Steak And Cheese: Spices For A Perfect Pairing

what spices to put in steak and cheese

Steak and cheese are a classic combination, but the right spices can take this dish to the next level. Whether you're making a steak and cheese sandwich, a cheeseburger, or a heartwarming steak and cheese casserole, the right blend of spices can enhance the natural flavours of the beef and cheese. A good spice rub can turn a bland steak into a mouthwatering one, and a few simple ingredients can make all the difference.

Characteristics Values
Spices Garlic, onion, oregano, thyme
Additional ingredients Olive oil, bacon, cheese, peppers, mayonnaise
Container Airtight glass or ceramic
Storage Cool, dry place
Shelf life Up to 6 months

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Spices for steak and cheese sandwiches

Spices and seasonings can take a steak and cheese sandwich from bland to mouthwatering. A good spice blend can enhance the natural flavours of the beef and cheese, adding layers of flavour to your sandwich.

A classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, for example, can be elevated with a spice mix that includes garlic, onion, oregano, and thyme. This savoury mix can bring out the full flavour of the meat, making each bite more savoury and satisfying. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper and sriracha sauce for a spicier kick.

If you're looking for a quick and easy steak seasoning, you can combine ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. You can adjust the measurements of each ingredient to your taste preferences. This seasoning can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

For a wet rub, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to your spice blend to create a paste that can be easily rubbed into the steak before grilling, skillet cooking, or roasting. This option is great if you prefer a moister steak and can also be stored in an airtight container.

Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to find your perfect steak and cheese sandwich seasoning. You can also try adding spices to other components of your sandwich, like mixing them with bread crumbs and sprinkling them on top.

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Steak and cheese with a dry rub

A dry rub is a great way to add flavour to your steak and cheese dish. You can use a blend of spices to create a delicious savoury profile that enhances the natural flavours of the beef. A good dry rub can take your steak from bland to mouthwatering.

Ingredients

The key to a great steak and cheese dry rub is to use a combination of spices that complement each other and bring out the flavour of the meat. Some common ingredients include:

  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Oregano
  • Thyme

You can also add other spices such as cayenne pepper for added heat, or herbs like rosemary and parsley for extra flavour.

Method

Making a dry rub is simple. Here's what you need to do:

  • Combine all your ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
  • Store the seasoning in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in a cool, dry place. It will last for up to 6 months.
  • When you're ready to cook, take your steak and generously apply the dry rub to all sides of the meat. Massage the spices into the steak to ensure it's well coated.
  • Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to let the flavours absorb.
  • Cook your steak to your desired doneness using your preferred method, such as grilling, skillet, or roasting.
  • Top your cooked steak with your favourite cheese. Let the cheese melt and get gooey.
  • Serve your steak and cheese with your choice of sides, such as a hoagie roll for a classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

Tips

  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste and experiment with different combinations. You can also add ingredients like bacon, jalapenos, or mushrooms to your steak and cheese for extra flavour and texture.
  • If you prefer a wet rub, simply add a tablespoon of olive oil to your spice blend to create a paste. This is especially good for grilled steaks.
  • Make a big batch of the dry rub and store it in an airtight container. That way, you'll always have it on hand to elevate your steak and cheese dishes.

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Olive oil and steak seasoning paste

When it comes to cooking steak, there are a few things to consider when using olive oil and steak seasoning paste. Firstly, it is important to note that steak is typically cooked at very high temperatures, and the choice of cooking oil should reflect that. While extra virgin olive oil is a popular option for cooking steak, it has a low smoke point and can burn at high temperatures, affecting its flavour and potentially ruining your pan.

To avoid this issue, consider using a refined olive oil with a higher smoke point, such as pure or extra light olive oil. These oils have a more neutral flavour and can withstand higher temperatures without burning. Additionally, you can lightly oil the steak instead of putting oil in the pan. This technique helps to create a better char on the steak and reduces the amount of oil needed overall.

Now, when it comes to creating a steak seasoning paste with olive oil, the order in which you apply the spices and oil can vary. Some people prefer to sprinkle their spices directly onto the steak before adding oil to help them stick, especially if they are using powdered spices. Others choose to mix their spices with olive oil to create a paste, which they then apply to the steak. This paste can also be made with other liquids such as mustard, sauce, or even water.

If you are using larger pieces of herbs, seeds, or whole peppercorns, you may want to moisten the surface of the steak with a small amount of oil first to help the seasonings adhere better. Ultimately, the timing and order of adding spices and oil are not as crucial as creating a delicious steak with a great crust and your preferred seasonings.

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Spicy steak and cheese

Ingredients

For the steak and spice mix:

  • Steak of your choice
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Other spices of your choice

For the sandwich:

  • Hoagie roll or bread
  • Cheese (cheddar, American, or your preference)
  • Bacon (optional)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha sauce (optional)
  • Vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms, or jalapenos)

Instructions

  • Prepare the steak by slicing it into thin strips or pieces. You can also pound the steak to flatten it and make it more tender.
  • Create your spice mix by combining garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, and any additional spices you prefer. You can adjust the proportions to your taste. Mix well and store any extra spice mix in an airtight container for future use.
  • Generously coat the steak pieces with the spice mix. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to create a paste that will help the spices adhere better to the steak.
  • Cook the steak on a stovetop, griddle, or grill until it reaches your desired doneness. For a cheesesteak sandwich, it is typically cooked until well done.
  • If using bacon, cook it separately until crispy.
  • Prepare your vegetables by slicing onions and peppers into thin strips. You can also add mushrooms or jalapenos for extra spice and flavour. Saute the vegetables until they are softened and slightly browned.
  • Assemble the sandwich by spreading mayonnaise on the bottom half of the hoagie roll. You can also add sriracha sauce to the mayonnaise for an extra spicy kick.
  • Layer the cooked steak, bacon (if using), and vegetables on the roll.
  • Top with shredded or sliced cheese. You can use cheddar, American cheese, or any variety that melts well.
  • Cover the sandwich to allow the cheese to melt. You can place it under a grill or in a warm oven for a few seconds to speed up the melting process.
  • Finally, close the sandwich, wrap it in foil or parchment paper, and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste. You can also serve the spicy steak and cheese as an open-faced sandwich, in a bowl, or with a side of your choice. Enjoy the delicious combination of spicy steak and gooey cheese!

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Storing steak seasoning

It is recommended to store your steak seasoning in an airtight container. This will ensure that the spices remain fresh and potent. Place the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. The seasoning should last for about six months. However, it's a good idea to label the container with the date it was made, so you can keep track of its freshness.

To extend the shelf life of your steak seasoning, you can also store it in the freezer. Place the airtight container in the freezer, and it will last for several months. This method is especially useful if you've made a large batch of seasoning. When you're ready to use it, simply take it out of the freezer and let it come to room temperature before opening the container.

It's important to note that steak seasoning can clump together over time due to moisture in the air. To prevent this, you can add a desiccant packet to the container, such as a silica gel packet. These packets absorb moisture and help keep the spices dry and free-flowing. You can find these packets in shoe boxes or other packaged goods, and they can be reused for this purpose.

Frequently asked questions

A Philly cheesesteak typically includes garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, and sometimes cayenne pepper.

You can add jalapenos, spicy mayo, and sriracha sauce to a Philly cheesesteak to make it spicy.

You can use as much or as little seasoning as you prefer. You can also add olive oil to the seasoning to make a paste to rub into the steak.

Homemade steak seasoning lasts for up to 6 months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

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