Patrick Oconnell
Mustard on a Philly cheesesteak is a topic of much debate. While some people are repulsed by the idea, others claim that it is not unusual to add mustard to a Philly cheesesteak. Philly shop owners have confirmed that it is more common than most people think. The addition of mustard to a Philly cheesesteak sparked controversy when Sixers forward Tobias Harris admitted to liking mustard on his cheesesteaks. While some people were shocked by Harris's admission, others agreed, saying they had been adding mustard to their steaks since they were kids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mustard on a Philly cheese | Some people like mustard on their Philly cheese, including Sixers forward Tobias Harris. Philly shop owners say it is more common than people think. |
| People against mustard on a Philly cheese | Many people are against the idea of mustard on a Philly cheese, including sports bloggers and the second-gen sandwich maker John Bucci Jr. of John's Roast Pork. |
| Other sauces on a Philly cheese | Other sauces people have suggested to go with a Philly cheese include horseradish cream, horsey mayo, garlic, black pepper, mayo, hot sauce, Sriracha, ranch, Italian salad dressing, Asian hot sauce, salsa, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, beef gravy, Marsala sauce, and Gruyère. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mustard on a Philly cheese: Yes or no?
The debate was sparked by Sixers forward Tobias Harris, who admitted to liking mustard on his cheesesteaks. While Harris received backlash online, with some commenters claiming that "in no situation ever, should there be mustard on a cheesesteak", he also received support from many social media users, who said they'd been enjoying mustard on their steaks since they were kids.
Steve Kotridis, the owner of Dalessandro's Steaks in Roxborough, agreed that "quite a few people get mustard on their steaks". Barry McGuinn of Barry's Steaks & Hoagies, located a few blocks down Ridge Avenue, also confirmed that customers requesting mustard was "not uncommon". However, John Bucci Jr., of John's Roast Pork on Snyder Avenue, disagreed, stating that "no one from Philly puts mustard on a cheesesteak".
So, should you put mustard on a Philly cheese? It seems that, while it may not be traditional, plenty of people enjoy it. If you're looking for something new to try, why not give it a go? After all, as one Reddit user put it, "I'm genuinely just asking what sauce might go well with it".
French Toast with Cheese: A Match Made in Heaven
You may want to see also
Mustard as a marinade for Philly cheese steak
Mustard is a common condiment for Philly cheesesteaks, according to some shop owners in Philadelphia. However, others disagree, stating that no one from Philly puts mustard on their cheesesteak.
Whether you choose to include mustard or not, marinating the steak is essential for a delicious Philly cheesesteak sandwich. This process not only infuses flavour but also tenderises the meat. A marinade typically consists of mustard, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and various seasonings.
When selecting the steak for your Philly cheesesteak, ribeye is the traditional choice. However, if you plan to marinate the meat, you can opt for a more affordable cut, such as top sirloin or skirt steak. Before marinating, it is crucial to slice the beef thinly. This technique ensures that the flavours of the marinade penetrate the meat effectively.
In addition to the marinade, the type of cheese you use is also essential. While Cheez Whiz is a popular option, you can also create a homemade cheese sauce using a combination of shredded sharp cheddar and American cheese. This blend results in a rich and tangy flavour with a smooth texture. To make it extra creamy, include some cornstarch and evaporated milk.
Finally, don't forget to add your choice of vegetables. Sautéed onions and bell peppers are classic inclusions, but you can also experiment with mushrooms, sweet peppers, hot peppers, banana peppers, and more.
So, while the debate about mustard on a Philly cheesesteak may continue, remember that the key to a mouthwatering sandwich is in the marinade, the cheese, and the overall combination of flavours.
Shredded Cheese: Plastic or Not?
You may want to see also
Other condiments used in Philly cheese steak
While the addition of mustard to a Philly cheesesteak has sparked debate, with some people arguing for its tangy flavour and others against it, there are several other condiments that are commonly used in this popular sandwich.
Cheese sauce is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks. The sauce is typically made with a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and American cheese, which gives it a rich and tangy flavour. Other types of cheese used include mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Velveeta, and provolone cheese slices. To make the sauce thick and spreadable, cornstarch is added. Seasonings such as ground garlic granules, ground dry mustard, and sea salt are also added to enhance the flavour. Evaporated milk is often used to give the sauce a rich, syrupy texture.
Caramelized onions are another key ingredient in Philly cheesesteaks, adding a natural sweetness to the sandwich. Clarified butter is sometimes used to caramelize the onions, giving them a rich, buttery flavour while preventing them from burning.
Meat options for Philly cheesesteaks include ribeye, which is the traditional choice known for its juicy and tender texture due to its marbling. Other options include filet mignon, top sirloin, strip steak, and flank steak for a leaner option.
