Special Offer!Craving a Philly Cheesesteak? Here’s an Easy Dinner Recipe!
Few things are as satisfying as a warm, cheesy, and flavorful Philly cheesesteak. While a trip to Philadelphia might be ideal, you can easily recreate this iconic sandwich in your own kitchen. This recipe focuses on simplicity and authenticity, delivering a delicious cheesesteak experience without the fuss.
Making Authentic Philly Cheesesteak: A Step-by-Step Guide
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Success
- Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye is the traditional choice. Look for it pre-sliced at your butcher or ask them to slice it for you. You can also partially freeze a ribeye roast and slice it yourself.
- Cheese: Provolone is the classic, but American cheese or even a cheese sauce (like Cheez Whiz) are acceptable variations, particularly in Philadelphia.
- Rolls: Amoroso’s rolls are the gold standard, but any sturdy, slightly crusty hoagie roll will work. Look for rolls that can hold the filling without falling apart.
- Onions: Thinly sliced yellow or white onions are essential.
- Oil: A high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper are all you need!
- Optional Toppings: Hot or sweet peppers (long hots are popular), mushrooms.
Preparation is Key: Slicing, Dicing, and Gathering
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the onions. The thinner, the better they cook down.
- Prepare the Steak: If your steak isn’t pre-sliced, ensure it’s very thinly sliced. This is crucial for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Get Your Station Ready: Have all ingredients within easy reach. This recipe cooks quickly, so being organized is important.
- Preheat Your Skillet or Griddle: Use a large cast iron skillet or a flat top griddle if you have one. The hotter the better!
Cooking the Cheesesteak: The Heart of the Matter
- Cook the Onions: Add a tablespoon or two of oil to your hot skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and slightly caramelized. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Add a bit more oil if needed. Working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, quickly cook the sliced steak. The goal is to brown the steak without overcooking it. It should only take a minute or two per batch.
- Combine Steak and Onions: Return the cooked onions to the skillet and mix them with the steak.
- Add the Cheese: Divide the mixture into portions (one for each sandwich). Top each portion with cheese slices, allowing them to melt slightly.
- Assemble the Cheesesteak: Using a spatula, carefully lift each portion of steak and cheese and transfer it to a hoagie roll.
Tips for an Authentic Taste
- Don’t overcook the steak. It should be browned but still tender.
- Use a hot skillet or griddle. This helps to sear the steak quickly and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Don’t be afraid to chop the steak up on the griddle. This isn’t always done, but it’s a common technique and helps to create smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Season simply. Salt and pepper are the traditional seasonings. Over-seasoning can mask the natural flavors of the beef and onions.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Philly Cheesesteak!
With a few simple ingredients and these easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious and authentic Philly cheesesteak in the comfort of your own home. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the taste of Philadelphia!
