Andy Montoya
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s. It traditionally consists of three elements: beef, cheese, and bread. The beef is typically thinly sliced steak, with ribeye being the most common choice due to its tenderness and flavour. Other cuts such as sirloin, flank steak, and chuck are also used, depending on budget and preference. The choice of beef is crucial to achieving the desired texture and taste in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Ribeye, skirt steak, sirloin, flank steak, chuck |
| Steak preparation | Thinly sliced, super thin, shaved |
| Cheese | Provolone, Parmesan, white American, mozzarella, Cheez Whiz |
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What You'll Learn
Ribeye is the most common cut of beef
For this reason, other cuts of beef are also used for Philly cheesesteaks. Sirloin is a popular alternative, and top sirloin in particular is a wonderful choice. It is still plenty tender and has a thinner cut, requiring a bit less slicing. Petite sirloin is also a good option, and is less expensive than ribeye.
Flank steak is another cut that can be used for Philly cheesesteaks. It is lean but very tender when cut against the grain. If using flank steak, a little extra oil is needed on the cooking surface. Chuck is another option, offering tons of flavor and plenty of tenderness when cooked this way.
The best cut of beef for a Philly cheesesteak depends on one's budget and preferences. While ribeye is the most common, other cuts like sirloin, flank steak, and chuck can also deliver tasty results.
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Sirloin is a good alternative
The Philly cheesesteak is a classic sandwich with a simple formula: beef, cheese, and bread. While ribeye is a common choice for the beef in a Philly cheesesteak, sirloin is a great alternative. Sirloin is a thinner cut of beef, meaning there is less slicing involved in preparing the sandwich filling. It is also more affordable than ribeye, which can be costly. Specifically, petite sirloin is a good option as it is still plenty tender enough to create a fabulous cheesesteak.
Sirloin is a good choice for a Philly cheesesteak as it is a tender cut of beef that will not require a long cooking time. This is important as the beef for a Philly cheesesteak should be thinly sliced and slowly browned in its own fat and juices. Sirloin's tenderness means it can easily be cooked in this way without becoming tough or chewy.
When making a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to use a cut of beef that is well-marbled, meaning it has a good amount of fat running through it. This will ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful. Sirloin can be well-marbled, especially the top sirloin cut, making it a great option for this sandwich.
In addition, sirloin is a versatile cut of beef that can be used in a variety of recipes. While it is often used in steakhouse dishes, it can also be a budget-friendly option for creating a steakhouse experience at home. This makes it a good choice for those who want to enjoy a tasty Philly cheesesteak without breaking the bank.
Overall, sirloin is a great alternative to ribeye for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It is tender, versatile, and affordable, with a good amount of marbling that will ensure a juicy and flavorful sandwich. So, if you're looking to switch up your Philly cheesesteak game, give sirloin a try!
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Flank steak is lean but tender
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s. It traditionally features three core ingredients: beef, cheese, and bread. While ribeye is the most common cut of beef used in Philly Cheesesteak, flank steak is also a suitable option.
Flank steak is leaner than ribeye but can still be very tender when prepared correctly. To achieve tenderness, flank steak should be cut against the grain into thin slices. Freezing the meat for 20-30 minutes beforehand can make it easier to achieve those thin slices. When cooking with flank steak, it is recommended to use a bit of extra oil on the cooking surface.
Using flank steak for Philly Cheesesteak can be a more economical option than ribeye, which tends to be pricier. By choosing flank steak, you can still enjoy a delicious and tender Philly Cheesesteak while being mindful of your budget.
In addition to the choice of beef, the type of cheese is also an important consideration for a Philly Cheesesteak. Provolone, a mild and melty variety, is a popular choice. Other options include white American cheese, mozzarella, or 'Cheeze Whiz,' a Velveeta-like product.
When assembling your Philly Cheesesteak, don't forget to toast the hoagie rolls first. This simple step ensures a better texture and enhances the overall quality of the sandwich. By following these tips and choosing flank steak, you can create a mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet.
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Shaved steak is a cheaper option
For those who want to make Philly cheesesteaks at home, shaved steak is a great option. It eliminates the need for a professional deli slicer or the time and skill required to slice the meat oneself. Shaved steak is also versatile, as it can be used in various recipes, including steak sandwiches and even quesadillas. It is a popular choice for busy families looking for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal option.
While ribeye is traditionally used for Philly cheesesteaks, shaved steak offers a similar texture and taste at a lower cost. Shaved steak is typically made from less expensive cuts of beef, such as round steak or cube steak, which can be sliced thinly at home or purchased pre-sliced. This makes it a more economical choice without sacrificing flavor or quality.
In addition to its affordability, shaved steak is also a practical choice for Philly cheesesteaks due to its convenience and ease of preparation. By using pre-shaved steak, home cooks can save time and effort in the kitchen. The thin slices of meat cook quickly, making it possible to prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less. This makes shaved steak a popular option for busy cooks who want to enjoy the taste of a Philly cheesesteak without spending hours in the kitchen.
While shaved steak may be a more affordable option, it is important to note that the overall cost of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich also depends on the other ingredients used, such as the type of cheese, bread, and additional toppings. However, for those looking to recreate the classic Philly cheesesteak taste on a budget, shaved steak is a great choice that doesn't compromise on flavor or convenience.
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Ground beef can be used instead of steak
While the Philly cheesesteak is traditionally made with ribeye steak, ground beef can be used instead of steak. This is a great option for those who are looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to ribeye or steak. It is also a good choice for those who want to make the dish with commonly available ingredients and spend less time cooking.
The Philly cheesesteak is a classic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. At its core, the sandwich has just three elements: beef, cheese, and bread. While the type of beef used can vary, ribeye is the most traditional choice due to its assertive beefy flavour and marbling of fat. When cut thin and cooked until browned, ribeye remains tender, making it ideal for Philly cheesesteaks.
However, ribeye can be expensive, and other cuts of steak, such as skirt steak or sirloin, are sometimes used as more affordable alternatives. For those looking for an even more economical option, ground beef can be substituted for steak in a Philly cheesesteak. While it is not the traditional choice, ground beef can be a delicious and budget-friendly option for this sandwich.
When using ground beef in a Philly cheesesteak, it is recommended to use a leaner option. Leaner ground beef doesn't shrink as much during cooking, leaving you with more meat, and it also produces less fat that needs to be drained off. Additionally, ground beef is typically easier to find and purchase than shaved steak, making it a convenient option for those who don't have access to specialty ingredients.
To make a Philly cheesesteak with ground beef, simply cook the ground beef in a pan with onions and peppers until browned. Add your desired amount of cheese and allow it to melt into the mixture. Finally, serve the ground beef and cheese mixture on toasted hoagie rolls. This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
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Frequently asked questions
Ribeye is the traditional cut of beef used for Philly Cheesesteaks due to its tenderness and flavour.
Sirloin is a popular alternative to ribeye as it is tender and less expensive. Other options include skirt steak, flank steak, chuck, and top round.
The beef should be sliced as thinly as possible. To achieve this, it is recommended to chill the beef in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
While it is not traditional, ground beef can be used as a cheaper alternative to steak.
You can ask your butcher to slice the beef thinly or look for pre-packaged thinly sliced steak at the grocery store.
