Frederic Melton
The cheesesteak sandwich is a classic American dish, with its roots in Philadelphia. The sandwich is made with thinly sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bread. While the traditional cheesesteak uses provolone cheese, some variations use Cheez Whiz, American cheese, or a combination of these. The best cut of meat for cheesesteaks is ribeye steak, due to its marbling, but other options include chuck or top round. Cheesesteaks can be purchased from local shops, such as The Cheese Steak Shop, or made at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Local cheesesteak shops, such as The Cheese Steak Shop, Dalessandro's Steaks, and Chubby's Steaks |
| Meat Type | Ribeye, chuck, sirloin, or top round |
| Meat Preparation | Thinly sliced or chopped, with some fat included for juiciness and flavor |
| Cheese Type | Provolone, American cheese, Cheez Whiz, or a combination |
| Additional Ingredients | Onions, bell peppers, steak fries, curly fries, mayonnaise, cherry pepper spread |
| Cooking Technique | Griddle or flat top at medium to medium-high heat, using metal spatulas or a burger flipper |
| Serving Style | Sandwich on good bread, wrapped in greaseproof paper and foil to maintain warmth and texture |
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What You'll Learn
Local cheesesteak shops
If you're looking for a local cheesesteak shop, there are several options to choose from, depending on your location.
For those in Philadelphia, the city known for its cheesesteaks, there are numerous shops to choose from. Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks, located in the heart of Old City, has been a staple since 1947 and offers traditional steaks made with high-end rib-eye cut against the grain, served on Liscio's rolls. Another classic spot is Cosmi's Deli, a small South Philly deli dating back to 1932, which offers traditional steaks with thin-sliced ribeye packed on rolls from Sarcone's Bakery. For a newer option, try Angelo's Pizzeria South Philadelphia, which has become a favorite of locals since its opening in 2019. They offer cheesesteaks with Cooper sharp, peppers, and onions on their signature seeded roll. If you're looking for a chicken cheesesteak, head to Ishkabibble's I & II on South Street, which claims to have invented the chicken cheesesteak. They also serve a traditional steak with beef cut into chunks. Sonny's Famous Steaks, located in the Old City, is another popular choice, offering fresh-sliced angus beef rib-eye with a choice of cheese inside an Amoroso's Italian roll.
Outside of Philadelphia, there are also options for cheesesteak lovers. For those on the East Coast, The Cheese Steak Shop has multiple locations in the Bay Area, including Pleasanton and Walnut Creek, and is known for its delicious sandwiches.
While these are some of the more well-known cheesesteak shops, there are likely to be other local options depending on your specific location. It's always worth exploring your neighborhood or asking for recommendations to discover hidden gems!
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Ordering online
If you're looking to order cheesesteak meat online, there are several options available. One option is to purchase pre-made Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, which can be found on websites such as Walmart.com. These sandwiches are typically sold in packs of two and can be a convenient option if you're short on time.
Another option is to buy the meat separately and prepare the sandwiches yourself. Original Philly® Products offers a variety of beef and chicken options specifically for cheesesteaks, which can be ordered in bulk on their website. This option may be ideal if you're looking to make a large number of sandwiches or want to control the sandwich-making process.
In addition to specialty websites, you can also find cheesesteak meat on more general online retailers such as Amazon. A variety of options, including shaved steak and Philly cheesesteak bread, are available for purchase with the added convenience of free shipping.
When ordering cheesesteak meat online, it's important to consider the weight and portion sizes offered to ensure you're getting the best value for your needs. Additionally, if you're looking for a more authentic experience, you may want to explore options that offer add-ons or suggestions for enhancing your cheesesteak creation.
