The Philly steak sandwich, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich, consisting of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on a crusty roll, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people across the country. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Philly steak sandwich, explore the essential ingredients and equipment needed to make it, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create an authentic Philly steak sandwich.
A Brief History of the Philly Steak Sandwich
The origins of the Philly steak sandwich date back to the 1930s, when a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to hungry taxi cab drivers in South Philadelphia. Olivieri’s innovative creation quickly gained popularity, and soon, his hot dog stand evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, Pat’s King of Steaks, which still operates today.
Over time, the Philly steak sandwich has undergone various transformations, with different restaurants and chefs adding their unique twists to the original recipe. However, the core ingredients and cooking techniques have remained relatively unchanged, and the sandwich continues to be a beloved staple of Philadelphia’s culinary scene.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
To make an authentic Philly steak sandwich, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Meat
- Thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak: Look for steak that is sliced against the grain, as this will ensure tenderness and ease of chewing.
- Steak seasoning: A blend of salt, pepper, and paprika is traditional, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings to suit your taste.
Produce
- Onions: Thinly sliced yellow or white onions are preferred, as they caramelize more easily than red onions.
- Bell peppers: Optional, but adds a sweet, crunchy texture to the sandwich.
- Letuce and tomato: Optional, but adds freshness and flavor to the sandwich.
Cheese
- Cheez Whiz: The original and most authentic cheese option, Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese spread that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich.
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese: Alternative cheese options that melt well and add flavor to the sandwich.
Bread
- Amoroso rolls: The traditional bread of choice for Philly steak sandwiches, Amoroso rolls are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Italian bread or hoagie rolls: Alternative bread options that work well with the sandwich.
Cooking Equipment
- Grill or grill pan: A grill or grill pan is essential for achieving the signature sear on the steak.
- Skillet or sauté pan: A skillet or sauté pan is necessary for cooking the onions and bell peppers.
- Cutting board and knife: A cutting board and knife are necessary for slicing the steak and onions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Philly Steak Sandwich
Now that we have covered the essential ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide to making a Philly steak sandwich.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil to the grill or grill pan to prevent sticking.
- Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Bell Peppers
- Heat a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan and cook until they are softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season the onions and bell peppers with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
- Slice the Amoroso roll in half and place it on a flat surface.
- Add a layer of Cheez Whiz or cheese to the bottom half of the roll.
- Add a layer of steak on top of the cheese.
- Add a layer of onions and bell peppers on top of the steak.
- Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
- Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
While the traditional Philly steak sandwich recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize and enhance the sandwich to suit your taste. Here are a few tips and variations to consider:
Use high-quality ingredients
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients are essential for making a great Philly steak sandwich. Look for thinly sliced steak, fresh produce, and high-quality cheese.
Experiment with different cheeses
- While Cheez Whiz is the traditional cheese option, feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as provolone, mozzarella, or even blue cheese.
Add some spice
- Add some heat to your Philly steak sandwich by incorporating spicy peppers, such as jalapeños or hot sauce.
Try a vegetarian version
- Substitute the steak with sliced portobello mushrooms or eggplant for a vegetarian version of the sandwich.
Conclusion
The Philly steak sandwich is a culinary icon that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people across the country. With its rich history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step guide, making an authentic Philly steak sandwich is easier than ever. Whether you’re a native Philadelphian or just a fan of the sandwich, we hope this article has inspired you to create your own delicious Philly steak sandwiches at home.
What is the traditional cut of beef used for Philly steak sandwiches?
The traditional cut of beef used for Philly steak sandwiches is thinly sliced ribeye or top round. This cut is preferred because it is tender and has a good balance of flavor and texture. The thin slices are also essential for achieving the signature Philly steak sandwich texture.
When selecting the beef, look for slices that are about 1/16 inch thick. You can also ask your butcher to slice the beef for you, as they can provide you with the perfect cut. Some stores also sell pre-sliced Philly steak meat, which can be a convenient option.
What type of cheese is traditionally used on a Philly steak sandwich?
The traditional cheese used on a Philly steak sandwich is Cheez Whiz. This may come as a surprise to some, but Cheez Whiz is a staple in Philadelphia and is often used on Philly steak sandwiches. The creamy texture and mild flavor of Cheez Whiz complement the beef and other ingredients perfectly.
If you’re not a fan of Cheez Whiz, you can also use other types of cheese such as provolone or mozzarella. However, keep in mind that these cheeses will change the flavor and texture of the sandwich slightly. Some people also like to use a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor.
What is the best type of bread to use for a Philly steak sandwich?
The best type of bread to use for a Philly steak sandwich is a crusty Italian roll. This type of bread is preferred because it is sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy. The crusty texture also provides a nice contrast to the soft beef and cheese.
When selecting a roll, look for one that is slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can also toast the roll lightly before assembling the sandwich to give it a crispy texture. Some people also like to use a hoagie roll or a sub roll, but a crusty Italian roll is the traditional choice.
How do I cook the beef for a Philly steak sandwich?
The beef for a Philly steak sandwich is typically cooked in a hot skillet with some oil and seasonings. To cook the beef, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Then, add the sliced beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
It’s essential to cook the beef quickly over high heat to achieve the signature Philly steak sandwich texture. You can also add some seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the beef while it’s cooking for extra flavor. Some people also like to add some onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the beef for added flavor.
Can I use a slow cooker to make Philly steak sandwiches?
While it’s possible to use a slow cooker to make Philly steak sandwiches, it’s not the traditional method. Slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, but they can make the beef for a Philly steak sandwich too tender and mushy.
If you do decide to use a slow cooker, make sure to slice the beef thinly and cook it on low for a short amount of time. You can also add some seasonings and onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the sandwich may be slightly different than a traditional Philly steak sandwich.
How do I assemble a Philly steak sandwich?
To assemble a Philly steak sandwich, start by placing a few slices of the cooked beef onto the roll. Then, add some cheese, such as Cheez Whiz or provolone, on top of the beef. You can also add some sautéed onions or bell peppers on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
Finally, place the top half of the roll onto the sandwich and serve immediately. Some people also like to add some ketchup or hot sauce to the sandwich for extra flavor. You can also wrap the sandwich in foil and serve it as a take-out style sandwich.
Can I customize a Philly steak sandwich to my taste?
While traditional Philly steak sandwiches are made with specific ingredients, you can definitely customize the sandwich to your taste. Some people like to add different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, while others like to add different toppings, such as bacon or mushrooms.
You can also use different types of bread or add some spreads, such as mayonnaise or mustard, to the sandwich. However, keep in mind that customizing the sandwich too much may make it less authentic. If you’re looking to try a unique twist on the traditional Philly steak sandwich, consider using different ingredients or cooking methods.