Randy Chandler
The cheesesteak sandwich, also known as the Philly cheesesteak, is a popular fast-food item that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is made with thinly sliced beefsteak, grilled onions, and melted cheese, typically American cheese, provolone, or Cheez Whiz, served on a long hoagie roll. While the classic Philly cheesesteak is usually served without condiments, as the cheese, onions, and peppers are considered enough to enhance the flavor, some people do add ketchup to their sandwich. Although adding ketchup to a Philly cheesesteak is generally acceptable, it is frowned upon by many Philadelphians, who believe that the sandwich has enough flavor and moisture from the melted cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether ketchup is added | Ketchup is usually not added to cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, but it is generally acceptable to add it. |
| Why ketchup may be added | Ketchup can enhance the flavor and moisture of the sandwich. |
| Why ketchup may not be added | The cheesesteak is flavorful and moist enough without ketchup due to the melted cheese. |
| Other condiments | Other condiments that can be added include hot sauce, mustard, horseradish, pickles, peppers, and garlic. |
| Type of cheese | The cheese used is typically American cheese, provolone, or Cheez Whiz. |
| How the cheese is melted | The cheese can be melted by the heat of the meat, or it can be flipped so that it touches the grill. |
| Other ingredients | In addition to beef and cheese, the sandwich typically includes onions, salt, and pepper. |
| Bread | The bread used is typically a hoagie roll, specifically an Amoroso roll. |
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What You'll Learn
- Philly cheesesteaks are typically served without condiments
- Ketchup can enhance the flavour and moisture of a cheesesteak
- Citizens of Philadelphia usually do not add ketchup to their cheesesteaks
- Cheese and ketchup can taste good together in the right circumstances
- Other condiments include hot sauce, mustard, horseradish, and pickles
Philly cheesesteaks are typically served without condiments
The cheesesteak sandwich, also known as the Philly cheesesteak, is a popular regional fast food with its roots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was developed in the early 20th century and is typically made with thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and a long hoagie roll. While there is some variation in the ingredients used, Philly cheesesteaks are traditionally served without condiments.
The classic Philly cheesesteak is said to have enough flavour from its core ingredients and doesn't require any additional sauces or condiments. The cheesesteak is often considered to be a complete dish on its own, with the combination of juicy steak, melted cheese, and grilled onions providing a balance of flavours and textures. The cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak is typically American cheese, provolone, or Cheez Whiz, all of which are known for their creamy and savoury qualities. The addition of grilled onions also contributes to the overall moisture and flavour of the sandwich.
While some people may choose to add ketchup to their cheesesteaks, especially if the sandwich is dry or bland, it is generally not considered a traditional condiment for this dish. Citizens of Philadelphia, where the sandwich originated, typically do not add ketchup to their Philly cheesesteaks. They believe that the ketchup can overwhelm the other ingredients and ruin the classic flavour profile of the sandwich.
However, it's important to note that preferences and tastes may vary, and some people may enjoy the addition of ketchup or other condiments to their Philly cheesesteak. The beauty of this iconic sandwich is that it can be customised to suit individual tastes, with options to add or remove ingredients like onions, peppers, or different types of cheese.
In conclusion, while the Philly cheesesteak is traditionally served without condiments, there is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to personal preferences. The sandwich has become a beloved staple in Philadelphia and beyond, offering a hearty and flavourful experience that can be tailored to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
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Ketchup can enhance the flavour and moisture of a cheesesteak
A cheesesteak, also known as a Philadelphia cheesesteak, is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beef steak, cheese, and a long hoagie roll. It is a popular regional fast food that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While a traditional cheesesteak does not require ketchup, as the melted cheese, onions, and peppers are usually enough to provide flavour and moisture, some people may choose to add ketchup to enhance the flavour and moisture of the sandwich.
Ketchup can enhance the flavour of a cheesesteak by cutting through the richness of the cheese and enhancing its overall flavour. The tartness of ketchup can add sweet and savoury notes to the sandwich, especially if the cheese is mild. In addition, the savoury notes of ketchup can complement the beef in a cheesesteak, similar to how ketchup is commonly paired with burgers and other beef dishes.
Ketchup can also add moisture to a cheesesteak, especially if the sandwich is dry or bland. The moisture added by ketchup can help to improve the texture and mouthfeel of the sandwich, making it more enjoyable to eat. This is especially true if the cheesesteak is overcooked or made with a tougher cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, which can result in a drier sandwich.
While most people from Philadelphia do not add ketchup to their cheesesteaks, it is generally acceptable to do so. Adding ketchup to a cheesesteak can be a matter of personal preference, and some people may find that it improves the flavour and texture of the sandwich. However, others may believe that ketchup ruins the flavour of a traditional cheesesteak and that the sandwich does not need any additional condiments.
In conclusion, while a traditional Philly cheesesteak does not include ketchup, adding ketchup can enhance the flavour and moisture of the sandwich. Ketchup can complement the cheese and beef in a cheesesteak, and it can also improve the texture by adding moisture, especially to drier sandwiches. Ultimately, whether or not to add ketchup to a cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference, and people can experiment with different condiments to find their preferred flavour profile.
