Philly Cheese Steak: Using Carne Picada For A Twist

how to use carne picada for philly cheese steak

Carne picada is a versatile and convenient meat option for a quick and easy Philly cheese steak. It's a thin, shredded beef that can be used in place of ground beef or stew meat, and it's available at many grocery stores. To make a Philly cheese steak, simply cook the carne picada in a skillet with some vegetables and spices, and then place it on a roll or bread with cheese. The type of cheese and vegetables used can be varied according to preference, but the meat's versatility and ease of preparation make it a great option for a tasty Philly cheese steak.

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Seasoning: salt and pepper, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and olive oil

To make Philly cheesesteaks with carne picada, you'll want to season the meat with salt and pepper, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and olive oil. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Carne Picada

Carne picada is a thin, shredded, or almost shredded beef cut. You can buy it pre-cut or slice it yourself. If you're slicing it yourself, cut the steak into very thin strips against the grain of the meat.

Make the Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together your seasoning:

  • 1.5 tsp garlic salt
  • 0.25 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian dried herb seasoning
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Marinate the Carne Picada

Place the carne picada in a large bowl and pour the seasoning over it. Mix well to ensure all the meat is coated. You can also add some chopped garlic to the mix for extra flavour. Let the carne picada marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for more intense flavour.

Cook the Carne Picada

Heat a skillet or frying pan to medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the carne picada, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink.

Assemble the Philly Cheesesteaks

Once the carne picada is cooked, it's time to assemble your sandwiches. Place the meat on hoagie rolls or baguettes. Top with melted cheese—traditional options include provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack, but you can use your favourite variety. Don't forget to add some crisp vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms for a flavourful and textural contrast.

Enjoy your delicious, seasoned carne picada Philly cheesesteaks!

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Cooking method: sautéed, grilled, or in a skillet

To make Philly cheese steak, you can cook carne picada in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, or using a skillet. Here is a detailed guide for each method:

Sautéed Carne Picada Philly Cheese Steak

To sauté carne picada for a Philly cheese steak, start by melting two tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add garlic powder, sliced onions, and bell peppers to the pan and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Set the vegetables aside and deglaze the pan by adding another two tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Add the carne picada to the pan, along with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is browned. While the meat is browning, you can toast your bread in a separate pan or on a griddle. Once the meat is cooked, assemble your sandwich by placing the carne picada and vegetables on sourdough bread, adding a slice of cheese, and topping it with the other half of the bread. Place the sandwich back in the pan or on the griddle and toast each side until the cheese is melted. Serve with French fries and fry sauce for a complete meal.

Grilled Carne Picada Philly Cheese Steak

For a grilled version, place your sliced carne picada on a grill over medium-high to high heat. Use a bit of water on the grill to prevent the meat from sticking. Add salt and pepper to the carne picada and cook until it is no longer pink. You can also grill vegetables, such as onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, separately on the grill. Assemble your sandwich by placing the carne picada and grilled vegetables on a roll, adding provolone cheese, and topping it with sliced tomatoes and optional Cheez Whiz.

Skillet Carne Picada Philly Cheese Steak

Using a skillet is a quick and easy way to prepare carne picada for a Philly cheese steak. Simply cook the carne picada in a skillet over medium heat with chopped green onion and garlic. When the meat is no longer pink, add black pepper to taste. You can also add other spices and cheeses to create your own variation. Once the meat is cooked, stir it well and push it into a mound in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and top the meat with shredded cheese. Allow the skillet to sit on low heat until the cheese is melted. Finally, spoon the mixture into a tortilla, roll it up, and enjoy!

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Cheese: provolone, mozzarella, asiago, or Swiss

When it comes to cheese, there are several options to choose from when making a Philly cheesesteak with carne picada. The classic choice is Cheez Whiz, but some people prefer provolone, mozzarella, asiago, Swiss cheese, or even American cheese.

Provolone is a popular alternative to Cheez Whiz and is considered by some to be the option chosen by those who originated the sandwich. It is a legit Italian cheese that is sharp and salty, which pairs well with the rich fatty beef. It should be thinly sliced and melted into the cooked steak to add flavour and hold the sandwich together.

