authentic south philly cheese steak recipe meal prep idea

Introduction

Craving a taste of Philadelphia but short on time? Look no further! This article provides an authentic South Philly cheesesteak recipe perfectly suited for meal prepping. Enjoy the iconic flavors of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese all week long, without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. We’ll break down the recipe and provide tips on how to properly meal prep your cheesesteaks for optimal freshness and taste.

Authentic South Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved beef)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 hoagie rolls (Amoroso’s rolls are ideal!)
• 8 slices provolone cheese (or whiz, your choice!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: Hot or sweet peppers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and softened, about 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Steak: In the same skillet or griddle (or a separate one if preferred), increase heat to high. Add the thinly sliced steak in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook quickly, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Divide the cooked steak evenly among the hoagie rolls. Top with caramelized onions.
4. Add the Cheese: Place 2 slices of provolone (or your desired amount of whiz) on top of the steak and onions in each roll.
5. Melt the Cheese: Place the cheesesteaks under a broiler or in a covered skillet until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your authentic South Philly cheesesteak!

Meal Prep Your Cheesesteaks for the Week

Strategies for Successful Cheesesteak Meal Prep:

• Cook and Store Separately: Cook the steak and onions as directed in the recipe. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.
• Bread Considerations: Consider toasting the hoagie rolls lightly before assembling, even for meal prepping. This helps prevent sogginess. Store the rolls separately in a bread bag at room temperature.
• Cheese Options: If using whiz, portion it out into small containers for easy application. Provolone slices can be stored in their original packaging.
• Assembling for Later: When ready to eat, reheat the steak and onions in a skillet or microwave. Assemble the cheesesteak in the hoagie roll, add the cheese, and broil or microwave until the cheese is melted.

Tips for Reheating:

• Microwave Method: While convenient, microwaving can sometimes make the bread a little soggy. Wrap the cheesesteak in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Skillet Method: For a crispier cheesesteak, reheat the steak and onions in a skillet and then assemble the sandwich. You can also toast the assembled sandwich in the skillet for a golden brown exterior.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the assembled cheesesteak in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Storage Guidelines:

• Cooked steak and onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Hoagie rolls should be stored at room temperature and are best consumed within 2-3 days.

Customizing Your Cheesesteak Meal Prep

Variations and Add-ins:

• Cheese Choice: Experiment with different cheeses! American, cheddar, or even mozzarella can be delicious alternatives.
• Pepper Power: Add your favorite peppers! Roasted red peppers, pickled banana peppers, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a kick.
• Mushroom Mania: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Healthier Options: Use lean steak like sirloin, and opt for whole wheat hoagie rolls. Reduce the amount of cheese used.

Conclusion

With this authentic South Philly cheesesteak recipe and meal prep guide, you can enjoy the classic flavors of Philadelphia any day of the week. By properly storing and reheating the components, you can ensure that your cheesesteaks are just as delicious as if they were fresh off the griddle. So, get cooking and enjoy the taste of Philly at home!