Introduction
Craving that authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience right in your own kitchen? Forget the plane ticket! This recipe delivers a genuine street-style Philly Cheesesteak with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of provolone cheese. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve that perfect balance of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and perfectly melted cheese on a soft, chewy roll. Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to Philadelphia!
The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak with Provolone Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ribeye Steak: 1 pound, thinly sliced (crucial for the authentic texture)
- Provolone Cheese: 8 slices (sharp provolone preferred for a bolder flavor)
- Onions: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Hoagie Rolls: 2 good quality hoagie rolls (Amoroso’s rolls are the gold standard if you can find them)
- Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or beef tallow (beef tallow adds authentic flavor)
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder (optional)
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Steak: If you didn’t purchase pre-sliced steak, partially freeze your ribeye for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly. Use a sharp knife to slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat the oil in your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized โ about 15-20 minutes. They should be a deep golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Steak: Push the caramelized onions to one side of the skillet. Add the sliced steak to the other side. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Cook, breaking up the steak with your spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through โ about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Steak and Onions: Mix the cooked steak and caramelized onions together.
- Add the Provolone: Arrange the steak and onion mixture into two mounds, roughly the length of your hoagie rolls. Top each mound with 4 slices of provolone cheese. Let the cheese melt completely โ about 1-2 minutes. You can add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it briefly to help the cheese melt faster.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Using your spatula, carefully lift each mound of steak, onions, and melted cheese onto a hoagie roll. Cut each cheesesteak in half and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your steak and rolls will significantly impact the final result. Don’t skimp on these!
- Thinly Sliced Steak is Key: This is what gives a Philly Cheesesteak its characteristic texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: You want it browned but still tender.
- Get the Right Rolls: Amoroso’s rolls are the traditional choice, but any good quality, slightly chewy hoagie roll will work.
- Customize Your Cheesesteak: While provolone is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like American or Cheez Whiz. You can also add peppers (bell peppers or long hots) for extra flavor.
Conclusion
With this recipe, you’re now equipped to create an authentic, mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak with provolone cheese that rivals anything you’d find on the streets of Philadelphia. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender steak, sweet caramelized onions, and melted provolone on a perfectly soft roll. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature cheesesteak. Happy cooking and enjoy your taste of Philly!