Kamil Perry
A steak and cheese sub, also known as a Philly cheesesteak, is a hearty sandwich that combines juicy steak, gooey cheese, and perfectly toasted bread. The classic version of this sandwich includes super-thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese served on a toasted garlic butter hoagie roll. However, variations of the sandwich include additional ingredients such as green bell peppers, mushrooms, and marinara sauce. To make a good steak and cheese sub, it is important to start with quality ingredients and to properly prepare the steak by thinly slicing it and optionally marinating it to enhance its flavour and juiciness. The sandwich can then be assembled by melting cheese into the beef and veggie mixture and stuffing it into the toasted roll.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, and able to withstand juices. Hoagie rolls, French bread, or Italian bread are good options. |
| Meat | Thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steak. |
| Marinade | Montreal steak seasoning, Texas Roadhouse Classic Steak Sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. |
| Cheese | Provolone, American cheese, Cheese Whiz, or mozzarella. |
| Toppings | Onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. |
| Cooking Method | Cook meat and vegetables on a griddle or in a skillet. Toast the bread in the oven or on the griddle. |
| Temperature | Medium to medium-high heat for cooking. Oven temperatures of 375° F to 400° F for toasting the bread. |
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What You'll Learn
Thinly slice steak and season
To thinly slice your steak, it is recommended to put the steak in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes beforehand. This will make it easier to slice the steak thinly. If you are using pre-sliced steak, it is still recommended to run a knife through the meat a few times to ensure even thinner slices. When slicing the steak, use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat and silver skin, then slice the steak thinly against the grain. You can ask your butcher to slice your beef super thinly if you are unable to do so yourself.
Once you have thinly sliced your steak, it is time to season it. There are various ways to season steak for a steak and cheese sub. One option is to use a marinade. A marinade will help infuse the steak with rich and savory flavors. To make a marinade, you can combine ingredients such as steak seasoning, steak sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours. If you are short on time, you can skip the marinade and simply add the seasoning, garlic, sauce, and lime juice to the steak after it is cooked.
Another option for seasoning your steak is to use a spice mix. A traditional Philly Italian spice mix includes salt, garlic, pepper, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Be generous with the spice mix when cooking the meat, and use some more for garnish on the final sandwich. You can also season your steak with just salt and pepper, or seasoned salt and garlic pepper.
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Choose your cheese
Cheese is a key component of a steak and cheese sub, and there are several varieties that are commonly used. The most popular choice is mild provolone, which is sharp and salty, complementing the rich fatty beef well. It ranges from mild to very sharp, so you can adjust the quantity according to your preference. If you can't find provolone, American cheese is another option. It's a traditional choice, and it's also suitable for those who prefer a milder flavour.
Cheese Whiz is another popular option, especially if you're looking for something a little more indulgent and creamy. It's a processed cheese sauce that can be slathered on the bun or drizzled on top. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use a combination of provolone and Cheese Whiz! Just remember to adjust the quantities to your desired level of cheesiness.
For an extra cheesy kick, you can add grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to your sub. This will enhance the overall savoury flavour of the sandwich. If you're making a Philly Cheesesteak, you might also consider adding some mozzarella cheese, especially if you plan to include marinara sauce. This combination is known as a "pizza steak" in Philly.
No matter which cheese you choose, it's important to slice it thinly so that it melts easily. You can place the slices on top of the meat and cover the sandwich with a lid to help the cheese melt into the steak. If using Cheese Whiz, make sure it's heated until pourable before adding it to your sub.
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Prepare your vegetables
Preparing your vegetables is a key step in making a good steak and cheese sub. The traditional Philly Cheesesteak includes onions and bell peppers, but you can also add mushrooms or even marinara sauce if you like. Start by thinly slicing your onions and peppers. You can also chop them into manageable pieces, but be sure not to slice them too thinly, or they will overcook.
Next, heat a skillet or griddle to medium-high heat and add some oil. You can use a neutral oil like vegetable oil, or olive oil, but be aware that butter may burn. Add your sliced vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender. If you are using onions, be sure to give them enough time to cook properly—they can take a few minutes to soften and caramelize. If you are adding mushrooms, add them at this stage.
Season your vegetables with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you want to add an extra kick, you can also add some Italian spice mix, which might include garlic, pepper, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
Once your vegetables are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a dish and set them aside. You will add them back into the skillet with the steak and cheese later.
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Assemble the sandwich
To assemble a steak and cheese sub, start by toasting the bread. If you're making a classic Philly cheesesteak, use a hoagie roll. The bread should be crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside. You can butter the roll and toast it in the oven, or toast it on a griddle or skillet.
Next, add the steak. The key to a great cheesesteak is using super-thinly sliced pieces of beef. Ribeye is the classic choice, but you can also use flank steak, sirloin, or New York strip steak. If you're using a thicker cut of meat, like ribeye, freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to get thin slices. Cut the steak into very small pieces and season with salt and pepper. You can also marinate the steak before cooking to infuse it with extra flavour.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Provolone is a popular choice, but you can also use Cheese Whiz, American cheese, or mozzarella. If using sliced cheese, place the slices on top of the steak and cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt into the meat. If using Cheese Whiz, heat it until pourable, then slather it onto the bun.
Finally, add any desired toppings. Sauteed onions and peppers are a common addition, and you can also include mushrooms or marinara sauce. Serve the sandwich warm, and enjoy!
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Serve with sides
A steak and cheese sub is a hearty, flavourful sandwich that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your steak and cheese sub:
- Fries: Crispy, golden fries are a classic side dish that can be easily paired with the sandwich. They provide a contrasting texture and taste to the sub, making the meal more interesting.
- Potato wedges: Homemade potato wedges can be a great option to serve alongside the steak and cheese sub. They are hearty and filling, making the meal more satisfying.
- Potato salad: For a cooler option that is perfect for a summer day, a potato salad can be a delicious side. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the meal.
- Broccoli salad: If you're looking for a healthier option, a broccoli salad can be a nutritious and tasty side dish. It adds a crunchy texture and a healthy dose of vegetables to your meal.
- Green bell peppers and mushrooms: While these are often added to the sandwich on the West Coast, they can also be served on the side. Sliced bell peppers and mushrooms can provide a fresh and crunchy contrast to the hearty sandwich.
- Marinara sauce: While this is not a side dish in the traditional sense, it is worth noting that many people enjoy dipping their steak and cheese sub in marinara sauce. The red sauce, which is similar to a tomato sauce, adds a tangy and savoury dimension to the sandwich.
These are just a few ideas for sides to serve with a steak and cheese sub. You can choose one or a few of these options to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Ribeye is the best cut of steak for a steak and cheese sub, but it can be a little pricey. Flank steak, sirloin, or New York Strip steak are also good options.
Provolone is the most popular cheese for steak and cheese subs. It is sharp and salty, which pairs well with the rich fatty beef. Other options include American cheese, mozzarella, or Cheese Whiz.
Place the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to slice thin pieces.
Sauteed onions, peppers, and mushrooms are commonly added to steak and cheese subs. You can also add marinara sauce, especially if you're making a Philly Cheesesteak.
A crusty roll with a chewy inside is ideal for a steak and cheese sub. Italian hoagie rolls or French bread are popular choices.
