Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Different Types of Meat for Philly Cheesesteak

Ribeye is traditionally considered the ideal cut for Philly cheesesteak, but there are several valid options depending on budget and availability.

Main Cuts

• Ribeye: The premium choice for its marbling and natural tenderness. It provides the best flavor due to its fat content, although it's the most expensive cut.
• Sirloin: Specifically, petite sirloin is an excellent more economical alternative. It's tender enough and thinner, which makes cutting easier. Top sirloin also works well.
• Top Round: A common and traditional option, especially considering the sandwich's Italian origins. It's leaner but remains a viable option.

Special Considerations

• Look for meat with good fat marbling, as this will ensure a richer and juicier flavor in the final sandwich.
• Check that the meat has a bright and uniform red color, avoiding any pieces that show discoloration or dark spots.
• Choose cuts that don't have excess connective tissue, as this can make the meat tough and difficult to chew.
• Buy meat from trusted butcher shops that can slice it thinly, as proper thickness is crucial for perfect texture.
• If possible, ask them to show you the meat's freshness by checking the packaging date and characteristic fresh meat aroma.

The Importance of Slicing Meat Extremely Thin for Perfect Texture

Thin-slicing the meat is one of the most crucial elements in achieving the authentic texture of a Philly cheesesteak. The meat should be sliced almost paper-thin, approximately 1 millimeter thick.

Required Tools

• A very sharp, fine-tipped knife is essential for achieving precise and safe cuts throughout the process.
• A large cutting board to work comfortably, ensuring stability and sufficient space to maneuver.
• Ideally, use a meat slicer to obtain uniform slices and achieve perfect consistency in each cut.

Advance Preparation

• Partially freeze the meat for 15-20 minutes before cutting, this makes it easier to achieve thinner and more precise slices.
• Remove all external fat and the thin membrane covering the piece before starting to cut for a cleaner result.

Cutting Method

• Make cuts perpendicular to the meat's muscle fibers to ensure greater tenderness and ideal texture.
• Use slow and fluid movements when cutting to maintain uniformity and achieve consistent slices.
• The cuts should be so thin that they practically require no chewing when eating the final sandwich.

Benefits of Thin Slicing

• Ensures uniform and quick cooking of the meat, preventing some parts from being more cooked than others.
• Significantly improves the final texture of the sandwich, making it easier to bite and enjoy.
• Allows the meat to better integrate with the cheese and other ingredients, creating a more harmonious experience.

The Secret of Caramelizing Onions and Peppers for Enhanced Flavor

Caramelization is a fundamental process that transforms the raw, pungent flavor of onions and peppers into a rich and complex sweetness through slow and controlled cooking.

Caramelization Process

• Slice onions thinly and cut peppers into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
• Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat.
• Add the vegetables with a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture.

Correct Technique

• The complete process should take between 30-45 minutes to achieve perfect caramelization.
• Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• If vegetables start to stick, add a little water to deglaze the pan.

Key Points

• Temperature must remain constant to allow natural sugars to break down slowly.
• The caramelization process occurs when carbohydrates are exposed to heat, transforming not only color but also flavor.
• The vegetables will reduce significantly in volume and acquire a deep golden-brown color.

The Importance of Hoagie Bread and How to Toast It Properly

The hoagie bread is one of the fundamental elements that defines the authenticity of a true Philly cheesesteak. This elongated bread with rounded ends is crucial for achieving the sandwich's characteristic texture and flavor.

Bread Characteristics

• Must be a submarine or hoagie-style elongated bread, with a crispy crust and soft crumb, characteristics that make it perfect for this sandwich.
• The interior texture must be firm yet tender to withstand the meat juices without crumbling during consumption.
• The ideal size is approximately 8-10 inches long, allowing for a balanced distribution of all ingredients.

Cutting and Preparation Technique

• Make a longitudinal cut without completely separating the two halves of the bread, keeping one side intact for better stability.
• The cut must be clean and uniform so ingredients don't fall out, ensuring a more pleasant eating experience.
• The opening should be sufficient to comfortably contain all ingredients, allowing for uniform filling distribution.

Toasting Process

• Mix room temperature unsalted butter with finely chopped garlic, creating a flavorful base for toasting.
• Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the inside of the bread, ensuring complete coverage for uniform flavor.
• Toast in a large pan over medium heat until the bread is golden and crispy, watching constantly to prevent burning.
• The outer crust should maintain its crispy texture while the interior remains soft, creating a perfect contrast of textures.

Essential Ingredients

To prepare an authentic Philly cheesesteak, you'll need a specific combination of ingredients that work in harmony to create this iconic sandwich.

