The Philly cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich—it’s a symbol of Philadelphia’s rich culinary tradition. Born in the City of Brotherly Love, this iconic dish consists of thinly sliced beef, gooey melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all packed into a warm hoagie roll. Here's an overview of its history and a foolproof recipe to make this mouthwatering sandwich at home.
The History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The cheesesteak's origin dates back to the 1930s, when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia, decided to cook some beef on his grill and place it in a roll. As the story goes, a taxi driver passing by smelled the sizzling steak and requested one for himself. The sandwich was an instant hit, and soon Pat opened a shop—Pat’s King of Steaks—which still operates today.
Cheese wasn’t originally part of the sandwich. It was added later, with Cheez Whiz, provolone, and American cheese becoming popular options.
Key Ingredients of a Philly Cheesesteak
Bread: The foundation of any great cheesesteak is the roll. An authentic Philly cheesesteak uses a soft hoagie roll, typically 6 to 12 inches long. The roll should be sturdy enough to hold the fillings but soft enough to absorb the juices.
Meat: Thinly sliced ribeye steak is the traditional choice for the cheesesteak. It’s flavorful and tender, with the right amount of fat to create a juicy sandwich.
Cheese: There’s some debate over which cheese is the "right" choice. Cheez Whiz is a popular option, but provolone and American cheese are also common and delicious.
Onions: Sautéed onions add a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory beef.
Optional Toppings: While some purists prefer their cheesesteak with just meat, cheese, and onions, others enjoy additional toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, and hot sauce.
Classic Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ribeye steak, thinly sliced
4 hoagie rolls
1 onion, thinly sliced
8 oz (225g) provolone cheese, Cheez Whiz, or American cheese
2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, hot sauce
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat:
Place your ribeye steak in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to slice the beef thinly. Once slightly firm, use a sharp knife to cut the steak into thin strips or chop it into small pieces.
Cook the Onions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown. If using additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, cook them along with the onions.
Cook the Steak:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Increase the heat to high and add the thinly sliced steak to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Melt the Cheese:
Lower the heat to medium and place the cheese (slices or Cheez Whiz) on top of the steak. Allow the cheese to melt into the meat. If using slices of provolone or American cheese, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Split open your hoagie rolls and load them with the steak, onions, and melted cheese mixture. Serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade Philly cheesesteak!
Tips for the Best Cheesesteak
Meat Selection: Ribeye is the most common cut used, but some people also opt for sirloin as a more affordable alternative.
Cheese Melt: If you prefer gooey cheese throughout, chop the steak into small pieces, so it blends well with the melted cheese.
Bread Quality: Look for fresh hoagie rolls from a bakery or grocery store. A sturdy roll that can handle the juices without getting soggy is key.
Variations
Chicken Cheesesteak: Substitute the ribeye for thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter version.
Pepper Cheesesteak: Add sautéed bell peppers to the onions for a little extra crunch and sweetness.
Mushroom Cheesesteak: Sauté mushrooms along with the onions to give the sandwich a rich, earthy flavor.
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that has transcended its humble beginnings to become a beloved American classic. Whether you’re a fan of the original with Cheez Whiz or prefer provolone, this sandwich offers something for everyone. Making it at home is surprisingly simple, and with this recipe, you can enjoy a taste of Philly no matter where you are.
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