Vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe with Tempeh

Written by
MacKenzie Smith
Recipe developer, food stylist, author, and teacher with a passion for sandwiches. She's behind the popular blog Grilled Cheese Social.
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MacKenzie Smith
Updated 08/14/19
Vegetarian Philly Cheese "Steak" Sandwich Recipe
Grilled Cheese Social
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Serving: 1 serving

Trying to be healthy but craving a delicious healthy cheesesteak? Say no more! This health'd up version is made with a hollowed out french bread, pan-fried tempeh, sautéed peppers, onions, shallots, and mushrooms and slathered with reduced calorie cheese and umami-packed steak sauce. 

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil (separated)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp. shallots (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp. chopped mushrooms
  • 2 tbsp. Vidalia onion (roughly chopped)
  • 2 tbsp. assorted bell peppers (roughly chopped)
  • 6 1/4 inch slices of tempeh
  • 1 tsp. steak seasoning
  • 1 tbsp. reduced-fat shredded provolone
  • 1/2 tbsp. Steak Sauce
  • 1 5-inch french baguette (hallowed out)

Steps to Make It

  1. Begin by adding 1 tbsp. of olive oil into a shallow fry pan. Turn the heat to medium and once the oil heats up add the red pepper flakes and stir.

  2. Add in the shallots and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften then add the mushrooms, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and cook for a few minutes until browned. Remove from the pan, leaving the oil in the pan.

  3. Add the onion, another pinch of salt, and cook for a few minutes more. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook until the entire mix has softened up. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside - leaving the excess oil in the pan. 

  4. Still over medium heat, add another tbsp. of olive oil and stir, scraping up the bits of peppers, onions, and shallots. Add the tempeh and season with the steak seasoning.

  5. Pan fry for a few minutes on each side until the tempeh has crisped up and is golden. 

  6. Slice the french baguette in half and scrape out the interior bread if you're trying to be more healthy. Evenly distribute the reduced-fat provolone onto each side of the baguette and place in the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese begins to melt. Add the tempeh, the cooked onions, peppers, mushrooms and shallots and top with a smear of steak sauce. Serve immediately. 

Glass Bakeware Warning

Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states oven-safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.