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How to Make the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak: A Classic Recipe
The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for its savory combination of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all packed into a soft hoagie roll. This indulgent sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner, and with the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak at home. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and authentic Philly cheesesteak recipe, along with a few variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
For an authentic Philly cheesesteak, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb ribeye steak (thinly sliced)
- 4 hoagie rolls (soft, preferably Amoroso rolls for authenticity)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or butter)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cheese options:
- Provolone (for a classic choice)
- Cheez Whiz (the most traditional Philly cheesesteak cheese)
- American cheese (another popular option)
- Optional: sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms (for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Steak
The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye steak. If you’re slicing the steak at home, it’s easier to slice when the meat is partially frozen. Aim for paper-thin slices, as they will cook quickly and result in a tender bite. Alternatively, you can ask your butcher to slice the steak thinly for you.
2. Sauté the Onions (and Optional Veggies)
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and caramelized. If you like peppers or mushrooms, you can sauté them with the onions at this stage. Once done, remove the onions (and veggies) from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and add the thinly sliced ribeye. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The thin slices should cook quickly and develop a bit of browning. Once cooked through, you can mix the onions (and optional peppers or mushrooms) back into the meat.
4. Melt the Cheese
There are a couple of ways to melt the cheese for a Philly cheesesteak.
- For Provolone or American Cheese: Lay slices of cheese directly on top of the steak mixture in the skillet. Cover with a lid for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese melts.
- For Cheez Whiz: Spread a generous amount of Cheez Whiz on the inside of each hoagie roll. Alternatively, you can drizzle the Cheez Whiz on top of the cooked meat.
5. Assemble the Sandwich
Once the steak, onions, and cheese are ready, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise and lightly toast them if desired. Spoon the cheesy steak mixture into each roll, ensuring a good balance of meat, cheese, and onions in every bite.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Philly cheesesteak immediately while it’s still hot and gooey. You can enjoy it as is, or with classic sides like French fries or a pickle.
Variations:
- "Whiz Wit": If you want the most traditional Philly cheesesteak experience, order it “Whiz Wit” (Cheez Whiz with onions). This is the quintessential Philadelphia style.
- With Mushrooms or Peppers: Some prefer to add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to their cheesesteaks for extra flavor and texture.
- The Chicken Cheesesteak: For a lighter twist, you can substitute the ribeye steak with thinly sliced chicken breast to make a chicken cheesesteak.
Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak:
- Bread Matters: The roll is a crucial element of the Philly cheesesteak. Amoroso rolls are the gold standard in Philadelphia, but any soft, fresh hoagie roll will do the trick. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to bite through easily.
- Slicing the Steak: To get ultra-thin slices of ribeye, it’s helpful to freeze the steak for about 30-45 minutes before slicing. This makes the meat firm and easier to cut into very thin pieces.
- Cheese Choices: While Cheez Whiz is the most iconic cheese for a Philly cheesesteak, you can opt for provolone or American cheese for a milder, creamier flavor. Some even like to mix different cheeses for added complexity.
Final Thoughts:
The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich for good reason. The combination of tender, juicy steak, gooey melted cheese, and caramelized onions packed into a fresh roll is comfort food at its best. Whether you stick with the classic Cheez Whiz or try it with provolone or American cheese, this Philly cheesesteak recipe will bring a taste of Philadelphia to your kitchen.
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