The Ultimate Cheesy Steak: Ingredients For A Perfect Sandwich

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that, as the name suggests, was created in Philadelphia. It is made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and onion, served in a roll. The classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with ribeye steak, but other cuts such as sirloin and flank steak are also used. The steak is typically seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes other herbs and spices. The sandwich is often served with peppers and mushrooms, though a true Philly Cheesesteak only includes steak, onion, and cheese.

Steak: ribeye or sirloin, sliced super thin against the grain

Steak is the star of the show when it comes to cheesesteaks. The best cuts of beef for cheesesteaks are ribeye and sirloin, sliced super thin against the grain.

Ribeye is the traditional choice for a classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. It is well-marbled and tender when cooked. However, ribeye can be expensive, so if you're looking for a more affordable option, go for sirloin. Sirloin has a good balance of price and flavour and is still plenty tender, especially if you slice it thinly against the grain.

When slicing your steak, it's important to cut against the grain. This means that instead of cutting in the same direction as the lines that run along the meat, you cut across them. This helps to break down the muscle fibres, making the steak more tender and easier to chew.

To make slicing easier, you can place your steak in the freezer for 20-40 minutes before slicing. This will firm up the meat and make it easier to get those super thin slices.

Now that you have your perfectly sliced steak, it's time to cook it! For a classic Philly Cheesesteak, simply sauté your steak with some onions and peppers, and then pile it into a toasted hoagie roll with some melted cheese. Enjoy!

Cheese: provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, or American

The type of cheese you use in your cheesesteak can make or break the sandwich. The most popular cheeses for cheesesteaks are mild provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, and American. Here's a more detailed look at each option:

Provolone

Provolone is a mild-tasting Italian cheese with a slightly nutty and sweet flavour. It has a creamy texture that melts beautifully, making it a popular choice for cheesesteaks. When buying provolone, avoid aged provolone as its strong flavour can be overpowering in a cheesesteak.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy, and mild-tasting Italian cheese. It's known for its gooey, melty texture, which makes it a perfect choice for cheesesteaks. However, when using mozzarella, avoid buffalo mozzarella as it tends to be too watery.

Swiss

Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavour and a slightly sweet taste. It has a firm texture with small holes, and it melts well, making it a suitable option for cheesesteaks.

American

American cheese, also known as white American cheese, is a processed cheese with a mild, creamy flavour. It's a popular choice for cheesesteaks, especially in Philadelphia, where the sandwich originated. American cheese melts easily and has a smooth, creamy texture.

When choosing the cheese for your cheesesteak, consider your personal preference for taste and texture. Each type of cheese offers something different, so experiment to find your favourite!

Bread: hoagie rolls, baguettes, or sourdough

The bread is an essential component of a cheesesteak sandwich, providing the foundation for the hearty filling. While there are several options to choose from, hoagie rolls, baguettes, and sourdough are among the most popular choices. Here's a detailed guide to help you decide which type of bread will best suit your cheesesteak creation.

Hoagie Rolls

Hoagie rolls, also known as hero rolls or submarine rolls, are a classic choice for cheesesteak sandwiches. They are typically soft and slightly chewy, with a crusty exterior. Hoagie rolls are designed to hold generous fillings without falling apart, making them ideal for a hearty cheesesteak. To prepare the hoagie roll, simply slice it lengthwise, butter the inside, and toast it until golden brown. This provides a sturdy base for the steak, onions, peppers, and cheese.

Baguettes

Baguettes are another popular option for cheesesteak sandwiches. A baguette has a similar shape to a hoagie roll but is typically longer and narrower. When using a baguette, opt for a medium-sized one, as this will provide a better balance of bread to filling. You can slice and toast the baguette in the same way as a hoagie roll. Baguettes offer a crispy texture and a traditional look for your cheesesteak creation.

Sourdough

Sourdough bread offers a unique flavour and texture for your cheesesteak sandwich. Sourdough has a tangy taste and a chewy texture, which can enhance the overall flavour profile of the sandwich. Look for part-baked sourdough baguettes, which can be sliced, toasted, and filled with your cheesesteak ingredients. Sourdough provides a more artisanal and rustic feel to your sandwich, while still delivering on taste and texture.

In conclusion, the choice of bread for your cheesesteak sandwich depends on your personal preference and the overall impression you want to create. Hoagie rolls offer a classic, soft texture, baguettes provide a crispy, traditional bite, and sourdough brings a unique, artisanal twist. Whichever option you choose, ensure that the bread is fresh and toasted to perfection to create the ultimate cheesesteak experience.

Vegetables: onions, peppers, and mushrooms

Vegetables are a great way to add colour, flavour, and texture to your cheesesteak. Onions, peppers, and mushrooms, in particular, are a fantastic trio of veggies to include in your cheesesteak.

Onions bring a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish, as well as a satisfying crunch. You can slice them thinly and sauté them until they are soft and lightly browned, or you can turn up the heat and let them caramelize for a deeper flavour. If you want to keep things simple, you can serve onion rings on the side, which offer a lovely contrast to the soft bread and tender meat of the cheesesteak.

Peppers, specifically bell peppers, are another popular choice for cheesesteaks. They come in a variety of colours, from green to red to yellow, adding a burst of colour to your dish. They have a slightly sweet flavour and a crisp texture that pairs well with the other ingredients. Like onions, peppers should be sautéed over medium-low heat to avoid browning.

Mushrooms complement the beef in a cheesesteak perfectly, with their earthy flavours and meaty texture. Cremini or portobello mushrooms are excellent varieties to use, and they can be sautéed with garlic, butter, and a splash of wine for a luxurious touch.

When preparing your cheesesteak, simply add your chosen vegetables to a large, deep sauté pan with a bit of vegetable oil and cook over medium-low heat until they are tender. If you want to get creative, you can also try marinating your vegetables in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper before grilling them to bring out their natural sweetness.

So, whether you're a fan of the classic onion and pepper combination or want to experiment with mushrooms, including these veggies in your cheesesteak will surely take your sandwich to the next level.

Seasoning: salt, pepper, garlic, basil, marjoram, thyme, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce

Seasoning is an essential part of making a delicious Philly cheesesteak. While salt and pepper are the most commonly used seasonings, other herbs and spices can be added to enhance the flavour of the sandwich. Here are some specific seasoning options and combinations to consider:

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are the dynamic duo of seasonings, providing a balance of savoury and spicy notes that enhance the taste of the steak, vegetables, and cheese in a Philly cheesesteak. When using salt and pepper as the primary seasonings, it is essential to taste the mixture as you go to ensure the flavours are balanced.

Garlic

Garlic adds a savoury kick to the Philly cheesesteak. It can be used in powder form, or fresh garlic cloves can be pressed or minced and added to the mixture. Garlic pairs well with other seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs, creating a robust flavour profile.

Basil, Marjoram, and Thyme

These herbs, used either individually or in combination, lend an aromatic and slightly sweet flavour to the Philly cheesesteak. They complement the savoury notes of the steak and cheese while adding depth to the overall taste experience.

Paprika

Paprika is a versatile spice that can add a subtle sweetness or a more pronounced smoky flavour, depending on the variety used. It gives the cheesesteak a subtle red hue and pairs well with other seasonings like garlic and black pepper.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a savoury condiment that adds a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy kick to the Philly cheesesteak. It is often used in combination with other seasonings to create a unique flavour profile. Worcestershire sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be added to the steak and vegetable mixture or used as a dipping sauce for the sandwich.

Frequently asked questions