Steak And Cheese Subs: Cooking Time Perfection

Steak and cheese subs are a hearty and delicious meal that can be made in a variety of ways. The cooking time will depend on the specific recipe you are following, but generally, it should take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook the ingredients. Some recipes may take a bit longer if there are additional steps involved, such as freezing the steak beforehand to make it easier to slice thinly.

To make a steak and cheese sub, you will typically need ingredients such as steak, cheese, onions, peppers, and sub rolls. The type of steak and cheese can vary depending on your preference and the recipe you are following. Some common options for steak include ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak, while popular cheese choices include provolone, American, cheddar, or Cheez Whiz.

The process of making a steak and cheese sub usually involves slicing the steak thinly, sautéing the onions and peppers, cooking the steak, and then assembling the sandwich with the toasted sub roll and melted cheese. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients or steps, such as adding seasonings or sauces to the steak or using a slow cooker to keep the sandwiches warm for a party.

How to choose the right cut of steak

When it comes to choosing the right cut of steak for your sub, there are several options to consider. Here are some popular choices and their characteristics:

• Ribeye: This is a well-marbled and tender cut of beef that is a popular choice for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. It has a bold flavour and is worth the slightly higher price.
• Flank Steak: This is a leaner and thinner cut that is perfect for marinating. It works well in steak salads, tacos, fajitas, and other dishes where you want a more delicate texture.
• Filet Mignon (Tenderloin): This is a very tender and low-fat cut of beef. It is perfect for pan-searing with butter, garlic, and herbs. However, it tends to be more expensive, making it ideal for special occasions.
• Top Sirloin: Top sirloin steaks are typically affordable and great for grilling at BBQs or large gatherings. They have a muscular texture and a great flavour.
• New York Strip Steak: This cut is tender and lean, and can be cooked on the stove or grill. It has less marbling than a ribeye, making it more affordable for everyday meals.
• T-Bone: T-bone steaks offer two cuts in one – a tenderloin and a strip steak, separated by a T-shaped bone. These thick cuts are perfect for grilling and provide two distinct flavours in one meal.

When selecting a cut of steak, consider factors such as flavour, texture, and how you plan to cook it. For Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak are excellent choices. For a more affordable option, top sirloin is a great alternative. If you're looking for a special occasion steak, consider the tender and flavourful filet mignon.

Now, let's move on to the cooking instructions for your steak and cheese subs.

Cooking Steak and Cheese Subs

The cooking time for your steak and cheese subs will depend on several factors, including the type of steak you choose and your desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:

• If you're using a thin cut of steak, such as flank steak or skirt steak, your cooking time will be shorter. Aim for about 2-3 minutes on each side for a rare steak, and adjust the time according to your desired doneness.
• For thicker cuts like ribeye or New York strip, you'll need to cook them a bit longer. Go for about 3-5 minutes on each side for rare, and adjust the timing accordingly.
• Remember that the steak will continue to cook even after removing it from the heat, so it's best to remove it when it's slightly undercooked to achieve your desired doneness.
• To assemble your sub, melt some cheese on top of the cooked steak, add any desired toppings or sauces, and place it in a toasted bun.
• For an extra cheesy treat, wrap your assembled sub in aluminium foil and place it in the oven for about 15 minutes to melt the cheese completely and toast the bun.

How to prepare the steak for cooking

The best cut of beef for cheesesteak sandwiches is up for debate. Some recipes call for ribeye, but this can be expensive. Instead, you can use sirloin, specifically petite sirloin, or even round steak, flank steak or skirt steak. If you're using a cut of steak that isn't already thinly sliced, you can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can do it yourself by placing the steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Take the steak out of the freezer and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to trim the edges of excess fat, then slice the steak as thinly as possible, cutting against the grain.

If you want to make things even easier, you can buy pre-shaved steak from most major grocery stores.

Once you have your thinly sliced steak, chop it into very small, quarter-inch pieces. You can then season the steak with a blend of herbs and spices. One option is to mix salt, pepper, paprika, chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram and basil together in a small bowl, and sprinkle this over the steak.

Now your steak is ready to cook!

How to cook the steak

The best cut of beef for cheesesteak sandwiches is up for debate. Some people prefer ribeye, but it can be expensive. Sirloin is a more affordable option and is still tender enough. If you're feeling fancy, you can go for skirt steak, which one source claims is "actually ambrosial".

If you want to make slicing the steak easier, you can put it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes beforehand. You'll want to slice the steak as thinly as possible, cutting against the grain. If you're using a cut like cube or round steak, you can try "chipping" at the steak with a sharp knife.

When it comes to cooking the steak, you'll want to use a large, deep pan. Heat some vegetable oil, butter, or a combination of the two over medium-high heat. Add the steak and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and/or a blend of herbs and spices. Cook and stir the steak until it's browned, which should only take a few minutes. You can also add in some sliced onions and peppers at this stage if you want to cook them together.

Assembling the Sandwich

To assemble your steak and cheese sub, you'll need some kind of roll or baguette. Hoagie rolls, Italian bread, and French bread rolls are all popular choices. You can toast or broil the rolls beforehand if you want them to be crispy.

Once your steak and bread are ready, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Place the steak on the roll, optionally adding in any cooked veggies. Top with cheese—provolone, white American cheese, cheddar, or Cheez Whiz are all popular options—and enjoy!

How to prepare the bread

Preparing the bread for your steak and cheese subs is an important step in creating a high-quality sandwich. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Bread

Select a soft Italian roll, baguette, or hoagie for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience. The bread should be long and thin, with a crusty exterior but not too hard or fluffy. If you can't find these specific types of bread, a French roll or any similar long, soft roll can work.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

Before adding your steak and cheese filling, it's essential to toast the bread to add a bit of crunch and prevent it from becoming soggy. Here's how:

• Split the rolls without separating them completely.
• Lightly butter the insides of the rolls.
• Place the rolls, buttered side up, on a baking sheet.
• Put the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes or until the rolls are lightly golden and toasted.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Once your bread is toasted and your steak and cheese filling is ready, it's time to assemble the sandwich:

• Divide the steak and cheese mixture evenly among the toasted hoagie rolls.
• If desired, add any additional toppings, such as sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of melted cheese, juicy steak, and crispy bread!

Preparing the bread for your steak and cheese subs is crucial to the overall taste and texture of the sandwich. By choosing the right type of bread, toasting it to perfection, and assembling the sandwich with care, you'll create a delicious and authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience.

How to assemble the sub

To assemble the perfect steak and cheese sub, you'll need to start with a good roll. Hoagie rolls, French bread, baguettes, and Italian bread are all popular choices. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own bread from scratch.

Next, it's time to cook the fillings. This usually includes steak, of course, but you can also add onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Some recipes call for the steak to be thinly sliced and then chopped into small pieces before cooking, while others suggest freezing the steak beforehand to make it easier to slice thinly. Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices to taste. Cook the steak in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is browned, then set it aside. In the same skillet, cook your choice of vegetables until they are softened.

Now it's time to combine the fillings. Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables and add cheese on top. Provolone, white American cheese, cheddar, and Cheez Whiz are all popular choices. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt, then use tongs to mix everything together.

Finally, it's time to assemble the sub. Spread some butter or garlic butter on the cut side of the roll and toast it in a pan or oven until it is golden. Open up the roll and scoop the steak and cheese mixture inside. Pour some of the juices from the skillet on top, if desired.

Your steak and cheese sub is now ready to serve! Enjoy the delicious combination of melted cheese, juicy steak, and toasted bread.

Frequently asked questions