Frederic Melton
The Philly cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, peppers, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. While there is an ongoing debate about the best type of cheese to use, with options including Provolone, American cheese, or Cheez Whiz, some people choose to add condiments such as Sriracha, garlic aioli, or a garlic cream cheese sauce. The sandwich is often served with a side of fries and is known for its juicy and messy nature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Provolone, Swiss, Mozzarella, American, Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack |
| Sauce | Sriracha, Garlic Aioli, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce |
| Meat | Ribeye, Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Top Sirloin, Strip Steak, Flank Steak, T-Bone Steak |
| Bread | Hoagie Roll, Hamburger Buns, Birote |
| Vegetables | Onions, Bell Peppers, Jalapeños, Mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Ketchup
While some purists believe that a Philly cheesesteak should not include any sauces, others argue that a light zig-zag of ketchup can be added to the traditional combination of steak, onions, and cheese.
When adding ketchup to a Philly cheesesteak, it is essential to use just the right amount. A light drizzle or zig-zag pattern across the sandwich is often sufficient, as too much ketchup can overwhelm the other flavours. The ketchup can be applied directly to the bread before adding the other ingredients, or it can be drizzled on top of the assembled sandwich.
While some may view ketchup as a non-traditional addition to the Philly cheesesteak, ultimately, the choice of condiments comes down to personal preference. For those who enjoy the taste of ketchup, adding it to their Philly cheesesteak can enhance the overall flavour and enjoyment of the dish.
It is worth noting that the quality and flavour of ketchup can vary between brands, so choosing a ketchup that pairs well with the other ingredients is essential. A bolder, more savoury ketchup might work well with the robust flavours of the steak and cheese, while a sweeter ketchup could provide a nice contrast.
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Sriracha
However, not everyone is a fan of Sriracha on their Philly cheesesteaks. Some believe that the condiment's flavour doesn't mesh well with the sandwich, and that it works better with less fatty foods. Others prefer to add spice to their Philly cheesesteaks with jalapeños, or with pepper jack cheese.
For those who do want to add Sriracha to their Philly cheesesteaks, it can be combined with other condiments to create a unique flavour profile. One option is to mix it with mayonnaise, as mentioned above, to create a spicy mayo. Another option is to combine it with garlic; either in the form of garlic aioli, or garlic Sambal by the same brand that makes Sriracha.
When adding Sriracha to a Philly cheesesteak, it's important to consider the other ingredients and flavours already in the sandwich. Philly cheesesteaks typically include steak, onions, peppers, and cheese, all piled onto a hoagie roll or soft sub roll. The steak is usually ribeye, sliced thinly, and the onions are often caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness. The cheese can be a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and American cheese, or Cheez Whiz, or even pepper jack for those who like it spicy. With all these flavours and ingredients to consider, some may find that Sriracha doesn't add the desired taste or texture to their Philly cheesesteak. Ultimately, the decision to add Sriracha or not comes down to personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
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Hot sauce
While some purists believe that a Philly cheesesteak should not be served with any sauces, hot sauce is a popular condiment for those who like their sandwich with a kick. Sriracha is a popular choice, spread liberally on the bread, adding a spicy tang to the sandwich.
For those who like their cheesesteak with a little more heat, jalapeños can be sautéed with the onions and peppers, adding a spicy kick to the sandwich. Alternatively, a hot sauce can be drizzled over the sandwich, with a light zig-zag of ketchup or a garlic aioli for those who like their cheesesteak with a little extra garlicky punch.
Some people like to spice up their steak before adding it to the sandwich. Steak rubs can be used, with garlic powder, pepper, and meat seasoning. For a spicier option, the steak can be coated in a blend of seasonings, including paprika, chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper, to give the meat a fiery kick.
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Cheese sauce
The cheese sauce can be seasoned with ground garlic granules, ground dry mustard, and sea salt. Evaporated milk can be added to the sauce to thicken it and give it a rich flavour. Clarified butter can also be added to prevent the sauce from burning and to give it a buttery flavour. Caramelized onions are often cooked in clarified butter to bring out their natural sweetness and add flavour to the sauce.
Some people prefer to use a combination of cheeses in their sauce to achieve a balance of texture and flavour. Chef Bobby Flay, for example, adds a combination of aged Provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano to a bechamel sauce to create a sauce that mimics the texture of Cheez Whiz with the flavour of Provolone and the depth of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
While some prefer a more complex cheese sauce, others opt for the simplicity of Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce that is commonly used on Philly cheesesteaks. Ultimately, the choice of cheese sauce comes down to personal preference, and some may even choose to forgo the sauce altogether, instead melting cheese directly into the steak for a classic gooey texture.
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Mayonnaise
Some purists believe that a classic Philly cheesesteak should only include the essential ingredients of steak, cheese, and bread, shunning the addition of any sauces or toppings beyond these core elements. They argue that a well-crafted Philly cheesesteak, with its thinly shaved beef and generous helping of cheese, is perfect just the way it is and doesn't need any extra condiments.
On the other hand, some people do choose to add mayonnaise to their Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Mayonnaise can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the sandwich, complementing the other ingredients. Those who prefer their cheesesteaks with a bit of spice might opt for a chipotle mayo sauce, which combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Another variation is garlic aioli, which boosts the garlic flavor often found in the steak sandwich.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to include mayonnaise on a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. While traditionalists might frown upon it, others embrace the creativity and customization that comes with adding unique toppings. As with any culinary creation, the most important factor is that the person enjoying the sandwich savores it according to their taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Many people believe that a Philly cheesesteak should only contain beef, cheese, and bread, with no additional condiments. However, some recipes suggest adding ketchup, sriracha, or garlic aioli.
Provolone, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, American cheese, and cheddar are all popular options.
Ribeye, sirloin, and flank steak are commonly used in Philly cheesesteaks.
In addition to the steak, cheese, and bread, many people add onions, peppers, mushrooms, and seasonings such as garlic powder, pepper, and meat seasoning.
