Andy Montoya
Philly cheesesteaks are a popular sandwich made with steak and cheese. While the traditional Philly cheesesteak doesn't include peppers, many variations do. This article will explore the different types of peppers that are commonly added to Philly cheesesteaks, including bell peppers and chilli peppers, and discuss the impact they have on the flavour and texture of the sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Red, orange, yellow and green |
| Flavour | Sweet or bitter |
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What You'll Learn
- Green and red bell peppers are often sauteed or grilled and added to cheesesteaks
- Yellow bell peppers are also used, adding crunch and sweetness
- Red bell peppers are sweeter than green ones, which are slightly bitter
- Some steak places offer cheesesteak variations, such as pepper steak
- While cheese and onions are technically optional add-ons, bell peppers are not commonly ordered or offered
Green and red bell peppers are often sauteed or grilled and added to cheesesteaks
There are many variations of cheesesteaks, and some places offer a "pepper steak", which includes peppers. Other variations include mushroom steaks and pizza steaks.
Any colour of bell pepper can be used, but red, orange and yellow tend to be sweeter, while green bell peppers are less sweet and slightly bitter.
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Yellow bell peppers are also used, adding crunch and sweetness
While a traditional Philly cheesesteak doesn't include peppers, some variations do. Yellow bell peppers are also used, adding crunch and sweetness. They are sweeter than green bell peppers, which are less sweet and slightly bitter. Yellow bell peppers are often used in combination with shaved beef, onions and provolone cheese.
If you're making a Philly cheesesteak with peppers, opt for larger peppers that can hold all of the filling. Top round steak is a good choice for this recipe because it's lean and relatively inexpensive. If you can't find top round, flank steak, sirloin or strip steak are all good alternatives. If you want to skip the steak altogether, you can use ground beef in its place. For a lighter flavour, you can substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for the steak or use ground turkey.
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Red bell peppers are sweeter than green ones, which are slightly bitter
While a traditional Philly cheesesteak doesn't include bell peppers, many steak places offer cheesesteak variations with peppers. These include pepper steaks, mushroom steaks, and pizza steaks.
When it comes to the type of peppers used in cheesesteaks, red, orange, and yellow bell peppers are sweeter, while green bell peppers are less sweet and slightly bitter. If you're making a cheesesteak at home, opt for larger peppers that can hold all of the filling.
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Some steak places offer cheesesteak variations, such as pepper steak
Despite this, green peppers are a popular topping in many cheesesteaks, especially in Philadelphia. Most local cheesesteak spots offer the option of adding green peppers, and even Geno's, a once-stubborn holdout, now offers the option to toss peppers in the roll.
In addition to green peppers, other toppings that are sometimes offered include mushrooms and tomato sauce. However, when these additional toppings are included, the sandwich is typically not advertised as a Philly cheesesteak unless the toppings are offered as optional.
Some people feel strongly about the inclusion of green peppers in cheesesteaks, with one source stating that there is even a Facebook group dedicated to the banishment of green peppers from the cheesesteak ingredient list.
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While cheese and onions are technically optional add-ons, bell peppers are not commonly ordered or offered
The Philly cheesesteak is often associated with bell peppers in the mass market image of the sandwich. However, this is not an accurate representation of the sandwich as it is typically served. When bell peppers are included, they are usually green or red and sauteed or grilled. Some places offer variations with sweet peppers, roasted peppers, or long hots, but these are not considered part of the traditional Philly cheesesteak.
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Frequently asked questions
Green and red bell peppers are the most common, but any colour works. Red, orange and yellow tend to be sweeter, while green is less sweet and slightly bitter.
No, peppers are not always included in cheese steaks. In fact, a traditional Philly cheese steak does not include peppers.
Cheese steaks often come with a variety of toppings, condiments and add-ons. Some common variations include mushroom steaks, pizza steaks, pepper steaks and house specials.
