If you live outside of the US, your first question might be – what’s a Philly cheesesteak? And bar the ingredients in its name, what’s ON a Philly cheesesteak? I’m here to demystify this delicious feat of American cooking, one that came from a pair of brothers running a hot dog stand in its namesake city – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is believed to have been invented in the 1930s when chopped steak and onions were put inside an Italian roll. Only later would cheese be added to truly turn it into a “cheese steak” sandwich. Since then, it’s been reinvented in a variety of different ways from chicken to vegan seitan – but the classic remains a classic. My Philly steak sandwich recipe stays true to the authentic original. It brings plenty of delicious flavor with traditional ingredients – steak, cheese, onion, and plenty of sauce. Philly cheese steak recipes are best enjoyed when they’re fresh. If you find yourself craving something a little bit spicy, packed full of flavor, and a true American staple, this Philly cheesesteak recipe is just the thing.
Philly Cheesesteak Ingredients
Beef steak: There are more details below about the perfect cut of meat to use in a cheese steak recipe. But, spoiler alert, you’re going to want something tender and soft. Aromatics: Yellow onions, garlic, and bell peppers are my favorites to use in this Philly cheesesteak recipe. You can use whatever color peppers you prefer – I like to use different colors for variety in the sandwich. Cheese: You can use a variety of different cheeses on your Philly cheesesteak sandwich – there are more details down below. Olive oil: You can use an alternative oil if you prefer. But olive oil will give your meat and veggies a little boost of flavor. Salt and pepper – just season to taste. For the sandwich, you’ll need bread rolls – go for a hoagie or sub-style roll or an Italian roll, as is traditional. You’ll also need butter for toasting the roll, and mayonnaise.
What Meat for Philly Cheesesteak
The best meat for Philly cheesesteak is more tender cuts that won’t be too difficult to chew. I recommend going for ribeye steak, sirloin steak, or top round. Philly cheesesteak meat shouldn’t be chuck steak or any other tough cuts. So for the perfect steak and hoagie sandwich, softer is always better. Alternatively, you can replace the cheesesteak with chicken or a vegan alternative. Soy-based faux-meats or seitan chicken are particularly popular in the US.
What Cheese Goes on Philly Cheesesteak
The key ingredient in any Philly steak recipe, there are lots of options for cheese on a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Traditionally, Provolone cheese is used – a soft, smoked cow’s cheese from Italy, likely because of the Italian brothers who invented it. Other people’s choices of cheese for Philly cheesesteak also include classic American cheese (white or yellow) or even Cheez Whiz. I love using slices of Provolone, just like the classic. For a complimentary steak and cheese recipe, pick a cheese with a mild, milky flavor, like Swiss. A cheese that won’t take away from the spices and the meat. Alternatively, you can forgo the cheese altogether.
Philly Cheesesteak Seasoning
Aromatics are super important for complimenting the flavor of the meat. I love using caramelized onion and bell peppers for a hint of sweetness to this very savory meal. Philly cheese steak recipes can vary wildly depending on what you order. Some popular additions include mushrooms, hot peppers, fried tomatoes, jalapeños, and lettuce. Play around with the recipe, combine a few of your favorites, and invent a Philly steak recipe for yourself!
What Sauce Goes with Philly Cheesesteak
Mayo is the top choice in the best Philly cheese steak recipe. You can swap it for roasted garlic butter, or your traditional garlic aioli. These are a great compliment to the melted cheese and meat. Ketchup is also acceptable, though loyalists may not be so fond. If you want a bit more heat and depth of flavor, Worcestershire sauce or horseradish are great options that complement beef well. You can also omit the sauce entirely if you prefer.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
There are just a few easy steps to follow Prep the Veg and Meat Cut up the peppers and onions thinly. Mince the garlic. Cut the beef into thin slices – paper thin is best. Cutting it when the beef is a little bit frozen will make it much easier to get thinly sliced steak. To do so, first, place the steak in the freezer. Give it around 30 minutes to an hour and then slice it. Cook the Veg and Meat Add half of the oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once warm, add the onions and sauté for a few minutes to caramelize them, stirring occasionally. Then, add the garlic and sauté for one minute. Add the peppers and cook for a few minutes to soften them. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside. Pour in the rest of the oil, turn up to high heat, and add the thinly-sliced beef. Sprinkle well with salt and pepper, then cook for three minutes, flip, then cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Once the meat is seared – no longer pink – add the veggies back in and turn off the heat. For cheese ease, separate the mix into four patties as shown in the photo. Add a slice of cheese over the top of each “patty” and allow it to soften and melt. Toast Hoagie Rolls for Philly Cheesesteak In the meantime, cut your chosen rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through. Butter the insides, then lightly toast them on a dry (griddle) pan for a few minutes. Watch them closely – they do burn quickly. Assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich Spread some mayo – or alternative sauce – over the toasted hoagie rolls, then add meat and vegetables, and the cheese. You can scoop each pre-made patty into the bread or place the bread over the patty and flip over with a spatula. Enjoy! If you have any leftover mixture, you can keep it in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, do so on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How to Serve a Philly Cheesesteak
This sandwich is perfect for enjoying at potlucks, picnics, cookouts, game days, and more! Serve alongside potato chips or French fries, with coleslaw or a green salad. And add a couple of Easy Pickled Cucumbers for an extra boost of flavor. Alternatively, you can use the meat and vegetable mixture to stuff vegetables with rice(like bell peppers, tomatoes, or eggplants). Or you can use it as a taco filling or serve it with pasta.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
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If you try this Phillysteak sandwich recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
