Randy Chandler
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak, cheese, and bread. The type of steak used can vary, but ribeye, sirloin, and flank steak are popular choices. The meat is typically seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked until browned. The cheese is then added and melted into the meat, creating a cohesive mixture. The sandwich is served on a soft but sturdy hoagie roll, which may be toasted beforehand. Some common variations include adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Ribeye, sirloin, flank steak, T-bone steak |
| Meat preparation | Thinly sliced, shaved, super-thinly sliced |
| Cheese | Provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, Parmesan |
| Bread | Hoagie roll, Amoroso's roll, garlic butter hoagie roll |
| Toppings | Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños |
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What You'll Learn
Ribeye steak is a popular choice
When making a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with ribeye steak, it is important to slice the steak thinly. The steak should be super-thinly sliced or shaved. This is so that the steak cooks quickly and is easy to bite into when served in the sandwich. The thin slices of steak are then slowly browned in their own fat and juices. Some recipes suggest asking your butcher to slice the steak for you. They can even place the steak in the freezer while you shop so that they can achieve paper-thin slices.
Ribeye steak can be more expensive than other cuts of steak. However, it is possible to find pre-packed thinly sliced ribeye steak in the meat section of the grocery store. This can be a good option if you are short on time and don't mind spending a little extra.
When making a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with ribeye steak, it is important to consider the other ingredients. The sandwich is typically served with cheese, such as provolone, and bread, such as a hoagie roll. The cheese is melted and mixed with the steak to add richness and sharpness. The bread can be toasted and buttered, and other toppings such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms can be added.
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Sirloin steak is a good alternative
While ribeye is the most popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks, sirloin steak is a good alternative. It's a tender cut of meat that can be sliced into strips and seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavoursome sandwich.
Sirloin steak is a leaner option than ribeye, so it may be a better choice for those who prefer a less fatty sandwich. It's also a more affordable option, as ribeye can be quite pricey. You can ask your butcher to slice the sirloin steak thinly, or you can do it yourself at home.
When making a Philly cheesesteak with sirloin steak, it's important to season the meat well. A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, and basil can add a lot of flavours. You can also caramelize onions and peppers to go with the steak, and of course, don't forget the cheese! Provolone is a popular choice, but Swiss, mozzarella, and American cheese can also be used.
To assemble the sandwich, start by toasting a hoagie roll. Then, cook the sirloin steak to your desired doneness. Add the steak to the roll, and top with the melted cheese. You can also add some mayo, shredded lettuce, tomato, or sliced jalapeños to taste.
Using sirloin steak is a great way to make a delicious and budget-friendly Philly cheesesteak sandwich that doesn't skimp on flavour. With the right ingredients and preparation, your sandwich will be just as tasty as one made with ribeye.
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Pre-sliced steak saves time and money
Philly cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced steak. The most popular cut of steak for this sandwich is ribeye, which is tender and well-marbled. However, ribeye can be quite expensive. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can use pre-sliced steak, which you can usually find in the ground meat section of your grocery store.
Pre-sliced steak, sometimes labelled as "beef shaved steak", is a convenient and affordable alternative to ribeye. It saves you the time and effort of slicing the meat yourself, and it's also cheaper. These pre-sliced steak packages typically come in 12-14oz sizes, which is enough to make 3-4 large sandwiches.
If you want to use ribeye but are concerned about the cost, consider buying a smaller amount of ribeye and bulking up your sandwich with other ingredients like mushrooms, peppers, and onions. You can also ask your butcher to slice the ribeye thinly for you, which will save you time at home.
Another option is to use flank steak, which is lean but very tender when cut against the grain. You will need a little extra oil when cooking with flank steak.
Whether you choose pre-sliced steak, ribeye, or flank steak, you'll be able to create a delicious Philly cheesesteak sandwich that your family and friends will love.
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Provolone is the most popular cheese
When it comes to the best meat for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, there are a few options to consider. The classic choice is thinly sliced ribeye steak, known for its tenderness and flavour. However, other options such as sirloin, flank steak, and even pre-packed thinly sliced steak can also be used, depending on your budget and preference.
Now, let's talk about the cheese. While some may argue for Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even Cheez Whiz, the most popular and traditional choice for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches is provolone. Provolone is a mild, nutty, and slightly bold-tasting cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich. It is the perfect complement to the thinly sliced steak, creating a cohesive meat mixture that is neither dry nor soggy.
The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is in the balance of flavours and textures. By using provolone cheese, you achieve the ideal ratio of meat to cheese, ensuring that the sandwich is hearty and satisfying without becoming greasy or overwhelming. The provolone adds a sharp, tangy flavour that enhances the beef's richness without overpowering it.
Additionally, the melting properties of provolone are essential to the sandwich's construction. When making a Philly cheesesteak, the cheese is typically stirred into the cooked steak until fully melted, creating a cohesive mixture that is easy to work with. Then, additional sliced cheese is melted on top of the beef, creating the iconic "cheese goo" that makes the sandwich so famous.
Finally, provolone is a versatile cheese that can be adapted to personal preferences. While some prefer the standard mild provolone, others may opt for aged provolone for a stronger flavour. You can also mix provolone with other cheeses, such as Parmesan, to add a unique twist while still maintaining the classic Philly cheesesteak experience.
In conclusion, when crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak sandwich, the choice of cheese is just as important as the meat. By selecting provolone, you're guaranteeing a delicious, authentic experience that honours the sandwich's Philadelphia roots. So, the next time you're craving a hearty, cheesy bite, remember to go hard on the provolone!
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Other cheeses can be used, like Swiss
While provolone is the most popular cheese for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, other cheeses can be used, like Swiss.
Philly cheesesteaks are sandwiches made with thinly sliced steak and cheese and served on a long hoagie roll. The classic Philly cheesesteak is made with tender ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese. However, some people like to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a combination of the two.
Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavor that can complement the steak and onions in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It has a slightly lower melting point than provolone, so it can add a creamy texture to the sandwich without becoming greasy. Swiss cheese also has larger "eyes" or holes than provolone, which can give the sandwich a more varied texture.
When using Swiss cheese in a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to consider its melting properties. Some cooks recommend adding the Swiss cheese to the steak and onion mixture at the end of the cooking process, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and form a cohesive mixture with the meat. This can help to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy and ensure that the Swiss cheese does not become overwhelmed by the other flavors in the sandwich.
In addition to Swiss cheese, some cooks like to add their own twist to the traditional Philly cheesesteak by using mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy cheese that can add a stringy texture to the sandwich. When used in combination with Swiss cheese, mozzarella can help to bind the other ingredients together and create a creamy, cheesy texture.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. While provolone is the traditional favorite for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, Swiss cheese and mozzarella can offer delicious alternatives that add their own unique flavors and textures to this classic dish.
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Frequently asked questions
The best meat for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches is thinly sliced ribeye steak. However, sirloin, flank steak, and T-bone steak are also popular choices.
Provolone is the most popular cheese for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. Other options include Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Common toppings for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches include sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and lettuce.
To make Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches at home, you will need thinly sliced steak, cheese, and hoagie rolls. You can sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to add to the sandwich. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and other spices, and cook it to your desired doneness. Melt the cheese into the meat and assemble the sandwich.
