Bushra Griffith
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak, onions, peppers, and cheese in a roll. While there is some debate about whether mayo belongs on a Philly cheesesteak, many people enjoy adding it to their sandwiches. Some popular variations include garlic mayo, chipotle mayo, and sweet garlic mayo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mayo | Chipotle, garlic, sweet garlic, or regular |
| Opinions on mayo on Philly cheesesteak | Varied |
| Type of cheese | Provolone, American, mozzarella, jack, or Cheez Whiz |
| Other toppings | Onions, peppers, mushrooms, ketchup |
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What You'll Learn
Mayo on Philly cheesesteaks: Yes or no?
Whether or not to put mayonnaise on a Philly cheesesteak is a contentious issue. Some people argue that, in Philadelphia, there's no such thing as sauce on an authentic Philly cheesesteak. However, others claim that a thin layer of mayo is usually put on the roll, and that this makes the sandwich.
Those in favour of mayo on a Philly cheesesteak say that it makes the sandwich gooey, helping the cheese to spread throughout the steak. Some people add garlic to their mayo, while others opt for chipotle mayo, which adds a sweet and smoky kick.
However, others are firmly against the idea of mayo on a Philly cheesesteak. One person on Reddit commented, "No one puts mayo on a f*ing steak". Another suggested that, if you add mayo, you should be prepared for extra salt and fat, arguing that if you're worried about that, "you shouldn't be eating the damn cheesesteak to begin with".
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to put mayo on a Philly cheesesteak comes down to personal preference. While it might not be traditional, many people enjoy the extra flavour and texture that mayo brings to the sandwich. So, if you're feeling adventurous, why not give it a try?
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Different types of mayo used on Philly cheesesteaks
While some people consider it a violation, many others put mayonnaise on their Philly cheesesteaks. Mayo is said to make the sandwich "gooey", allowing the cheese to spread throughout the steak.
There are several variations of mayo used on Philly cheesesteaks. Here are some of them:
Chipotle Mayo
This type of mayo adds a sweet and smoky flavour to the sandwich. It is made by combining mayonnaise with minced peppers.
Cherry Pepper Mayo
Cherry pepper mayo is another variation that is said to be "to die for". It is made by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl and stirring them together. This type of mayo will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.
Garlic Mayo
Garlic mayo is both easy to make and flavorful. It is made by combining mayonnaise with minced garlic and can be refrigerated. Some people also add extra garlic to the mayo for an enhanced flavour.
Plain Mayo
Some people prefer to use plain mayo on their Philly cheesesteaks. This can be spread on the roll, which is then placed face down on the grill to avoid becoming mushy.
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Recipes for a Philly cheesesteak with mayo
While some people argue that mayo is not an authentic topping for Philly cheesesteaks, others enjoy adding it to their sandwiches. If you're curious to try a Philly cheesesteak with mayo, here are some recipes you can try.
Philly Cheesesteak with Chipotle Mayo
This recipe adds a kick to the classic Philly cheesesteak by topping it with a sweet and smoky chipotle mayo. To make the chipotle mayo, simply combine mayonnaise and minced peppers in a small bowl and stir well. For the cheesesteak, you'll need juicy sliced sirloin, peppers, and onions piled into toasted hoagie rolls and smothered with cheddar or extra sharp cheese.
Philly Cheesesteak with Garlic Mayo
For a flavorful twist, try this Philly cheesesteak with garlic mayo. To make the garlic mayo, combine mayonnaise and minced garlic in a small bowl, then cover and refrigerate. The sandwich includes beef, shredded cheese, oregano, and toppings like mozzarella, peppers, and onions. Spread the garlic mayonnaise generously on the buns before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Philly Cheesesteak with Mayo and Provolone
This recipe combines provolone cheese with mayo, resulting in a gooey, spreadable consistency throughout the steak. You can also add ketchup and pepper to this combination for an extra kick. To make this sandwich, cook your desired steak and spread a light layer of mayo on the roll. Place the roll face down on the grill to avoid sogginess, then add the steak and provolone cheese.
Philly Cheesesteak with Mayo and Sharp Cheeses
For this variation, you can use sharp provolone or extra sharp cheddar cheese with a light spread of mayo. This combination is said to bring out the flavor of the cheesesteak without making it overly greasy. You can also add a small amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
Remember, while these recipes include mayo, you can always omit it or adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Experimentation is key when it comes to finding your perfect Philly cheesesteak recipe!
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The history of the Philly cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is a symbol of Philadelphia, recognised and eaten worldwide. The sandwich is made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It was developed in the early 20th century, but the exact story behind its creation is debated.
The sandwich is often credited to Pat and Harry Olivieri, two brothers who ran a hot dog stand near South Philadelphia's Italian Market in the early 1930s. According to one story, Pat wanted something different for lunch one day, so he asked his brother to go to the butcher and pick up some scraps of beef instead of the usual sausages. Pat grilled the beef with some onions and served it in a hot dog bun. A passing cab driver was intrigued and asked for the same thing. After eating the sandwich, the driver exclaimed: "Hey, that's a good sandwich!"
The original sandwich didn't actually have cheese. It took another decade for dairy to make its way onto the sandwich. 'Cocky Joe' Lorenza, the manager of Pat's restaurant, added slices of provolone, creating what is now recognisable as the cheesesteak. In the late 1950s, Pat's nephew Frank Olivieri added Cheez Whiz, which had been first marketed in 1952.
In the mid-1960s, the sandwich had really come into its own, with another restaurant, Geno's, opening directly across the street from Pat's, and numerous other establishments launching. By the 1970s, rivalries over the "best cheesesteak" had taken hold, with magazines getting involved and awarding their own "best cheesesteak" prizes.
Over time, the cheesesteak has evolved to incorporate new ingredients and flavours. Chicken cheesesteaks have become a staple item at many restaurants, and pizza cheesesteaks combine the classic flavours of grilled sirloin steak and provolone with marinara sauce. Other popular toppings include grilled mushrooms, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and lettuce and tomato.
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Other condiments used on Philly cheesesteaks
While some people enjoy mayo on their Philly cheesesteaks, others prefer to stick to the traditional combination of meat, cheese, and onions. However, there are several other condiments that can be used to enhance the flavour of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Here are some options:
Cheese sauce
A popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks is to use a cheese sauce made with a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and American cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar adds a tangy flavour, while the sodium citrate in American cheese keeps the sauce smooth. You can also substitute the cheese sauce for provolone cheese slices, which melt into the steak.
Pizza sauce
A spoonful of pizza sauce can add a tangy twist to your Philly cheesesteak. This can be combined with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy bite.
Hot sauce
For those who like it spicy, a drizzle of hot sauce can be a great addition. Sriracha is a popular choice, but you can also try hot cherry peppers or pickled jalapeños for a hotter kick.
Ketchup
While some may argue that adding ketchup to a cheesesteak is "not a Philly thing", it is a common condiment that people add to their sandwiches.
Chipotle mayo
For those who enjoy the creaminess of mayo with an extra kick, chipotle mayo can be a great choice. This sweet and smoky condiment can take your Philly cheesesteak to the next level.
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Frequently asked questions
While some people like to add mayo to their Philly cheesesteak, it is not considered traditional.
You can add regular mayo, chipotle mayo, or garlic mayo.
Combine mayonnaise and minced peppers in a small bowl and stir well.
Combine mayonnaise and minced garlic in a small bowl, then cover and refrigerate.
Some people add ketchup to their Philly cheesesteak.
