Crafting The Perfect Cheesy Steak Sandwich

how to cook cheese steak sandwiches

A cheesesteak sandwich is a hearty, flavour-packed meal that is sure to satisfy. The sandwich is made with tender beef, gooey cheese, and toasted bread. There are many ways to make a cheesesteak sandwich, but the most important part is thinly slicing the steak. Some recipes call for marinating the steak to infuse it with flavour, while others suggest freezing the steak before slicing to achieve the desired thinness. The steak is then cooked with vegetables, such as peppers and onions, and the mixture is placed on a roll. Finally, cheese is added, and the sandwich is served warm.

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Choosing the right steak

Skirt steak is another option, usually half the cost of ribeye, with a similar thin profile and open-grained texture. Flank steak is also a good choice, being lean but very tender when cut against the grain. If using flank steak, you will need to use a little extra oil on your cooking surface.

When preparing the steak, use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat, then slice the steak as thinly as possible across the grain. Chop the steak into small, 1/4-inch pieces. You can also ask your butcher to slice the beef for you, which can save time and ensure you get those paper-thin slices.

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Preparing the steak

Before slicing the steak, place it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This will make it easier to slice thinly. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the edges, then slice the steak as thinly as possible, cutting across the grain. The slices should be paper-thin. Chop the sliced steak into very small pieces, about ¼-inch pieces.

If you're using a marinade, add the steak slices to a bowl or container and pour the marinade over them. A good marinade for the steak is a mixture of Montreal steak seasoning, Texas Roadhouse Classic Steak Sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. Stir well and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you're short on time, you can skip the marinade and add the seasonings directly to the steak while cooking.

To cook the steak, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add some oil. Add the steak to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until it is cooked to your liking. If you're using a marinade, cook until there is no pink remaining in the steak. Season with salt and pepper, and other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic pepper or Worcestershire sauce.

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Preparing the vegetables

To prepare the vegetables, start by washing and drying the produce. For the peppers, cut off the tops and bottoms, then slice them open lengthwise to remove the seeds and white pith. Cut the peppers into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide. You can also use pre-sliced peppers if you prefer.

For the onions, peel off the outer layer and cut off the ends. Slice the onions into thin strips or dice them, depending on your preference. Again, you can also use pre-chopped onions to save time. If you want to add mushrooms, clean and slice them thinly as well.

Once your vegetables are prepared, you can choose to sauté them before adding the meat, or cook them together. Some recipes call for cooking the vegetables first, stirring occasionally, until they are tender. If they start to brown, turn down the heat. Transfer the cooked veggies to a dish and set them aside while you prepare the steak.

Another option is to cook the vegetables and steak together. Simply add the steak to the vegetables in the skillet and cook until the steak is done to your liking. This allows the flavours of the veggies and meat to meld together beautifully.

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Cooking the steak and vegetables

To make a steak sandwich, it's important to start with the steak itself. The most popular cut of beef for cheesesteak sandwiches is ribeye, which is tender and well-marbled with fat. However, skirt steak, flank steak, or sirloin steak are also good options. To ensure that the steak is easy to slice thinly, place it in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.

After slicing the steak, it's time to cook the vegetables. The most common vegetables used in cheesesteak sandwiches are onions and peppers, but mushrooms can also be added. Heat a skillet or griddle to medium-high heat and add oil. Then, add the sliced onions and peppers and sauté until tender. If using mushrooms, add them at this stage as well. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the steak by trimming any excess fat and slicing it as thinly as possible.

Once the vegetables are tender, transfer them to a dish and return the skillet to the heat. Add additional oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chopped steak to the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until no pink remains. Season the steak with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce.

Finally, combine the steak and vegetables in the skillet and add the cheese. The most popular cheese for cheesesteak sandwiches is provolone, but other options include American cheese, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt, and use tongs to mix the melted cheese throughout the steak and vegetable mixture.

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Assembling the sandwich

To assemble the perfect cheese steak sandwich, you'll need to start with a sturdy roll that can hold all the ingredients without becoming soggy. Hoagie rolls are a popular choice, but any sturdy and soft roll will do. Split the rolls without separating them, and lightly butter the inside. Place the rolls, opened up, on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven to toast.

While the rolls are toasting, prepare your steak and veggie mixture. If you're using steak that hasn't been pre-sliced, place it in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. You'll want to slice the steak as thinly as possible, chopping it into very small pieces. The most popular cut of beef for cheese steak sandwiches is rib eye, but skirt steak or sirloin are also good options. Season the steak with salt and pepper, and sauté with onions and peppers. You can also add mushrooms to the mix. If you're using pre-cooked steak, simply warm it up in a pan and add the veggies to it.

Once the steak and veggies are cooked, it's time to add the cheese. Provolone is the most popular choice, but you can also use American cheese, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese. Place the slices of cheese over the steak and veggie mixture, cover the pan, and let the cheese melt. Use tongs to mix the melted cheese throughout the mixture.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwich! Remove the rolls from the oven and fill them with the steak, veggie, and cheese mixture. You can also spread some mayo or cheese whiz on the inside of each roll before adding the filling. Serve your cheese steak sandwiches with your favourite toppings and sides, such as fries, potato wedges, or a salad. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

You will need thinly sliced steak (ideally ribeye), butter or mayo, oil, veggies ( peppers, onions, and mushrooms), salt, pepper, and cheese ( provolone, parmesan, or cheese whiz)

Place the steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Trim any excess fat, then slice the steak as thinly as possible across the grain. Chop the steak into small pieces. You can also ask your butcher to slice the beef for you.

Provolone is the most popular choice for cheese steak sandwiches as it melts well and has a mild flavor. However, you can also use parmesan, cheese whiz, American cheese, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese.

Sauté the vegetables in a pan with oil over medium-high heat until they are tender. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

Toast the hoagie rolls first, then spread butter, mayo, or cheese whiz on the inside of each roll. Fill the rolls with the cooked steak and vegetables, then top with sliced cheese. Cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt, then mix it throughout the steak and veggie mixture before loading it into the rolls.

There you have it! A delicious cheese steak sandwich, perfect for game days or weeknight dinners.

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