Bushra Griffith
Philly cheesesteaks are a popular sandwich originating from Philadelphia. They are typically made with thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese, served on a roll. The exact recipe is hotly contested, but most people agree that the beef should be sliced thinly and that the sandwich should include melted cheese. Some popular additions to the basic recipe include bell peppers, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Tender steak, preferably ribeye, sliced thinly |
| Cheese | Provolone, Cheez Whiz, Swiss, Mozzarella, American |
| Vegetables | Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms |
| Seasoning | Mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Montreal seasoning |
| Bread | Hoagie roll, preferably with garlic butter |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
When selecting the type of steak, it is recommended to choose a cut with some marbled fat, as this will add flavour and moisture to the sandwich. Ribeye is a popular choice due to its good marbling, but it is more expensive. Top round is another classic option for Philly cheesesteaks. It is important to avoid tougher cuts like flank steak or brisket, as they can be chewy in a sandwich.
If you are using a cheaper cut of steak, thin slicing is even more important to ensure tenderness. You can also trim off any large pieces of fat, but it is good to leave some fat for flavour and juiciness.
Some people also suggest using T-bone steak, sirloin, or simply choosing a steak that is labelled for cheesesteaks. Ultimately, the right cut of steak depends on your personal preference, budget, and the desired level of convenience.
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Slicing the steak thinly
When selecting a steak for your Philly cheesesteak, choose a cut that has some marbled fat and is naturally tender. Ribeye is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but other options include top round or sirloin. Avoid tougher cuts like flank steak or brisket, as they can become chewy in the final sandwich.
To achieve thin slices, it's best to start with a partially frozen steak. Place the steak in the freezer for about an hour before slicing; this will firm it up without freezing it solid. If you're short on time, even 10 minutes in the freezer will help. Alternatively, you can ask your butcher to slice the steak thinly for you, and they may even be able to freeze it while you shop.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain. You want the slices to be almost paper-thin. Trim off any large pieces of fat, but remember that some fat is good as it adds flavour and juiciness to the sandwich.
Finally, don't overcook the steak. Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are best when the steak is still slightly pink in the centre, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.
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Using the right cheese
The classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with provolone cheese. This cheese has a sharper flavour than other popular alternatives, such as the completely creamy, almost nacho-like Cheez Whiz. Provolone is also a good option if you want to avoid using processed cheese products.
However, there are many different types of cheese that can be used to make a Philly Cheesesteak. Some recipes suggest using Swiss cheese, while others recommend American cheese. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired texture and flavour of the sandwich.
If you want to get creative, you can even use a combination of cheeses. For example, you could melt some provolone over the steak as it cooks and then drizzle on some Cheez Whiz just before serving to get the best of both worlds. You could also add some mozzarella cheese, or even substitute the provolone for Swiss cheese if that's more to your taste.
When it comes to making a Philly Cheesesteak, the key is to use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavour. This will ensure that the cheese stands up to the other ingredients in the sandwich, such as the steak, onions, and peppers. So, feel free to experiment with different cheeses and find the one that you like the best!
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Adding vegetables
While the classic Philly cheesesteak is made with steak, onions, and cheese, you can add vegetables to your sandwich to make it more nutritious and suit your taste.
The most common vegetables to add to a Philly cheesesteak are bell peppers, which can be red, green, or both. You can slice them thinly and cook them with the onions, or sauté them separately and add them to the meat later. If you like spicy food, you can also add chili powder. Mushrooms, especially sautéed, are another popular addition. You can also add some Worcestershire sauce to the beef and veggie mix for extra flavor. If you're making a cheesesteak sandwich, you might want to include lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can serve your cheesesteak with a side of vegetables. Some options include French fries, onion rings, or a salad. You can also add some au jus for dipping.
When adding vegetables to your Philly cheesesteak, it's important to consider the cooking time and method. The onions and peppers will need to cook longer than the steak, so it's best to cook them separately and then combine everything at the end. You can also par-cook the vegetables and finish cooking them with the meat. This will help ensure that your steak doesn't overcook and become chewy.
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Cooking and serving
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that is typically made with thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese. The steak should be sliced as thinly as possible—you can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can place the steak in the freezer for 10 minutes to make it easier to slice. It's important to choose a tender cut of meat with some marbled fat, such as ribeye, to ensure the steak remains juicy and tender.
The onions should be sliced and cooked until caramelized. Some recipes also add bell peppers, mushrooms, and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce. These vegetables should be sautéed separately from the steak, as they require a longer cooking time. You can also add cheese to the vegetables as they cook, melting it to combine everything.
For the cheese, the traditional options are provolone or Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese product. However, you can use any cheese you like, such as Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or American cheese. The cheese can be melted over the steak as it cooks, or added to the vegetables as mentioned above.
To assemble the sandwich, transfer the steak and vegetables to a roll. The roll can be a simple hoagie roll, or you can toast it and add garlic butter for extra flavor. Place the steak and vegetables on the roll, then add any additional cheese and melt it if desired.
The Philly cheesesteak is a versatile sandwich that can be adapted to your taste. It's a quick and easy meal that can be made on the stove-top, flat cooktop, or griddle, making it a convenient option for game days or large gatherings.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need thinly sliced steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese. For the steak, ribeye is the most popular choice, but top round and T-bone are also good options. For the cheese, you can use provolone, Cheez Whiz, Swiss, or mozzarella.
To prepare the steak, place it in the freezer for 10 minutes to make it stiff and easy to slice thinly. Remove any large pieces of fat, but remember that some fat is good as it will melt during cooking and make the steak more tender.
First, cook the onions and peppers until they are caramelized. Next, cook the steak. Finally, add the cheese and allow it to melt before serving on a roll.
Philly cheesesteaks are typically served on a toasted garlic butter hoagie roll. You can also serve it with au jus for dipping.
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