Randy Chandler
The Philadelphia cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s. It is typically made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, peppers, and cheese, all loaded into a hoagie roll. The two most popular cheese options are provolone and Cheez Whiz, but American cheese is also a common choice. Some people like to add mushrooms, ketchup, or other sandwich condiments to their cheesesteaks. The key to a good cheesesteak is using tender, well-marbled steak and making sure the cheese is melted and gooey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Hoagie roll, garlic butter roll, hamburger bun |
| Steak | Sirloin, ribeye, top round, skirt steak, minute steak, T-bone steak |
| Cheese | Provolone, Cheez Whiz, Swiss, mozzarella, American, Parmesan |
| Toppings | Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, mayonnaise, ketchup |
| Calories | 532-535 kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak
The most important part of a Philly cheesesteak is arguably the steak. The best cut of steak for Philly cheesesteaks is tender, thin, and has some marbled fat. The fat will melt as the steak cooks, making the meat even more tender. The most popular cut of steak for Philly cheesesteaks is ribeye, which has good marbling. However, ribeye can be expensive, so top round is also a classic option. Other options include skirt steak, T-bone steak, and minute steak.
You should avoid tougher cuts of meat like flank steak and brisket, as they will be chewy in the final sandwich. If you are on a budget, you can use flank steak, but it will need to be tenderized. One way to do this is to slice the steak into thin strips, mix in the seasonings, and let the mixture sit in the fridge.
When preparing the steak, trim off any large pieces of fat, but remember that some fat is good. You can ask your butcher to thinly slice the steak for you, or you can do it yourself. To make the steak easier to slice, place it in the freezer for 10-40 minutes to make it stiffer. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the steak as thinly as possible across the grain.
Once you have the right cut of steak and have prepared it correctly, you're well on your way to making a delicious Philly cheesesteak.
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Preparing the steak
If you are using pre-sliced steak, you can skip the freezing step and simply chop the steak into very small pieces. Once you have the steak sliced, you can prepare the rest of the sandwich. The traditional Philly cheesesteak includes steak, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bread. However, you can also add mushrooms, pickled hot peppers, or basic sandwich condiments like ketchup.
When cooking the steak, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Add the steak to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink. If you are using whole steak, you may need to chop it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once the steak is cooked, you can add the onions and peppers to the pan and cook until they are tender. Finally, add the cheese and stir until it is melted.
Now you are ready to assemble your sandwich! Fill a hoagie roll with the steak and cheese mixture, and top with your favorite condiments and toppings. Enjoy your homemade Philly cheesesteak!
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Choosing the right cheese
The classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak and cheese, served on a long hoagie roll. The choice of cheese is important to get that authentic Philly Cheesesteak flavour.
The traditional cheese used in Philly Cheesesteaks is Cheez Whiz, a completely creamy, almost nacho-like cheese sauce. However, some people prefer the sharper flavour of provolone, or a combination of both. Provolone is a popular choice for those seeking a more pronounced cheese flavour, as it has a sharper bite to it. It is often melted over the steak as it cooks, adding a gooey, savoury element to the sandwich.
Other options include Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese sticks, or even a combination of the two. These cheeses can be diced and added to the steak, onions, and peppers mixture. They offer a different flavour profile and texture compared to Cheez Whiz and provolone.
When making a Philly Cheesesteak, the choice of cheese ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the classic, creamy Cheez Whiz, while others may opt for the sharper provolone, or a combination of both. Some people also like to experiment with different cheeses, such as Swiss or mozzarella, to create their own unique take on this classic sandwich.
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Preparing the vegetables
Start by selecting fresh and crisp vegetables for your cheese steak. The classic combination includes bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can choose green, red, or a combination of both for the peppers, and either white or yellow onions, or a mix of both. If you want to add some spice, include a jalapeno pepper.
Next, thoroughly wash and dry the vegetables. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice the peppers and onions into thin, even strips. Try to maintain a similar thickness for all the vegetables to ensure consistent cooking. For the mushrooms, wipe them clean with a damp cloth or brush away any dirt, then slice them thinly.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a combination of butter and cooking oil. Using both butter and oil will add flavour and prevent the butter from burning. Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced mushrooms first. Stir and cook the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.
Now, add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. If the vegetables start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit. You want them to be tender but still retain a slight bite.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. You can also prepare the vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble your cheese steak sandwiches.
Feel free to adjust the quantities of each vegetable to suit your taste preferences. Some people prefer a heavier emphasis on the peppers and onions, while others like a more balanced mix. You can also experiment with different types of peppers to find your ideal level of spiciness.
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Assembling the sandwich
To assemble the sandwich, first, fill each hoagie roll evenly with the steak and cheese mixture. You can use a spatula to scoop the mixture and flip the meat into the roll. The classic choice of cheese is provolone, but you can also use Cheez Whiz, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or American cheese. If you want to add toppings to your sandwich, cook them beforehand and combine them with the steak and cheese mixture. Some common toppings include onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also spread some mayo on the inside of the roll.
Once you have filled the roll with the steak and cheese mixture, you can add your desired toppings and spreads. Some popular choices include shredded lettuce, tomato, sliced jalapeños, and ketchup. You can also serve the sandwich with crispy fries or chips on the side.
Finally, place the tops of the rolls on and serve the sandwiches immediately. Enjoy the taste of Philadelphia with your homemade Philly cheesesteak!
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Frequently asked questions
A Philadelphia cheesesteak should be made with a tender cut of meat that has some marbling. Ribeye is a common choice, but top sirloin is a good alternative if you're looking for something less expensive.
The two most popular types of cheese for a Philadelphia cheesesteak are provolone and Cheez Whiz. However, some people also like to use American cheese or Swiss cheese.
In addition to meat and cheese, a Philadelphia cheesesteak typically includes onions and bell peppers. Some people also like to add mushrooms, ketchup, or other sandwich condiments.
To prepare the meat for a Philadelphia cheesesteak, start by trimming off any large pieces of fat. Then, slice the meat as thinly as possible. If you're having trouble slicing the meat, you can put it in the freezer for 10-30 minutes to make it stiffer and easier to slice.
To cook a Philadelphia cheesesteak, start by cooking the onions and peppers until they are tender and caramelized. In a separate pan, cook the steak to your desired level of doneness. Finally, combine the steak and vegetables, add the cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted. Serve the cheesesteak on a toasted hoagie roll.
