authentic south philly cheese steak recipe best restaurant style

Introduction

Craving that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth, authentic South Philly Cheesesteak experience? Forget the plane ticket! This guide provides a restaurant-style recipe, complete with insider tips and tricks, to recreate that legendary taste in your own kitchen. We’ll break down each element, from selecting the perfect steak to mastering the crucial cheese pull.

The Core Components of an Authentic South Philly Cheesesteak

Choosing the Right Steak: Ribeye Rules

The heart of a great cheesesteak lies in the quality of the steak. Ribeye is the undisputed champion. Here’s why:

• Flavor: Ribeye is known for its rich, beefy flavor and generous marbling.
• Tenderness: That marbling renders during cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
• Fat Content: The fat contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile, creating that signature cheesesteak “grease” that’s a hallmark of the real deal.

Thinly Slicing is Key: Have your butcher thinly slice the ribeye for you (about 1/8 inch thick). If slicing it yourself, partially freeze the steak for easier slicing. A meat slicer is ideal, but a sharp knife works too.

The Cheese Selection: A Philly Debate

This is where the debate begins! While provolone and American cheese have their fans, the most authentic (and arguably best) choice is:

• Cheese Wiz: Yes, it’s processed. Yes, it’s iconic. And yes, it provides that unique, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor profile that defines a true Philly cheesesteak.

If Cheese Wiz isn’t your thing, a close second is provolone (mild or sharp, your preference) or a combination of provolone and white American cheese.

The Bread: Amoroso’s or Bust (Almost!)

The roll is almost as important as the steak. Authenticity demands an Amoroso’s roll, known for its slightly chewy texture and sturdy structure that can hold all that juicy meat and cheese. If you can’t find Amoroso’s:

• Look for a similar Italian roll: It should be sturdy but not too dense.
• Avoid pre-sliced rolls: You want to control the depth of the cut.
• Lightly toast the roll: This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.

Onions (Wit’ or Witout?): The Essential Vegetable

The classic cheesesteak comes with sauteed onions. Here’s how to do them right:

• Yellow or White Onions: Both work well. Yellow onions tend to be sweeter.
• Thinly Sliced: Consistent, thin slices ensure even cooking.
• Caramelized (not just sauteed): Cook them low and slow in a bit of oil until they are soft, sweet, and slightly caramelized. Don’t rush this step!

Authentic South Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: Restaurant-Style

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Thinly slice the ribeye, caramelize the onions, have your cheese wiz (or preferred cheese) ready, and lightly toast your roll.
2. Cook the Steak: Heat a large griddle or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil. Cook the thinly sliced ribeye in batches, breaking it up with a spatula. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
3. Add the Onions: Once the steak is mostly cooked, add the caramelized onions and mix them with the steak.
4. Cheese Time: Form the steak and onion mixture into a line or pile. Immediately smother it with cheese wiz (or layer on your provolone/American cheese). Let the cheese melt slightly.
5. Assemble the Cheesesteak: Using a spatula, carefully lift the steak and cheese mixture and place it into the toasted roll.
6. Cut & Serve: Cut the cheesesteak in half (if desired) and serve immediately.

Tips for Cheesesteak Perfection

• Don’t Overcook the Steak: The steak should be browned but still tender. Overcooked steak will be dry and tough.
• Use a Griddle or Cast Iron Pan: These provide even heat distribution and are essential for achieving that classic cheesesteak sear.
• Season Generously: Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste.
• Work Quickly: Once the steak is cooked, move quickly through the cheese and assembly process to ensure the cheesesteak is served hot.

Conclusion

With the right ingredients, techniques, and a little practice, you can create an authentic South Philly Cheesesteak that rivals the best restaurants. Enjoy the taste of Philly right in your own home!