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Choosing the right cut
Ribeye is a popular choice for cheesesteaks due to its superior marbling, but it can be pricey. If you're looking for a more economical option, chuck eye roll or chuck shoulder pot roast are suitable alternatives. These cuts are relatively inexpensive and can be sliced thinly for your sandwich. However, when using these cuts, be mindful of the grain of the meat and slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Top round is another classic option for cheesesteaks. While it may not have the same marbling as ribeye, it is still a tender cut that works well in sandwiches. Just be sure to slice it thinly to ensure a pleasant texture. If you're looking for a more premium option, sirloin is also a great choice, as its leanness makes it ideal for slicing thinly and provides a good balance of tenderness and flavour.
When preparing your meat, it's essential to slice it thinly, regardless of the cut you choose. Freezing the steak for about 10 minutes can help achieve this, as it firms up the meat without freezing it solid. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain. This technique ensures that your cheesesteak has a tender texture and allows for even cooking.
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Preparing the meat
Selecting the Right Cut: Choose a cut of steak that has a good amount of marbled fat and is nicely tender. Ribeye is a popular choice for its superior marbling, but it can be pricey. As a more affordable alternative, consider chuck, which can be sliced thinner. If you're on a tighter budget, top round is another classic option for cheesesteak. However, avoid tougher cuts like flank steak or brisket, as they can make the sandwich chewy.
Chilling and Slicing: Place your chosen steaks in the freezer for about 10 minutes to an hour. You want them to get very cold and firm, but not completely frozen. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to trim off any large pieces of fat from the edges, leaving some veins of fat in the middle for flavour and juiciness. Slice the steak as thinly as possible, preferably about 1/8" thick for ribeye and even thinner for chuck.
Seasoning: Don't skimp on seasoning! Before cooking, season the meat with a little salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavour of the steak and ensure it shines through in the final sandwich.
Cooking: Turn on the heat to medium-high and add some olive oil to your cooking surface. Spread out your thinly sliced steak, giving it some space to cook evenly. Allow it to cook for at least two minutes to develop a slight crust, then use a spatula or burger flipper to move the meat around, breaking it up into larger slices and smaller crispy bits. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
Now that your meat is prepared, it's time to assemble your cheesesteak sandwich! Combine the meat with your choice of cheese, bread, and toppings like onions and peppers to create a mouthwatering delight.
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Seasoning
Salt is a crucial seasoning as it helps to bring out the natural flavours of the meat. When seasoning with salt, it is important to use a light hand as you can always add more later, but you cannot take away. Start with a small pinch of salt and pepper and gently work it into the meat with your hands. You can also season the meat with some red hot cherry pepper spread, which is a common addition to the Baltimore Steak and Cheese sandwich, a variation of the classic Philly Cheesesteak.
Another option is to season the meat with some form of sauce. For example, some pizza shops in Philadelphia mix a little pizza sauce into the meat, while others use a simple tomato sauce. You can also add some mayonnaise to your sandwich, as is done in the Baltimore Steak and Cheese.
When seasoning with salt and pepper, it is important to consider the cooking process. If you are going to be chopping up the meat on a flattop, it is best to season the meat before adding it to the heat. This will ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Additionally, the type of meat you choose will impact the seasoning process. For example, ribeye steak has better marbling, which provides more flavour, but it is more expensive. On the other hand, chuck is a more budget-friendly option but may need to be cut thinner than ribeye. Consider the fat content and tenderness of the meat when deciding on seasonings to ensure a juicy and flavourful sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get cheese steak meat from your local butcher, or from specialist shops such as The Cheese Steak Shop.
Yes, you can buy cheese steak meat online from websites such as Amazon.
A nice cut of steak that has some marbled fat on it and is really tender is best. Ribeye steak is a good option, but it can be pricey. Chuck is a more affordable alternative, but you might want to cut it even thinner than ribeye.
You should cut the meat thinly, ideally about 1/8" thick. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can put the steak in the freezer for about 10 minutes to make it easier to cut.
It is best to use fresh meat for a cheese steak, as frozen meat can be difficult to cut thinly. However, if you only have frozen meat, you can place it in the freezer for about an hour to firm it up before slicing.
