Philly Cheese Steak: The Best Beef For Lenny's Sandwiches

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich piled high with chopped steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese. The secret to a great Philly Cheesesteak is choosing the right cut of beef and the perfect ratio of tender and crispy bits. While some people believe that the only option for a true Philly Cheesesteak is ribeye steak, others argue that other cuts of beef can be used, such as sirloin or flank steak. However, it is important to note that these other cuts may be tougher and not as tender and juicy as ribeye. So, what kind of beef does Lenny's use for their Philly Cheesesteak?

USDA Choice Steak

When selecting USDA Choice Steak, it is important to look for an even fat-to-meat ratio. A good ribeye will have a balanced distribution of fat, with white bits and stripes throughout the meat. This even marbling ensures the fat cooks into the meat, creating a moist and tender steak.

The quality of the beef is paramount in a Philly Cheesesteak, as the sandwich has very few ingredients. Lennys ensures their steak is grilled to perfection, creating a tender and flavourful sandwich. The steak is grilled with onions and topped with Swiss American cheese, served on a freshly baked white or wheat roll.

For the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak experience, Lennys offers an authentic sandwich grilled to order, with fresh toppings and a fluffy sub roll.

Ribeye steak

For a Philly Cheese Steak, the choice of beef is critical. While you can use any beef steak cut you want, ribeye is the most commonly used cut of beef for making cheesesteak sandwiches. This is because ribeye is tender, juicy, and flavourful. When cooked quickly in a skillet or on a flat-top grill, ribeye doesn't become tough, making it ideal for cheesesteak sandwiches.

When selecting a ribeye steak for your Philly Cheese Steak, look for a boneless ribeye steak from your local butcher or grocery store. A high-quality ribeye steak will ensure that your sandwich is tender and flavourful. To achieve the perfect ratio of tender and crispy bits, it is important to thinly slice the ribeye steak. A simple trick to achieve thin slices is to chill the ribeye steak in the freezer for about an hour before slicing. This will help the meat firm up without freezing completely, making it easier to slice thinly against the grain.

In addition to the choice of beef, the bread, cheese, and toppings are also key components of a Philly Cheese Steak. Soft bread, such as a freshly baked white or wheat roll, is typically used. For the cheese, you can use Cheez Whiz, American cheese, or provolone cheese. Grilled onions are a classic topping, and you can also add green peppers, mushrooms, or other fresh toppings of your choice.

By choosing a high-quality ribeye steak and thinly slicing it, you can create an authentic and delicious Philly Cheese Steak with the perfect balance of tender and crispy bits. Don't forget to add your favourite cheese and toppings to complete this iconic sandwich!

Sirloin steak

While there is no specific mention of sirloin steak on the Lennys Grill & Subs website, it does state that their Philly Cheesesteak is made with "100% USDA Choice Steak".

When making a Philly Cheesesteak with sirloin steak, it is recommended to use a large, deep sauté pan or a flat-top grill. Start by cooking the onions and peppers until they are tender, and then set them aside. Next, cook the sirloin steak in batches, seasoning it with salt, garlic pepper, or steak seasoning blend. Finally, assemble the sandwiches by layering provolone or Swiss American cheese, the steak, and the onion-pepper mixture on freshly baked white or wheat rolls.

Flank steak

A good Philly Cheesesteak starts with a high-quality beef cut, such as flank steak, that is thinly sliced. The meat is then marinated, which adds flavour and tenderizes it further. A typical marinade consists of Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and parsley. Freezing the flank steak for about an hour before slicing it will make the process easier.

After marinating and slicing the meat, it is cooked on a grill or in a skillet. The key is to cook it just until it is no longer pink, so it remains juicy and tender. Grilled onions, green peppers, and sometimes mushrooms are common additions to the sandwich, providing flavour and texture.

The choice of cheese is also important for a Philly Cheesesteak. Traditional options include American Cheese, Cheez Whiz, and provolone. Provolone is a favourite for its mild flavour and melting capability.

Finally, the sandwich is assembled on a soft hoagie roll, which can be toasted to prevent sogginess. The meat, vegetables, and cheese are piled on, and the sandwich is often baked for a few minutes to melt the cheese and crisp up the bread.

Philly Cheesesteaks made with flank steak are a delicious and satisfying option, with the right balance of tender meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.

T-bone steak

When choosing a T-bone steak for your Philly cheesesteak, look for well-marbled meat with a bright red colour. The marbling, or fat content, will ensure that your sandwich is juicy and flavourful. Ask your butcher for advice on the best cut, as they can guide you on the ideal amount of fat for this dish.

To prepare the T-bone steak for your Philly cheesesteak, trim any excess fat from the edges, leaving only the desirable marbling within the meat. You can then cut the steak into thin strips, ensuring quicker and more even cooking. Season the strips with a blend of herbs and spices such as black pepper, chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, and basil.

When cooking the steak strips, use a skillet over medium-high heat with a suitable cooking oil. Cook the steak to your desired doneness, stirring frequently. You can then add your choice of vegetables, such as onions and green peppers, to the skillet and cook until they are tender and caramelised. Finally, assemble your Philly cheesesteak by layering the steak and vegetables onto a roll, topping it with cheese, and broiling it until the cheese melts.

Using T-bone steak for your Philly cheesesteak will elevate the sandwich's flavour and texture, making it a delicious and indulgent meal.

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