How to Make an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak?
To make an authentic Philly cheesesteak, start by thinly slicing 450g of ribeye steak.
Season the steak with 1 teaspoon each of ground black pepper and sea salt.
Heat a pan on medium-high heat and add 2.5 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Cook the steak in the butter until it is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness, stirring it constantly to keep it tender and juicy.
In a separate pan, sauté a diced sweet onion in butter until caramelized.
Once the steak is cooked, add the onions back to the pan and stir them together.
Place 7-8 slices of provolone or American cheese on top of the meat and let them melt.
While the meat and onions are cooking, lightly toast 4 hoagie rolls and spread butter or garlic butter on the inside.
Once the cheese has melted, scoop the meat, onions, and cheese mixture onto the rolls.
Serve the authentic Philly cheesesteaks hot.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The original Philly Cheesesteak was created in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia, who decided to experiment with thinly sliced beef instead.
2. Contrary to popular belief, Cheez Whiz is the most traditional cheese option for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. It was first incorporated into the recipe in the 1950s and is still widely used today.
3. The famous “Whiz wit” lingo used by locals when ordering a Philly Cheesesteak indicates that the customer wants Cheez Whiz and onions on their sandwich. “Whiz witout” means no onions.
4. One crucial element of a true Philly Cheesesteak is the roll. The classic choice for an authentic taste is the Amoroso roll, which is known for its slightly crispy exterior and soft interior that complements the filling perfectly.
5. Oddly enough, the term “Philly Cheesesteak” was not officially trademarked until 2012. This means that prior to that, anyone could use the name to market their own version of the sandwich without legal repercussions.
Types Of Cheese For Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks
When it comes to creating an authentic Philly cheesesteak, the choice of cheese is crucial. There are three types of cheese that are commonly used, each bringing its own distinct flavor and texture to the iconic sandwich.
Cheez Whiz is the first on the list, a processed cheese sauce known for its creamy consistency and tangy flavor. While some purists might scoff at its artificial nature, Cheez Whiz has become a staple in many traditional Philly cheesesteak recipes.
Provolone, a semi-hard Italian cheese with a subtle smoky taste, is another popular option. It adds a touch of sophistication and melts beautifully, creating a gooey and irresistible layer over the meat.
Lastly, American cheese, with its mild and creamy profile, is a classic choice that provides a familiar and comforting flavor to the sandwich. It’s smooth and easy to melt, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more traditional approach.
Recommended Bread For Philly Cheesesteaks
To truly capture the essence of an authentic Philly cheesesteak, the choice of bread is just as important as the meat and cheese. Hoagie rolls or Italian long rolls are the recommended types of bread to use for this sandwich.
Hoagie rolls are soft and slightly chewy, with a delicate crust that perfectly complements the tender ribeye steak. Their shape and size allow for ample filling and a satisfying bite. Italian long rolls, on the other hand, offer a similar texture and taste, but can sometimes be slightly crustier, offering a delightful contrast to the melty cheese and savory meat.
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Hoagie rolls:
- Soft and slightly chewy
- Delicate crust
- Ample filling space
- Satisfying bite
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Italian long rolls:
- Similar texture and taste to hoagie rolls
- Sometimes slightly crustier
- Offers a delightful contrast to the cheese and meat.
Traditional And Inauthentic Toppings For Philly Cheesesteaks
When it comes to toppings, there are traditional options that are considered essential for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, as well as some toppings that may be viewed as inauthentic by traditionalists.
Caramelized onions are a must-have. Their sweet and savory flavor profile adds depth and complexity to the sandwich, balancing out the richness of the meat and cheese. Sautéed mushrooms are another classic addition, offering earthy notes that complement the other flavors.
While hot peppers and green bell peppers are sometimes used, some purists argue that they stray from the true essence of a Philly cheesesteak. These toppings can provide additional texture and a hint of heat, but they are not considered traditional and may be viewed as inauthentic by some.
Variations And Additional Condiments For Philly Cheesesteaks
While the classic combination of tender ribeye steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions is undeniably delicious, there are variations to explore and additional condiments to consider.
