Philly Cheese Steak Recipe: Authentic and Delicious

Are you a fan of bold, savory, and satisfying dishes? Look no further than the Philly Cheesesteak, a staple of American cuisine, and its home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Renowned for its juicy steak, melty cheese, and soft bread, this sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience. This guide will walk you through how to create an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, helping you bring a slice of Philly right to your kitchen.

Understanding the Philly Cheesesteak

Before we dive into the recipe, let's understand what makes a Philly Cheesesteak authentic:

• The Steak: Traditionally, top round or rib-eye steak is used. It's thinly sliced, ensuring it cooks quickly and remains tender.
• The Cheese: While provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz are the most common, the choice of cheese can be quite personal.
• The Bread: The sandwich roll must be soft yet sturdy enough to hold the steak and dripping cheese without becoming soggy. The Amoroso roll from Philly is ideal, but any good Italian roll will do.
• Onions: They're often cooked with the steak to add sweetness and caramelization. Some opt for green peppers and mushrooms as well.

Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 to 1.5 pounds of top round or rib-eye steak
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• Provolone cheese (or your choice of cheese)
• 4 slices of Italian hoagie rolls
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak:

1. Partially freeze the steak to make slicing easier. Slice it as thinly as possible against the grain.
2. Season the steak slices with salt and pepper.

Cook the Onions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly until they caramelize, about 10-15 minutes. Remove onions from the skillet.

Cook the Steak:

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. When hot, add the steak slices, cooking quickly to sear the outside while keeping the inside pink. Do this in batches if necessary.
2. Once cooked, you can break the meat down to smaller pieces or keep it in larger chunks.

Assemble the Sandwich:

1. Return the onions to the skillet and mix with the steak, reheating if necessary.
2. Divide the mixture into four parts on the skillet.
3. Lay cheese slices over each section of steak and onion, allowing it to melt.
4. If using a long roll, cut it into sandwich-sized portions, or if you have smaller rolls, just scoop the meat and onions onto them.

💡 Note: Some purists prefer their Cheesesteak "Wit" (with onions) or "Witout" (without onions), but feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, or whatever else you fancy.

Variations:

• Pizza Steak: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
• Mushroom Cheesesteak: Sautéed mushrooms can be a great addition.
• Chicken Cheesesteak: Substitute steak with thinly sliced chicken breast.

Serving Tips:

• Serve your Philly Cheesesteak hot, right out of the skillet, so the cheese is still melting.
• Accompany with a cold drink, like beer or a soda, to counterbalance the richness of the sandwich.

By following these steps, you've crafted an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, ready to serve and savor. The beauty of this sandwich lies in its simplicity, allowing the flavors of the steak, cheese, and onions to shine through, all cradled within a delightful roll. Enjoy your homemade version of this iconic Philly treat, perfect for game days, casual dinners, or whenever you're in the mood for something truly satisfying.

The allure of the Philly Cheesesteak goes beyond just the delicious ingredients; it's an experience tied to the rich culinary history of Philadelphia. From street corner stands to high-end steakhouses, this sandwich is a culinary symbol of the city's heart and soul. With our recipe, you've not only tasted a piece of Philly's history but also brought its legendary sandwich into your own kitchen, ready to be enjoyed by family and friends.

Now, let's dive into some frequently asked questions about the Philly Cheesesteak:

Can I use other cuts of beef for a Cheesesteak?

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Yes, while rib-eye or top round are traditional, you can use other cuts like sirloin if you slice them thin enough.

What’s the best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak?

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Provolone, American cheese, or Cheez Whiz are the most authentic. However, any cheese that melts well can work.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

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Yes, you can replace the steak with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and peppers, along with a vegetarian cheese substitute.