Some people also like to add spices and seasonings directly to their Philly cheesesteaks. Steak rub, garlic powder, pepper, and meat seasoning are commonly used to enhance the flavour of the meat. Sauteed bell peppers and jalapeños can also be added to give the sandwich a spicy kick.
While the classic Philly cheesesteak is typically served on a toasted hoagie roll, some people experiment with different types of bread, such as a thicker Spanish bread called a birote.
Taco Bell's Cheese: Real or Fake?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The history of the Philly cheese steak sandwich
The Philly cheese steak sandwich is a beloved food in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is also known as a Philadelphia cheesesteak, cheesesteak sandwich, cheese steak, or steak and cheese. The sandwich is made with thinly sliced pieces of beef steak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. While the exact story of its creation is debated, it is widely acknowledged that the Philly cheesesteak was invented in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1930s.
According to one account, the origins of the Philly cheesesteak can be traced back to Pat and Harry Olivieri, who owned a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia. One day, tired of hot dogs, Pat suggested that his brother Harry buy some beef. Harry grilled the beef with onions, and they piled the meat onto rolls. A cab driver arrived for lunch, smelled the meat and onions, and demanded one of the sandwiches. The Olivieri brothers' sandwich quickly gained popularity, leading Pat to open his own restaurant, which still operates today as Pat's King of Steaks.
There is some dispute over when and how cheese was first added to the sandwich. According to Pat's son, Herb Olivieri, American cheese was first added by "Cocky Joe" Lorenza, a manager at the Ridge Avenue location in March 1951. However, other accounts suggest that cheese was not included in the Philly cheesesteak until the 1940s, when a manager at Pat's King of Steaks added melted provolone. Cheez Whiz, a popular processed cheese sauce, was first added to the sandwich at Pat's South Philadelphia location by Frank Olivieri Sr. in the late 1950s.
Today, there are many variations of the Philly cheesesteak, with different types of cheese, bread, and toppings used. While some purists insist on provolone or Cheez Whiz on an Amoroso roll, others have suggested using shredded sharp cheddar, American cheese, mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta. The sandwich has become a staple food in Philadelphia, with many independently owned, family-run businesses serving their own versions. It has also gained popularity outside of Philadelphia, with variations appearing in fast-food chains and high-end restaurants.
The Perfect Cheeseburger: When to Add Cheese?
You may want to see also
The great Philly cheese steak debate
The Great Philly Cheesesteak Debate
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that inspires strong feelings, especially when it comes to the "correct" way to make it. While the basic components are simple—a long roll filled with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese—there are many ways to customize a cheesesteak, and people have strong opinions about what does and doesn't belong.
Mustard or No Mustard?
Mustard is a common condiment, and it's not unusual to see it paired with steak. But when it comes to Philly cheesesteaks, the idea of adding mustard has sparked a fierce debate. Some people argue that mustard has no place on a cheesesteak, claiming that it makes the sandwich tangy and that it simply doesn't belong on this particular combination of ingredients. They believe that a classic Philly cheesesteak is perfect as it is and doesn't need any additional sauces or toppings beyond the steak and cheese.
However, others disagree, saying that it's not uncommon to add mustard to a cheesesteak. Some Philly shop owners have confirmed that quite a few people order mustard on their cheesesteaks, and some social media users have backed this up, saying they've been doing it since they were kids. Even some variations of the sandwich, like the Garden steak/cheesesteak hoagie, include mustard-based condiments like salad dressing.
A Matter of Taste
At the end of the day, the question of whether to include mustard on a Philly cheesesteak comes down to individual taste. While some purists may argue that the sandwich should only include certain traditional ingredients, others embrace the idea of customization and experimentation. People enjoy different flavours and textures, and adding or removing ingredients is a way to make a dish more appealing to personal preferences.
So, while the debate over mustard on a Philly cheesesteak may continue to divide opinions, it ultimately comes down to what each person enjoys. Whether it's a classic combination of steak and cheese or a more adventurous variation with additional toppings, the Philly cheesesteak remains a beloved and iconic sandwich.
Meats and Cheeses: The Perfect Pairing Techniques
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
While some people believe that mustard has no place on a Philly cheese sandwich, it is not unusual to get mustard on a cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Philly shop owners say that adding the spicy condiment is more common than people think.
Many people believe that a cheesesteak shouldn't be tangy, and mustard has no place on the Philly staple. However, others say that quite a few people get mustard on their steaks in Philadelphia.
Some other sauces that go well with a Philly cheese sandwich include horseradish mayo, garlic, black pepper, ranch, hot sauce, and Sriracha.
