How to Make Delicious Philly Cheesesteak at Home
1. Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making a perfect Philly cheesesteak is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need thinly sliced beef, hoagie rolls, onions, green bell peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of cheese. Some people prefer using Cheez Whiz, while others opt for Provolone or American cheese.
Make sure to get the best quality beef you can find, preferably ribeye or top sirloin, as this will make a huge difference in the flavor and texture of your cheesesteak. The onions and green peppers should be sliced thin, and you can choose to sauté them beforehand or cook them with the steak.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to move on to preparing the steak and vegetables for the cheesesteak.
2. Preparing the Steak and Vegetables
To prepare the steak for your Philly cheesesteak, start by heating a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, and once it’s hot, add the sliced beef. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through.
Next, add the sliced onions and green peppers to the same skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. You can also add mushrooms or other vegetables of your choice at this point.
Once everything is cooked, remove the steak and vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. Don’t forget to keep the juices and drippings in the skillet, as they’ll add a lot of flavor to the cheesesteak. Now you’re ready to move on to assembling your Philly cheesesteak.
3. Assembling the Cheesesteak
Assembling the Philly cheesesteak is where all the flavors come together. Start by slicing your hoagie rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Toast the rolls in the oven or on a skillet until they’re slightly crispy and golden brown.
Next, add the cooked steak and vegetables on top of the toasted hoagie rolls. If you want to melt the cheese, add it on top of the steak and vegetables while they’re still hot. You can also choose to melt the cheese under the broiler for a few minutes before adding it to the sandwich.
Finally, add any additional toppings or condiments of your choice. Some popular options include ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce, or even french fries. Close the hoagie roll and press down gently to flatten the sandwich. Your Philly cheesesteak is now ready to be served!
4. Choosing the Right Cheese
Choosing the right cheese is crucial to making a delicious Philly cheesesteak. While Cheez Whiz is the traditional choice for many people, you can also use other types of cheese such as Provolone or American cheese.
Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce that’s easy to melt and has a distinct flavor. It’s perfect for adding a creamy texture to your cheesesteak. Provolone, on the other hand, is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, buttery flavor. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a more authentic Italian taste.
American cheese is another popular choice for Philly cheesesteak. It’s a processed cheese that has a mild flavor and melts easily. Some people also like to use a combination of Cheez Whiz and Provolone for a more complex flavor.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different types of cheese to find the one that suits your taste.
5. Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Philly Cheesesteak
Once you’ve assembled your Philly cheesesteak, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. You can serve it with a side of french fries or potato chips, or even a salad if you want to keep it healthy.
To get the full Philly experience, some people like to add hot cherry peppers or pickles to their sandwich. You can also sprinkle some oregano or garlic powder on top of the cheesesteak for extra flavor.
When it comes to eating the cheesesteak, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Some people prefer to eat it with a fork and knife, while others like to pick it up with their hands. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, as it can get messy!
With these tips, you’re now ready to make your own delicious Philly cheesesteak at home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make it your own.
