Craving a Philly Cheesesteak? Make it Easily at Home!
There’s nothing quite like the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak. But who wants to trek all the way to Philadelphia every time the craving hits? Luckily, you can easily recreate this iconic sandwich right in your own kitchen! This step-by-step guide will walk you through a simple, delicious recipe for a classic Philly Cheesesteak that’s sure to satisfy.
What You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Cheesesteak
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (or other cut suitable for quick cooking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls (or other long, sturdy rolls)
- Provolone cheese slices (or cheese whiz for a truly authentic experience)
Equipment
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step: Making Your Home-Style Philly Cheesesteak
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Ensure your steak is sliced as thinly as possible. If you’re buying a whole steak, partially freezing it for about 30 minutes can make slicing easier.
- Slice the onion and bell pepper (if using) into thin strips.
- Gather your cheese and rolls – have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
Step 2: Cooking the Steak and Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced steak to the hot skillet. Cook quickly, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. This should only take a few minutes per side. The goal is not to overcook the steak; it should still be slightly pink in the center.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assembling the Cheesesteaks
- Divide the cooked steak into four portions.
- Top each portion of steak with a generous amount of provolone cheese (or cheese whiz).
- Allow the cheese to melt slightly. You can cover the skillet for a minute to speed up the melting process.
- Using a spatula, carefully scoop up each cheesy steak portion and place it into a hoagie roll.
- Top with the cooked onions and peppers.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak at Home
- Cheese Choice: While provolone is the most common cheese, some people prefer white American cheese or even a generous squirt of Cheese Whiz for a truly authentic, albeit less refined, experience.
- Steak Cut: Ribeye is the traditional choice, known for its rich flavor and marbling. However, other cuts like sirloin or flank steak can also work well if thinly sliced.
- Roll Quality: A sturdy hoagie roll is crucial for holding all the ingredients together. Look for rolls that are soft on the inside and slightly crusty on the outside.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: The steak should be cooked quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough.
Conclusion
Making a Philly Cheesesteak at home is easier than you might think! With this simple recipe and a few key ingredients, you can enjoy a taste of Philadelphia without ever leaving your kitchen. So, gather your supplies, fire up the skillet, and get ready to savor a delicious and satisfying homemade cheesesteak. Happy cooking!