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Citizens of Philadelphia usually do not add ketchup to their cheesesteaks
The cheesesteak sandwich, also known as the Philly cheesesteak, is a popular regional fast food that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is made with thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak, cheese, and a long hoagie roll. While ketchup is a commonly used condiment on sandwiches, citizens of Philadelphia usually do not add ketchup to their cheesesteaks.
There are several reasons why Philadelphians do not typically add ketchup to their cheesesteaks. Firstly, the cheesesteak is considered to have enough flavour and moisture from the melted cheese, onions, and peppers, making ketchup unnecessary. Adding ketchup to a cheesesteak is often seen as a way to enhance the flavour and moisture of a dry or bland sandwich. However, a well-made Philly cheesesteak should not have these issues, rendering ketchup unnecessary.
Another reason is cultural and traditional. The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved and iconic dish in Philadelphia, and altering it from its traditional form is frowned upon by locals. Adding ketchup to a cheesesteak is often seen as a sin or an unacceptable deviation from the classic recipe. This cultural preference for keeping the sandwich in its original form is a significant factor in why citizens of Philadelphia do not typically add ketchup.
Additionally, the combination of cheese and ketchup is a matter of personal preference. While some people enjoy the combination, especially in sandwiches, others may find that the tartness of ketchup does not complement the richness of the cheese in a cheesesteak. Philadelphians may simply prefer the taste of a cheesesteak without ketchup, as it allows the flavours of the steak, cheese, and other ingredients to shine through without being overwhelmed.
While citizens of Philadelphia typically do not add ketchup to their cheesesteaks, it is ultimately a matter of individual choice. Some people may enjoy the addition of ketchup, especially if they feel it enhances the flavour or moisture of the sandwich. However, the traditional Philly cheesesteak is usually enjoyed without ketchup, as it is considered a complete dish on its own, with a balance of flavours and textures that do not require additional condiments.
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Cheese and ketchup can taste good together in the right circumstances
The cheesesteak sandwich, also known as the Philly cheesesteak, is a popular regional fast food that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is typically made with thinly sliced beefsteak, grilled onions, and melted cheese, served on a long hoagie roll. While the classic cheesesteak does not include condiments, as the cheese, onions, and peppers are thought to provide enough flavour, some people do choose to add ketchup to their sandwich. Although adding ketchup to a cheesesteak is considered a "sin" by some Philadelphians, cheese and ketchup can taste good together in the right circumstances.
The combination of cheese and ketchup is often enjoyed in sandwiches, as the tartness of ketchup can cut through the richness of the cheese while enhancing its overall flavour. This can be especially true for mild cheeses, which may benefit from the addition of ketchup's sweet and savoury notes. Similarly, ketchup can improve the flavour of a dry or bland cheesesteak by adding moisture and savouriness to the sandwich.
While the classic Philly cheesesteak typically includes American cheese, provolone, or Cheez Whiz, the choice of cheese can vary depending on personal preference. Some people may prefer the sharpness of extra-sharp provolone, while others may opt for the creaminess of melted American cheese. Ultimately, the choice of cheese and the decision to add ketchup come down to individual taste and the desired flavour profile of the sandwich.
It's worth noting that adding tomato sauce or ketchup to a Philly cheesesteak can result in a variation called a "pizza steak." This name likely arises from the fact that the flavours of the beef and cheese could be overpowered by the tomato sauce. However, this variation may be appealing to those who enjoy the combination of tomato sauce and cheese, reminiscent of pizza or pasta dishes.
In conclusion, while the classic Philly cheesesteak is typically served without ketchup, the combination of cheese and ketchup can be enjoyable in certain contexts. The addition of ketchup can enhance the flavour and moisture of the sandwich, especially if the cheesesteak is dry or lacking in flavour. Ultimately, the decision to add ketchup to a cheesesteak comes down to personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this controversial condiment.
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Other condiments include hot sauce, mustard, horseradish, and pickles
The cheesesteak is a sandwich made of thinly sliced beef, typically frozen chip steak, cooked on a griddle and served on a sliced roll with cheese and either "wit" or "witout" onions. The cheese is usually American cheese, provolone, or melted Cheez Whiz. The cheesesteak is believed to have originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s when brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri created the steak sandwich while operating a hot dog stand.
While some cheesesteak purists insist that the sandwich should be enjoyed without any condiments, others argue that the beauty of the cheesesteak is that it can be customized to one's own preferences. In Philadelphia, the condiment of choice is often ketchup, while other parts of the country prefer mayonnaise. However, some Philadelphians also enjoy their cheesesteaks with mustard, hot sauce, horseradish, or pickles. Those who use ketchup believe that it helps to cut through the fat and cheese, especially if the sandwich is too dry. On the other hand, some argue that ketchup cheapens the taste of a good cheesesteak.
Other popular condiments and ingredients for cheesesteaks include hot sauce, Sriracha, sweet and hot peppers, garlic, lettuce, and tomato. Some people also enjoy adding steak sauce, mayonnaise, bacon, or mushrooms to their cheesesteaks. Ultimately, the choice of condiments and ingredients comes down to individual preference, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to top a cheesesteak.
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