Mozzarella and asiago cheeses can be used to give the sandwich an Italian flair, especially when paired with ingredients like black olives and red sauce.

Swiss cheese is another option that can be used in combination with mozzarella cheese sticks, diced and added to the steak, onions, and peppers.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese is a matter of personal preference, and any of these options can be used to create a delicious Philly cheesesteak with carne picada.

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Vegetables: onions, peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes

When making Philly cheesesteaks with carne picada, you can use a variety of vegetables, including onions, peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare and cook each of these vegetables to make delicious Philly cheesesteaks:

Onions

Onions are a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks as they add a lot of flavour. You can use red or sweet onions, thinly slicing them before cooking. Sautéing onions is a common preparation method, as it helps to soften them and bring out their natural sweetness. You can cook the onions in butter or oil over medium-high heat until they are tender and translucent. If you want to add extra flavour, you can also try slow-cooking caramelised onions, which will give your cheesesteak a rich, sweet flavour.

Peppers

Bell peppers, also known as capsicums, are commonly used in Philly cheesesteaks. Green peppers are a popular choice, but you can also use other colours such as red, yellow, or orange to add a burst of colour to your dish. Thinly slice the peppers and add them to the skillet with the onions. Sauté the peppers until they are tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, such as jalapeños, to add a spicy kick to your cheesesteak.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms add a hearty and earthy flavour to Philly cheesesteaks. Choose button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, and thinly slice them to ensure consistent cooking. Add the mushrooms to the skillet with the other vegetables and sauté until they are tender and slightly browned. Mushrooms have a high water content, so be sure to cook them thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which can make your sandwich soggy.

Tomatoes

While not as commonly used as the other vegetables, tomatoes can add a fresh flavour and juicy texture to your Philly cheesesteak. It is best to use ripe, red tomatoes and slice them thinly. You can choose to cook the tomatoes briefly in the skillet with the other vegetables, just enough to warm them through. Alternatively, you can keep them raw and use them as a topping on your sandwich, adding a fresh contrast to the melted cheese and warm fillings.

Remember, when preparing the vegetables, it's important to slice them thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking. You can adjust the quantities of each vegetable to your taste preferences. By following these steps and combining them with your carne picada and cheese, you'll create a delicious and hearty Philly cheesesteak.

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Bread: hoagie rolls, tortillas, or sourdough

Philly cheesesteaks are typically served on hoagie rolls, but you can also use tortillas or sourdough bread for a unique twist.

Hoagie Rolls

Toasting the hoagie rolls is an important step for a good quality cheesesteak. Split the rolls without separating them, lightly butter the insides, and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Then, load up your toasted rolls with the carne picada filling.

Tortillas

For a fun, easy-to-make twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, try using tortillas. You can create a cheese crust on your tortillas by sprinkling grated cheddar cheese in circles onto a pan and placing a tortilla on top. Press gently, and then add your carne picada filling. Fold the tortillas over the filling and cook until the cheese crust is golden and crispy.

Sourdough

To make a Philly cheesesteak with sourdough bread, start by thinly slicing your steak and frying it in a skillet. In a separate skillet, sauté onions until they are caramelized. Make a dressing by combining mayo, garlic, and dill, and spread it on the sourdough bread slices. Add the steak, onions, and cheese to the bread, close the sandwich, and bake or skillet fry until golden.

Frequently asked questions

Carne picada is a type of beef that is thinly sliced or shredded. It is a versatile and affordable option for a variety of dishes, including Philly cheese steaks.

To cook carne picada for Philly cheese steaks, you can sauté the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the meat is almost browned, add chopped vegetables such as green bell peppers and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, and Asiago cheeses are all popular choices for Philly cheese steaks. You can also use Cheez Whiz for an authentic Philly cheese steak experience.

In addition to the meat and cheese, you can add sautéed vegetables such as onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add spices and seasonings such as garlic, Italian seasoning, and cumin.

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