The Authentic Philly Cheese Steak: Ingredients And Secrets

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in 1930. The traditional Philly Cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, all served on a hoagie roll. The best type of cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak is a topic of debate, with some people preferring provolone, while others opt for Cheez Whiz. The sandwich can also be modified to include bell peppers and mushrooms, though purists insist that a true Philly Cheesesteak should only include steak, onion, and cheese.

The best cut of beef

The best Philly Cheesesteaks start with the right cut of beef. The traditional choice is ribeye, which is well-marbled and tender when cooked. However, ribeye can be expensive, so if you're looking for a more affordable option, consider flank steak or sirloin. Flank steak is lean but very tender when cut against the grain, while sirloin, specifically petite sirloin, is a thinner cut that is still tender and perfect for Cheesesteaks.

When selecting your beef, look for a cut that is well-marbled, which means it has a good amount of fat running through the meat. This fat will help keep the steak juicy and flavourful as it cooks. You also want to make sure the beef is sliced super thin so that it cooks quickly and stays nice and juicy. Freezing the steak for 15 to 30 minutes before slicing will make it easier to get those thin slices.

Once you have your beef, it's time to cook! Start by heating some oil in a large skillet or griddle. You want the oil to be glistening and hot before adding your beef. Cook the steak in batches to ensure even browning, and don't forget to season with salt and pepper. The key to a great Philly Cheesesteak is getting that nice sear on the meat.

Now that you know the best cuts of beef for a Philly Cheesesteak, you're well on your way to creating this iconic sandwich at home. But remember, the fun doesn't stop there. You also get to choose your cheese, toppings, and roll to truly make it your own!

Caramelised onions

To make caramelised onions, you'll need to slice a sweet onion and then sauté it in a pan over a medium heat with some oil. You want to avoid letting the onions brown, so if they start to, turn the heat down. Once they're nice and tender, you can transfer them to a bowl and set them aside.

The key to getting the right texture and colour for your onions is to cook them low and slow. This will allow the natural sugars in the onions to caramelise, giving them that distinctive sweet taste and golden colour. It's important to be patient during this process and not turn up the heat, as this can lead to burnt onions.

When making Philly Cheesesteaks, you'll want to sauté the onions separately from the steak. This is because the steak cooks much faster than the onions and you don't want to overcook it while waiting for the onions to caramelise. So, once your onions are done, simply set them aside and cook your steak in the same pan.

Once your steak is cooked, you can add the onions back into the pan with the meat and stir everything together. Then, add your cheese, and you're almost done! The final step is to divide the mixture into portions, add more cheese on top, and melt it before serving on a toasted hoagie roll.

Cheese choices

The best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is a topic of much debate. The most popular choice is mild provolone, which has a mild flavour and melts well. However, some people prefer American cheese, while others opt for Cheez Whiz, a beloved cheese sauce in a jar. It is also possible to make your own cheese sauce.

When it comes to provolone, it's important to choose a mild variety as the flavour of aged provolone can be overpowering. It's also important not to overcook the provolone; it should be melted but not overcooked.

Some people like to add extra cheese to their Philly cheesesteak, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, but this will alter the flavour profile of the sandwich.

The type of bun

The classic choice is a hoagie roll, but depending on where you are in the country, you might also see Philly cheesesteaks served on sub buns or Italian hero rolls.

If you're making your Philly cheesesteak at home, you can toast your bun in the oven. First, spread the cut sides of the bun with butter or garlic butter and place the buns, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven until they're toasted and golden—this should only take about 4 minutes.

Once your bun is toasted, you might want to spread a thin layer of mayo on the cut sides before adding the steak, onions, and cheese.

What to serve with it

A Philly Cheesesteak is a hearty sandwich, so it can be served as a standalone dish. However, if you want to serve it as part of a meal, there are several sides that complement it well. Here are some ideas:

Crispy Potato Wedges, Homemade French Fries, or Potato Chips

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and their starchiness pairs well with the hearty flavours of the Philly Cheesesteak. Crispy potato wedges or homemade French fries add a satisfying crunch, while potato chips offer a convenient and crispy option.

Coleslaw

A refreshing coleslaw can balance out the richness of the sandwich. The crisp texture and tangy dressing of coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy sandwich.

Potato Salad

Another potato option is potato salad, which can add a creamy and savoury element to your meal. It's a classic side dish that goes well with sandwiches and can be easily prepared in advance.

Salad

If you're looking for something lighter, a fresh salad can be a great option. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a heartier salad with ingredients like bacon, broccoli, or other vegetables can complement the sandwich without overwhelming it.

Drinks

To drink, you might want to offer something refreshing like cold blackberry or strawberry lemonade. These can be a great way to round off the meal and provide a sweet finish.

Frequently asked questions