The Philly cheese steak sandwich is a beloved American classic that has been satisfying the taste buds of people for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich consists of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all piled high on a crusty roll. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect Philly cheese steak sandwich, just like the ones you find in Philadelphia.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheese Steak
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Philly cheese steak. The origins of this sandwich are disputed, but it is widely believed to have been invented in the 1930s by a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri in Philadelphia. Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to hungry taxi cab drivers, and the sandwich quickly gained popularity. Over time, cheese was added to the sandwich, and the Philly cheese steak was born.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Philly cheese steak sandwich, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 4 slices of cheese (such as Cheez Whiz, provolone, or mozzarella)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: ketchup, mustard, pickles, and hot peppers
Equipment:
- Large skillet or griddle
- Cutting board
- Meat slicer (optional)
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Spatula
- Tongs
Preparing the Steak
The key to a great Philly cheese steak is the quality of the steak. You want to use a thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak that is tender and flavorful. If you have a meat slicer, use it to slice the steak into thin strips. If not, you can use a sharp knife to slice the steak into thin strips.
Tips for Slicing the Steak:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the steak, as a dull knife will tear the meat.
- Slice the steak against the grain, as this will make it more tender.
- Slice the steak into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
Cooking the Steak
Once you have sliced the steak, it’s time to cook it. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced steak to the skillet.
Cooking Tips:
- Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be at least 130°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent the steak from cooking evenly. Cook the steak in batches if necessary.
Sautéing the Onions
While the steak is cooking, you can start sautéing the onions. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat, and add the sliced onions. Cook the onions for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and translucent.
Tips for Sautéing the Onions:
- Use a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or a Maui onion, for the best flavor.
- Cook the onions over medium heat, as high heat can burn the onions.
- Stir the onions frequently to prevent them from burning.
Assembling the Sandwich
Once the steak and onions are cooked, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Slice the hoagie rolls in half, and place them on a baking sheet. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of the roll, followed by a few slices of steak and some sautéed onions.
Assembly Tips:
- Use a high-quality cheese that melts well, such as Cheez Whiz or provolone.
- Add the cheese to the bottom half of the roll, as this will help it melt evenly.
- Add the steak and onions on top of the cheese, and place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
Melting the Cheese
To melt the cheese, place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Melting Tips:
- Use a broiler to melt the cheese, as this will give it a nice, golden brown color.
- Keep an eye on the cheese, as it can burn quickly.
- Use a spatula to remove the sandwich from the baking sheet, as the cheese can be sticky.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the cheese is melted, the sandwich is ready to be served. You can add your favorite toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, pickles, and hot peppers.
Serving Tips:
- Serve the sandwich immediately, as the cheese can congeal quickly.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich, as a dull knife can tear the meat.
- Enjoy the sandwich with your favorite sides, such as fries or a salad.
Variations on the Classic Philly Cheese Steak
While the classic Philly cheese steak is a timeless favorite, there are many variations on this sandwich that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
Chicken Philly Cheese Steak:
- Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of steak.
- Add some diced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions.
Veggie Philly Cheese Steak:
- Use thinly sliced portobello mushrooms instead of steak.
- Add some diced zucchini and eggplant to the skillet with the onions.
Conclusion
The Philly cheese steak sandwich is a beloved American classic that is easy to make and fun to eat. With its tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, this sandwich is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a native Philadelphian or just a fan of the sandwich, this guide will help you make the perfect Philly cheese steak sandwich every time.
What is a traditional Philly cheese steak sandwich?
A traditional Philly cheese steak sandwich is a sandwich made with thinly sliced beefsteak, typically ribeye or top round, and melted cheese, usually Cheez Whiz or provolone. The sandwich is typically served on a hoagie roll and is often accompanied by sautéed onions and bell peppers.
The traditional Philly cheese steak sandwich originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a staple of the city’s cuisine. The sandwich is often associated with Pat’s King of Steaks, a restaurant in Philadelphia that claims to have invented the sandwich in the 1930s. However, the true origins of the sandwich are disputed, and several other restaurants in Philadelphia also claim to have created the dish.
What type of cheese is best for a Philly cheese steak sandwich?
The best type of cheese for a Philly cheese steak sandwich is a matter of personal preference, but the most traditional options are Cheez Whiz and provolone. Cheez Whiz is a popular choice because it melts well and has a creamy texture that complements the beef and vegetables. Provolone is also a popular choice because it has a mild flavor and a smooth texture that melts well.
Other types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, can also be used on a Philly cheese steak sandwich, but they may not be as traditional. Some people also like to use a combination of cheeses, such as Cheez Whiz and provolone, for a unique flavor. Ultimately, the type of cheese to use is up to personal preference.
How do I slice the beef for a Philly cheese steak sandwich?
To slice the beef for a Philly cheese steak sandwich, it’s best to use a sharp knife and slice the beef against the grain. This means slicing the beef in the direction of the fibers, rather than across them. Slicing the beef against the grain will help to make it more tender and easier to chew.
It’s also important to slice the beef thinly, so that it cooks quickly and evenly. A good rule of thumb is to slice the beef into thin strips that are about 1/4 inch thick. This will help to ensure that the beef is cooked to the right temperature and is tender and flavorful.
Can I use other types of meat on a Philly cheese steak sandwich?
While traditional Philly cheese steak sandwiches are made with beef, other types of meat can also be used. Some popular alternatives include chicken, pork, and steak. Chicken and pork can be sliced thinly and cooked in a similar way to beef, while steak can be sliced into thin strips and cooked to the desired level of doneness.
Other types of meat, such as turkey or roast beef, can also be used on a Philly cheese steak sandwich. However, these meats may not be as traditional and may change the flavor and texture of the sandwich. Ultimately, the type of meat to use is up to personal preference.
How do I cook the onions and bell peppers for a Philly cheese steak sandwich?
To cook the onions and bell peppers for a Philly cheese steak sandwich, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they are tender and lightly browned.
It’s best to cook the onions and bell peppers separately from the beef, so that they can be cooked to the right level of doneness. The onions and bell peppers should be cooked until they are tender and lightly browned, while the beef should be cooked to the desired level of doneness.
What type of bread is best for a Philly cheese steak sandwich?
The best type of bread for a Philly cheese steak sandwich is a hoagie roll. A hoagie roll is a type of Italian bread that is long and crusty, with a soft interior. The hoagie roll is perfect for a Philly cheese steak sandwich because it is sturdy enough to hold the filling, but still soft and easy to bite into.
Other types of bread, such as a sub roll or a baguette, can also be used for a Philly cheese steak sandwich. However, a hoagie roll is the most traditional choice and is often preferred by locals in Philadelphia.
Can I make a Philly cheese steak sandwich in advance?
While it’s possible to make a Philly cheese steak sandwich in advance, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving. This is because the bread can become soggy if it’s assembled too far in advance, and the cheese can become congealed.
If you need to make a Philly cheese steak sandwich in advance, it’s best to cook the beef and vegetables separately and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sandwich. Then, simply assemble the sandwich and cook it in a skillet or griddle until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.