemble. Pile the jackfruit mixture onto the rolls and drizzle generously with your homemade cashew cheese sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich, smoky flavors that mimic traditional cheesesteaks.
Satisfying texture thanks to shredded jackfruit and sautéed veggies.
Completely plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Quick and straightforward preparation, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Customizable toppings to suit every taste.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cans young green jackfruit, in brine, drained and shredded

4 hoagie rolls

1 cup raw cashews, soaked

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onions and bell peppers, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt.

4. Add shredded jackfruit, cooking for another 10 minutes until slightly crispy.

5. In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and water; blend until smooth to make the cheese sauce.

6. Toast hoagie rolls in an oven or on a skillet.

7. Assemble sandwiches by placing the jackfruit mixture on the hoagie rolls and drizzling with cashew cheese sauce.

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