The Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Sub Ingredients

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that is native to Philadelphia, USA. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelised onions, and cheese. The sandwich is served in a hoagie roll, which is similar to a sub roll. The roll is sometimes toasted. The cheese used is typically provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American cheese. On the West Coast, the sandwich is often served with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms, in addition to the traditional ingredients.

The best cut of beef for a Philly cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that is rich in history and flavour. The original cheesesteak was made by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century, and the basic layout of the sandwich is simple: steak, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bread. However, the details are important, and the type of beef you use is crucial.

The Best Cut of Beef

Alternative Cuts of Beef

If ribeye is not available or is too expensive, top round is a good alternative. Top round is a classic cheesesteak option and is also thinly sliced. Other alternatives include sirloin, skirt, and flank steak. These cuts are leaner, so you may need to add some additional fat to the meat to mimic the ribeye's marbling. However, when sliced and prepared correctly, they can also be delicious.

Choosing Quality Beef

When choosing your cut of beef, look for a good fat-to-meat ratio. A ribeye is naturally marbled, but some cuts can have too much fat or be too lean. Look for an even distribution of white bits and stripes throughout the meat. It should look balanced and have enough fat to permeate the meat when cooked.

Also, try to buy grass-fed and grass-finished beef. Beef raised without antibiotics, GMO-feed, stress, and feedlots tastes better, is better for you, and is better for the environment.

Finally, make sure the beef is fresh. Buying beef that has been frozen for many months will not give you the best results. Try to buy from companies that are actively moving product for the best results.

The best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich, but what is the best cheese to use? While the classic option is Cheez Whiz, there are several other varieties that are commonly used, and some less common alternatives that might be worth trying.

Cheez Whiz

The original cheesesteak sandwich was made by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century, and while the exact details are contested, most credit Pat and Harry Olivieri as the creators. The classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. While it may not be fancy, it is certainly messy, and some say the messier a cheesesteak is, the better.

Provolone

Provolone is often available as an alternative to Cheez Whiz, and it is just as popular. It has a sharper bite and doesn't have the same creamy texture as Cheez Whiz, but it is still a delicious option. Some people even like to use both, drizzling Cheez Whiz over the top of the sandwich for maximum messiness, while the provolone adds flavour to the steak.

White American

White American cheese melts into the meat, and some people like to combine it with Cheez Whiz for the ultimate gooey cheesesteak.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is another option, although less common. It is a good alternative if you want a more classic sandwich, as it is similar to American cheese.

Other Options

If you want to get creative, there are several other cheeses that could work well on a Philly Cheesesteak. These include:

• Cheddar: an easy step up from processed cheese, and a good local option as there are so many great cheeses made in Pennsylvania.
• Raclette: a naturally gooey cheese that could be the progenitor of Cheez Whiz.
• Blue cheese: the sharpness of a good blue cheese goes surprisingly well with the rich umami of beef.
• Truffled Brie: a lavish option that pairs well with the meaty flavours and onions of a Philly Cheesesteak.

The best type of bun for a Philly cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that is rich in history and flavour. The original cheesesteak sandwich was created in the 1930s by Italian hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri in South Philadelphia. It is said that Olivieri grilled some beef, placed it on a small loaf of Italian bread with onions, and the rest is history.

Today, the Philly cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich, often featuring thinly sliced steak, caramelised onions, peppers, and cheese. The choice of bread is critical to this sandwich, and while the options may vary, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, the bread should be fresh, white, and warm. This is a crucial element, as it provides the perfect backdrop for the savoury and hearty filling. The bread should also be sturdy yet soft, with a slightly crispy exterior and a chewy interior. This combination ensures that the bread can hold up to the robust filling without overwhelming the taste or texture.

The traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak is an Amoroso roll, which is a type of hoagie roll. Hoagie rolls are ideal because they are designed to hold substantial amounts of filling without falling apart. They are also soft and slightly chewy, with a crispy exterior, ticking all the boxes for the perfect Philly cheesesteak bun.

If you cannot get your hands on Amoroso rolls, there are other options that will work just as well. Submarine or "hero" rolls are excellent choices, providing the same sturdiness and texture as hoagie rolls. French baguettes can also be used, offering a similar crispy exterior and chewy texture.

When preparing the bun, it is recommended to toast or warm it slightly. This adds a bit of crispness and ensures the bread can withstand the weight of the filling. Buttering the inside of the bun and warming it in the oven can add a nice touch of flavour and texture.

In conclusion, the best type of bun for a Philly cheesesteak is one that is fresh, white, and warm. Hoagie rolls, submarine rolls, and French baguettes are all excellent choices, offering the right balance of sturdiness and texture. Toasting or warming the bun is also recommended to enhance the flavour and ensure it can hold up to the filling. With the right bread choice, your Philly cheesesteak sandwich is sure to be a delicious success.

What to serve with a Philly cheesesteak

A Philly cheesesteak is a hearty sandwich, so it can easily be a meal in itself. However, if you want to serve it with sides, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Sides

French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or potato chips are all classic choices that will complement the flavours of the cheesesteak without overwhelming them.

Salads

If you're looking for something a little lighter, a classic garden salad or side of pickles will do the trick.

For a Heartier Meal

Philly cheesesteaks are often served with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms. You can also add these to your sandwich or serve them on the side. Alternatively, you can serve the cheesesteak filling over cooked pasta or stuffed into portobello mushrooms for a heartier meal.

For a Unique Twist

Try serving your Philly cheesesteak with a side of air fryer potato chips or fries. This will give the dish a fun, modern twist that your guests will surely enjoy.

Drinks

To drink, offer something refreshing like iced tea or lemonade. If you want to offer an adult beverage, a light beer or a crisp white wine would pair well with the flavours of the cheesesteak.

Remember, the beauty of the Philly cheesesteak is that it's versatile and can be adapted to your taste. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different sides to find the perfect combination for you!

How to thinly slice beef for a Philly cheesesteak

The key to a great Philly Cheesesteak is thinly sliced beef. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect slice:

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

The best cuts of meat for Philly Cheesesteaks are those that are tender and have some marbled fat. This includes ribeye, top sirloin, top/eye of round, and sirloin. These cuts will ensure your beef is nice and tender, and the fat will melt as the thin steak cooks, adding to the flavour.

Prepare Your Beef in Advance

To get the thinnest slices, it is important to partially freeze your beef before slicing. This will make it easier to handle and help you achieve those super thin slices. Place your beef in the freezer for around 20-30 minutes, or until it is very firm but not completely frozen.

Use the Right Equipment

Most of us don't have a deli slicer at home, so the best tool for the job is a sharp knife. A mandoline slicer can also help you achieve incredibly thin slices, but be careful of your fingers! You could also ask your local butcher to slice the beef for you if you don't want to do it yourself.

Slicing Technique

When slicing the beef, cut against the grain to get the thinnest, most consistent slices. Trim off any large pieces of fat, but some fat is good and will help keep the meat tender and juicy.

There you have it! You are now ready to slice beef like a pro and make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak.

Frequently asked questions