Frederic Melton
Philly cheesesteaks are a beloved sandwich with a cult following. The classic sandwich is made with thinly shaved beef, cooked with onions and sometimes peppers, and topped with melted cheese. The beef is typically ribeye, sliced paper-thin, and cooked until browned. The cheese is a matter of debate, with some preferring provolone, others opting for Cheez Whiz, and still others choosing Swiss or American cheese. The sandwich is served on a soft hoagie roll, and that's it! No fancy sauces or toppings. This simple yet delicious sandwich has become a symbol of Philadelphia, with people all over the world trying to recreate the iconic Philly cheesesteak at home.
Philly Cheesesteak Recipe with Shaved Beef
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Beef | Shaved steak, preferably ribeye |
| Other Types of Beef | Cube steak, round steak, flank steak, skirt steak |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, steak seasoning |
| Other Ingredients | Onions, peppers, mushrooms, cheese, butter, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce |
| Cooking Method | Cook beef and vegetables on a skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes until meat is browned and slightly crispy |
| Assembly | Place beef on a hoagie roll, top with cheese, onions, and other vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Shaved beef: the thinner, the better
Philly cheesesteaks are all about thinly shaved beef, cooked until browned and tender. The best cut of beef for this is ribeye, which has a bold beefy flavour and is well-marbled with fat. However, skirt steak is a good alternative, as it's usually half the price.
Shaved beef is not always easy to get hold of, so you might want to buy a thicker cut of meat and slice it yourself. To do this, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 20-30 minutes. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the meat as thinly as possible, cutting against the grain.
When cooking the beef, heat a frying pan or griddle on medium and coat with olive oil or cooking spray. Add the beef in a single layer, using tongs or a spatula to gently pull it apart as it cooks. Be careful not to overcook the meat, as it should remain tender. You want to remove it from the heat when there is still a little pink left.
Once the meat is browned, add in the onions and Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if desired. Layer slices of cheese over the meat, cover with a lid, and melt. Then, spread butter on your hoagie rolls, and grill until golden.
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Seasoning and cooking the beef
To season the beef, you can use salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Some recipes suggest using Worcestershire sauce for a rich umami flavour. You can also try cooking the beef in butter and olive oil for added flavour.
When cooking, heat a frying pan or griddle to medium heat and coat it with olive oil. Add the beef and use a spatula or wooden spoons to gently pull the meat apart as it cooks. You can also mix in some onions to save time and add flavour. Cook until the meat is browned and slightly crispy on the edges, but still juicy.
If you're making a sheet pan Philly cheesesteak, spread the beef out in an even layer on the pan and cook it in the oven along with vegetables. Broil for the last few minutes to get the cheese nicely melted.
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Preparing the rolls
Selecting the Right Bread
The first step in preparing the rolls is choosing the right type of bread. For Philly cheesesteaks, soft and sturdy hoagie rolls or French rolls are commonly used. These rolls are known for their soft texture and ability to hold the hearty filling without falling apart. They are typically long and can be sliced lengthwise, creating a pocket for the shaved beef and toppings.
Toasting the Rolls
Toasting the rolls adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavour of the sandwich. You can toast the rolls in a pan with butter or olive oil until they turn golden. This step not only improves the texture but also helps the rolls hold together better when filled with juicy toppings.
Spreading the Condiments
Once the rolls are toasted, it's time to spread your favourite condiments onto the bread. Butter is a classic choice, adding a rich flavour and moisture to the sandwich. Spread a generous amount of soft butter on the inside of each half of the roll. You can also experiment with flavoured butters, such as garlic butter, to take your sandwich to the next level.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now it's time to bring everything together. Place a generous amount of shaved beef onto the roll, followed by your chosen toppings. Sliced or chopped onions are a popular choice, and you can opt for raw or sautéed onions, depending on your preference. You can also add sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables to enhance the flavour and texture.
Melting the Cheese
The final step in preparing the rolls is melting the cheese. Place the slices of cheese, such as provolone or Swiss cheese, on top of the hot shaved beef. The residual heat will help melt the cheese, creating a gooey, delicious texture. You can also broil the sandwich for a brief period to ensure the cheese is melted to your desired level.
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Melting the cheese
When melting the cheese, it's essential to ensure that the beef is cooked thoroughly. You can do this by cooking the beef and vegetables separately on a sheet pan, and then adding the cheese on top of the beef to melt. Another option is to cook the beef in a skillet or frying pan and then add the cheese directly to the meat to melt. This method allows the cheese to mix with the beef, adding flavour and helping to bind the sandwich together.
If you're using a skillet or frying pan, spread the shaved beef in a single layer, using tongs to turn it after a minute or two. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it cooks quickly due to its thinness. Once the beef is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the heat and add the cheese. You can simply lay slices of cheese over the meat or mix the cheese into the beef to melt.
For a more indulgent option, you can spread butter on the inside of a hoagie roll or French roll and place the open side of the roll face down on the meat and cheese. Grill the roll until the butter and cheese have melted, creating a gooey and delicious treat. Alternatively, you can melt the cheese in the microwave and then assemble the sandwich.
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Assembling the sandwich
You can also assemble the sandwich in the pan. Place a generous amount of shaved steak in the pan, followed by the onions and a pinch of salt. Top with melted cheese. Use two spatulas to flip the assembled sandwich onto a plate.
For a sheet pan Philly cheesesteak, spread the beef out in an even layer on one side of the sheet pan. Add the vegetables to the other side and cook. Then, add the cheese on top of the beef and broil for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown. Serve on your favourite toasted bread.
For an extra special touch, try using garlic butter on the roll, or adding sautéed mushrooms and peppers to your sandwich.
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