1. Meat:  1 pound (450g) of ribeye or top round, sliced extremely thin to achieve the sandwich's characteristic texture.
2. Hoagie Rolls:  4 rolls, 10 inches (25cm) long, with crispy crust and soft crumb to hold the ingredients.
3. Cheese:  8 slices of provolone or 4 oz (120g) of Cheez Whiz, to provide creaminess and characteristic flavor.
4. Onions:  2 large onions thinly sliced, for caramelizing and adding sweetness.
5. Peppers:  2 medium green bell peppers cut into strips, to add flavor and texture.
6. Vegetable Oil:  2 tablespoons, for cooking the meat and vegetables at high temperature.
7. Salt:  1 teaspoon, to enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients.
8. Black Pepper:  1/2 teaspoon, to add a mild spicy touch.
9. Butter:  2 tablespoons, for toasting the bread and adding extra flavor.
10. Garlic Powder:  1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor of the meat and vegetables.

How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak Step by Step

The key to an exceptional Philly cheesesteak lies in the sequence and timing of preparing each ingredient. Following these steps, you'll achieve an authentic and delicious sandwich.

Step 1: Meat Preparation

• Partially freeze 1 pound (450g) of ribeye for 15-20 minutes, then slice it extremely thin (1mm thickness) against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
• Season the meat evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ensuring each slice is well seasoned.

Step 2: Vegetable Preparation

• Cut 2 large onions into thin, uniform slices, and 2 green bell peppers into thin strips of the same size to ensure even cooking.
• In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-low heat and cook the vegetables for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until completely caramelized.

Step 3: Bread Preparation

• Cut the 4 hoagie rolls lengthwise without separating them completely, creating a hinge that will keep everything in place.
• Spread the inside of each roll with 1/2 tablespoon butter and toast in a hot pan until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Cooking the Meat

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large griddle or pan over high heat until very hot and slightly smoking.
• Place the meat slices in a single layer and cook quickly for 45-60 seconds per side, working in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Final Assembly

• Place the cooked meat in roll-sized portions, cover each portion with 2 slices of provolone or 1 oz (30g) of Cheez Whiz.
• Distribute the caramelized vegetables over the cheese and use a spatula to transfer the entire mixture to the toasted roll.

A well-executed Philly cheesesteak should have juicy meat, perfectly caramelized vegetables, and evenly melted cheese. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.

Perfect Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak

The ideal accompaniments for this iconic sandwich should complement its intense flavors without overshadowing the main dish.

Classic Options

• Shoestring fries or traditional french fries, which provide the perfect crispy texture to contrast with the sandwich's tenderness.
• Fresh green salad, which helps balance the richness of the cheese and meat with its lightness and freshness.
• Pickles, which add an acidic touch that cuts through the fat and enhances the flavors.

Complementary Options

• Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, offering a fresh Mediterranean contrast.
• Condiments like ketchup or mustard, which allow customizing each bite according to taste.
• Potato chips, a casual and practical option that maintains the essence of street food.

Tips for Preserving Your Philly Cheesesteak Longer

To maintain the quality and flavor of this iconic sandwich when you need to store it, follow these practical recommendations.

Proper Storage

• Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets to maintain freshness.
• Place the wrapped sandwich in an airtight container to protect it from external odors and maintain uniform temperature.
• Store the container in the middle section of the refrigerator, avoiding areas that are too cold or close to the freezer.

Storage Preparation

• Keep wet ingredients separate from dry ones until ready to eat, especially sauces and vegetables.
• If you need to store the meat separately, place it in an airtight container with its juices to maintain juiciness.
• Store the bread untoasted and toast it just before consuming to maintain the crispy texture.

Storage Time

• Consume the sandwich within the first 24 hours to enjoy its best flavor and texture.
• If you need to store it longer, don't exceed 48 hours in refrigeration.
• For reheating, use an oven or pan to maintain the bread's texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What's the best cut of meat for a Philly Cheesesteak?

A: Ribeye is the premium choice due to its marbling and natural tenderness. You can also use sirloin as an excellent budget-friendly alternative that remains tender. Top round is another viable and traditional option, especially if you're looking for a leaner choice.

Q: What type of cheese is traditionally used?

A: Provolone and American cheese are the classic traditional options. Cheez Whiz is also commonly used, especially in Philadelphia. The recommended amount is approximately 2-3 slices per sandwich.

Q: How do you keep the bread crispy?

A: The bread should be cut horizontally leaving one end connected, like a large hot dog bun. It should be lightly toasted in a pan with butter on the cut side until golden brown. It's important to serve it immediately after filling.

Q: What's the secret to tender meat?

A: The key is to slice the meat extremely thin (almost transparent) and against the grain. It's recommended to partially freeze the meat for 15-20 minutes before slicing to make the process easier. You can also marinate the meat in a baking soda solution for 20 minutes for extra tenderness.