One popular variation involves drizzling a flavorful cheese sauce over the cooked meat. This adds another layer of richness and indulgence to the sandwich, taking it to new heights of deliciousness.
For those who enjoy a touch of tanginess, condiments like ketchup or mayo can be slathered onto the roll before assembling the cheesesteak. These additions bring a different dimension to the flavors and can enhance the overall experience of the sandwich.
Tips For Preparing And Cooking The Meat For Philly Cheesesteaks
The key to a truly tender and flavorful Philly cheesesteak lies in the preparation and cooking of the meat. Here are a few tips to ensure mouthwatering results every time:
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Freeze the ribeye steak for approximately 30 minutes before slicing to achieve thin slices. This makes it easier to achieve the desired thinness. If slicing the meat yourself seems daunting, many butcher shops or grocery stores offer the service of slicing steak for you.
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Do not overcook the meat. The ribeye steak should be cooked just until it is tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Overcooking can result in a tougher texture and diminish the overall flavor.
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To prevent burning or overcooking, it is advisable to heat the pan before adding the meat. Slicing the ribeye steak as thinly as possible helps to ensure even cooking. Stirring the meat in the pan while cooking helps to keep it tender and juicy.
Steps To Assemble A Traditional Philly Cheesesteak
Step-by-step process of assembling an authentic Philly cheesesteak:
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Begin by sautéing diced onions in a pan with unsalted butter until they become soft and caramelized, releasing their sweet and savory flavors.
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Season the ribeye steak with ground black pepper and sea salt, ensuring even coating.
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In a separate pan, melt butter over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned ribeye steak until tender and reaches desired level of doneness.
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Once the ribeye steak is cooked, add the sautéed onions back to the pan and mix them with the meat.
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Add 7-8 slices of provolone or American cheese on top of the almost-cooked meat and onions, allowing the cheese to melt and create a delightful layer.
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Lightly toast the hoagie or Italian long rolls in the oven or on a pan. For extra flavor, spread butter or garlic butter on the inside of the rolls.
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Once the cheese has melted, assemble the cheesesteaks by transferring the cheesy meat and onions onto the toasted rolls, ensuring even distribution.
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Serve the authentic Philly cheesesteaks immediately and enjoy them while the cheese is still warm and melty. Accompany them with crispy french fries for the ultimate Philadelphia dining experience.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the streets of Philadelphia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak?
While the combination of thin-sliced beef, sautéed onions, and gooey melted cheese on a thick, hearty bread roll already forms a delectable Philly cheesesteak, there is a secret ingredient that takes it to another level of deliciousness. True cheesesteak aficionado Chris Pinto, a Philly native and author of the Tiki Lounge Talk blog, reveals that the addition of garlic powder enhances the flavor profile of this iconic sandwich. The subtle yet distinct hint of garlic elevates the taste experience, adding a delightful twist to an already mouthwatering classic. Whether purists embrace this secret ingredient or not, it undeniably adds an extra burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
What are you supposed to put on a Philly cheesesteak?
When it comes to topping a Philly cheesesteak, the options are plentiful. While mayo is the classic choice for sauce, you can elevate it by incorporating horseradish for an extra kick or a hint of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor. As for other toppings, it’s a matter of personal preference. Some cheesesteak aficionados opt for the simplicity of caramelized onions, while others enjoy the added textures and flavors of bell peppers or mushrooms. The beauty of a Philly cheesesteak lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
What sauce is used for Philly cheesesteak?
While traditional Philly cheesesteaks are typically served without any sauce, some variations include the use of a tangy and flavorful sauce known as garlic aioli. This creamy sauce is made by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The garlic aioli adds a delicious twist to the iconic sandwich, enhancing the flavors of the tender beef and melted cheese.
What’s the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a regular cheesesteak?
The key difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a regular cheesesteak lies in the choice of cheese. While a traditional Philly cheesesteak holds Cheez Whiz as the cheese of choice, other variations use American or provolone as common substitutes. At Chiddy’s, we believe in catering to all cheesesteak enthusiasts, welcoming those who prefer different cheese options. Regardless of the cheese choice, our focus remains on using top-quality ingredients starting with a cut of beef to ensure a memorable and delicious cheesesteak experience.