Does TOFU make the BEST Philly Cheesesteak

Ingredients

• 1 block Extra-Firm Tofu (about 14 oz, drained and sliced lengthwise)
• 1 tablespoon Vegemite (yeast extract for umami flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Liquid Aminos (adds savory, steaky flavor)
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (for baking sheet and sautéing vegetables)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky depth)
• 4 pieces Hoagie Buns (vegan‑friendly, split lengthwise)
• 2 tablespoons Vegan Mayo (for spreading on buns)
• 1 piece Onion (medium, thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Bell Peppers (mixed colors, sliced)
• 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup Ciao Vegan Cheese (shredded, base for cheese sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
• 1 teaspoon Sodium Citrate (stabilizer for smooth cheese sauce)
• 0.25 cup Water (for cheese sauce)
• 0.25 cup Water (for steaming)

Instructions

1. Slice and Drain Tofu

   Remove the tofu from its package, drain excess water, and slice the block in half lengthwise. Set aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Boil Tofu with Vegemite

   Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt and 1 Tbsp vegemite, bring to a rolling boil, then add the tofu halves. Boil for 20 minutes, allowing the vegemite to infuse flavor and draw out moisture.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: high heat

3. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. If you have a convection setting, use it for a quicker, more even dry‑out.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

4. Slice Tofu Thinly and Season

   Remove the boiled tofu, let it cool for a minute, then slice into very thin strips (about 1/8‑inch thick). Lay the strips overlapping on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with liquid aminos, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

   Time: PT10M

5. Bake Tofu Strips

   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the strips are dry, slightly crisp, and have a steak‑like texture.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 350°F

6. Sauté Vegetables

   While the tofu bakes, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Season lightly with salt and pepper and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 7 minutes.

   Time: PT7M

7. Make Vegan Cheese Sauce

   In a small saucepan or the same skillet, combine shredded Ciao cheese, 0.25 cup water, 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, and 1 tsp sodium citrate. Heat over low‑medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

8. Combine Tofu and Veggies

   Remove the baked tofu strips from the oven, break them into bite‑size pieces, and add them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add 0.25 cup water, cover with a lid, and let steam for 4‑5 minutes so flavors meld and any remaining moisture evaporates.

   Time: PT5M

9. Assemble the Sandwich

   Split each hoagie bun, spread a thin layer of vegan mayo on both halves. Spoon the tofu‑vegetable mixture onto the bottom half, drizzle generously with the cheese sauce, then top with the bun lid.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

500

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

5 g