I. Introduction
There are few things more iconic to Philadelphia than the delectable Philly cheesesteak sandwich. This delicious sandwich is a staple part of any foodie’s diet, not only in Philadelphia, but all over the world. While it may seem like a simple sandwich to make, there are some tricks and techniques that set apart the perfect Philly cheesesteak from the average one.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Philly cheesesteak, from sourcing the best ingredients to assembling the sandwich to perfection. We will also explore the history of this iconic sandwich, offer tips for beginners, discuss the health benefits of cheesesteak, and even tell you where to go to get the best Philly cheesesteak in town.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
A. Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you will need to make the perfect Philly cheesesteak. Here are the key ingredients:
- 1 lb of ribeye steak, sliced thinly
- 4 hoagie rolls or soft Italian bread (12 inches long each)
- 8-12 slices of provolone cheese
- 1 large onion, sliced thinly
- 2-3 green bell peppers, sliced thinly
- Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil or butter for frying
B. Preparation
The key to the perfect Philly cheesesteak is in the preparation of the ingredients. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Start by removing the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and is tender.
- Season the sliced meat with salt and black pepper. You could also use other seasonings you prefer.
- In a large skillet pan, heat up some oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned steak to the hot skillet pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add the sliced onions, green peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Cook until the vegetables are soft and the steak is cooked to your liking. Make sure you keep stirring frequently to avoid burning the vegetables.
C. Assemble
Once the steak, onions, and peppers are done cooking, it’s time to assemble your Philly cheesesteak to perfection. Here are the steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut the hoagie rolls or Italian bread lengthwise, but not all the way through.
- Place 2-3 slices of provolone cheese on one side of the bread.
- Place the steak, onions, and peppers on top of the cheese.
- Place the sandwich in the oven for approximately 5 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted.
- Take the sandwich out and close the sandwich, pressing down gently on the top bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
D. Tips
Here are some tips to help you serve, enjoy and store your Philly cheesesteak:
- The perfect Philly cheesesteak should be served hot, and freshly cooked.
- Once assembled, wrap the sandwich in it’s wrapping paper and let the sandwich cool down before wrapping in foil if desired.
- For storing the leftover steak, we suggest separating the meat and cheese, and storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for no more than 4 days.
III. Tips for Beginners
A. Avoiding Common Mistakes
While making a Philly cheesesteak is a relatively simple process, there are a few mistakes that beginners often make. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that you make the best Philly cheesesteak possible.
- Choosing the wrong cut of meat – it is essential that you use thinly sliced ribeye steak when preparing your Philly cheesesteak.
- Not seasoning the steak properly – While steak is naturally flavourful, adding a little salt and pepper can help enhance its taste.
- Using the wrong type of cheese – Provolone cheese is the go-to when it comes to Philly cheesesteak, but a mixture of provolone and American cheese can also be used.
- Not cooking the onions and peppers enough – Your veggies should still retain their crispiness, but still, have that desired softness and caramel quality when it comes to onions.
- Not heating up the bread – Toasting the bread can help in elevating the taste of the sandwich.
B. Personal Tastes
If you prefer your Philly cheesesteak a little differently, there are a few ways you can personalize it to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Using different types of cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss are all great options to add a different flavour to your Philly Cheesesteak.
- Adding different vegetables – you could consider adding jalapenos, banana peppers, or other vegetables to spice it up!
- Using different bread – you can use focaccia, French baguette, or any other bread you love. Just remember to toast it slightly to get a crispy crust.
- Adding hot sauce or mayonnaise – Adding hot sauce can bring in the needed spiciness and using mayo could add some creaminess that pairs well with steak and cheese.
C. Selecting the Right Toppings
Choosing the right toppings for your Philly cheesesteak is just as crucial as using the right ingredients. Here are some topping suggestions:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Banana peppers
- Sweet peppers
- Jalapeños
- Roasted garlic
IV. History of the Philly Cheesesteak
A. Origin and Evolution
The history of the Philly cheesesteak dates back to the 1930s when hot dogs and sausages were considered some of the only affordable and easily accessible foods in Philadelphia. However, Pat and Harry Olivieri, two brothers who owned a hot dog stand in South Philly, wanted to provide an affordable and filling meal for their customers.
So, they began slicing ribeye steak and placing it on a roll and soon realised that by adding some onions and cheese, they had created a new “Philly steak sandwich.” This quickly became a local favourite and soon expanded all over the city, making the Philly cheesesteak a national treasure.
B. Iconic Food
For over 85 years, the Philly cheesesteak has been one of the most beloved sandwiches in the United States. It has not only become a staple part of Philadelphian cuisine, but its fame has spread around the world.
C. Variations
The Philly cheesesteak has evolved over the years, taking on different variations based on personal preferences. Here are some of the variations:
- Chicken Cheesesteak – Swap out the beef for chicken
- Pizza Steak – Adding marinara sauce, green pepper, and mushrooms to the Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
- Vegan “Cheesesteak” – Replacing meat with crispy seitan, soy protein, or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian/ vegan version.
- Cheese Wiz Cheesesteak -Replace the provolone cheese with the original Cheese Whiz.
V. Best Philly Cheesesteaks in Town
Although making the perfect Philly cheesesteak in the comfort of your own home is always the best option, sometimes, you want to venture out and try other interpretations of this legendary sandwich. Here are some of the best places to get the most authentic Philly Cheesesteak in town:
- Pat’s King of Steaks: 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA
- Geno’s Steaks: 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA
- Steve’s Prince of Steaks: 41 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA
- Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies: 600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA
- Jim’s Steaks: 431 N 62nd St, Philadelphia, PA
VI. Health Benefits Of Philly Cheesesteak
A. Nutritional Benefits
If made with the correct components, the Philly cheesesteak sandwich is not only delicious, but it also has nutritional benefits. Some of them are:
- Good source of minerals – Steak contains essential minerals like zinc, iron, and phosphorus.
- Protein-Rich – Contains high levels of protein that helps build muscle mass and lower fat.
- Veggies – The sandwich contains healthy vegetables like onions and bell peppers that are high in vitamin C, which is crucial for a healthy immune system.
B. Modifying the Recipe
If you are concerned about the health factor, you can make a few smart swaps to your Philly cheesesteak sandwich. These are some of the tips you can consider:
- Use lean meat like sirloin, which is lower in calories than traditional ribeye steak.
- Choose low-fat cheese or replace it with non-dairy cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
- Served with additional vegetables like mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado to get more fibre and nutrients.
VII. Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak is one of the most iconic and beloved sandwich options in the United States. While making the perfect Philly cheesesteak at home may seem challenging, with the right ingredients and following the steps outlined in this article, you can make a delicious Philly cheesesteak at home that will rival any restaurant. We hope that our guide will inspire you to try your hand at making a fantastic Philly cheesesteak!
If you enjoyed this article, you may be interested in discovering other popular American dishes, such as the hamburger or chili.
