How to Make Delicious Philly Cheese Steaks at Home

Philly cheese steaks are one of the most popular sandwiches in America. These delicious sandwiches are famous for their mouth-watering taste, and are very easy to make at home. If you’re a lover of cheesy goodness, then you’ll definitely want to learn how to make Philly cheese steaks.

The secret to making the perfect Philly cheese steak lies in the quality of the ingredients, the preparation, and the cooking method. Whether you prefer beef or chicken, you can put together a scrumptious and satisfying sandwich that will make your taste buds dance with joy. To help you get started, here are some helpful tips on how to make Philly cheese steaks at home.

Ingredients

When it comes to making the perfect Philly cheese steak, there are a few key ingredients that you simply cannot do without. Here are the crucial components that you will need:

1. Ribeye steaks – You can’t make a Philly cheese steak without good quality ribeye steak. This cut of beef is perfect for grilling or pan-frying, and it provides the flavor and tenderness that you’re looking for.
2. Onions – Onions are just as important as the steak itself when it comes to making a Philly cheese steak. You will need a lot of onions, so don’t be shy about it.
3. Green bell peppers – While some people prefer their Philly cheese steak without green bell peppers, they are traditionally included in the recipe. They provide a slightly bitter crunch that complements the sweet onions and savory steak.
4. Provolone cheese – This is the cheese of choice for most Philly cheese steak aficionados. It’s creamy and flavorful, and it melts perfectly on top of the steak.
5. Hoagie rolls – A Philly cheese steak isn’t a Philly cheese steak without a proper roll. Look for hoagie rolls that are soft and slightly chewy.

Preparation

Now that you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to start preparing your Philly cheese steak. Here’s how to do it:

1. Freeze the ribeye steak for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Then, slice the steak very thin against the grain.
2. Heat up a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and add the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Cook until they are slightly caramelized, then remove them from the skillet.
3. Add the sliced beef to the skillet, and cook until it is browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of meat, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Add the onions and green bell peppers back into the skillet, and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. While the steak mixture is cooking, preheat your oven broiler. Slice the hoagie rolls in half, and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the rolls under the broiler for a minute or two until they are slightly crispy.
6. Arrange the steak mixture evenly onto the hoagie rolls, top with slices of provolone cheese, and place under the broiler for another minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the rolls from the oven and serve immediately.

Variations

While the classic Philly cheese steak recipe is delicious, there are many variations that you can try. Here are a few ideas:

1. Chicken Philly cheese steak – Swap out the ribeye steak for thin-sliced chicken breast. Everything else about the recipe can remain the same.
2. Mushroom Philly cheese steak – Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and green bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
3. Breakfast Philly cheese steak – Add scrambled eggs to the skillet along with the steak, and serve on a toasted bagel instead of a hoagie roll.
4. Pizza Philly cheese steak – Stuff the steak mixture inside a pre-made pizza crust, and top with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.

Tips

Making the perfect Philly cheese steak takes a bit of practice. Here are some tips to help you get it right:

1. Use a sharp knife to slice the ribeye steak as thinly as possible against the grain.
2. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when you’re cooking the steak. Cook it in batches if necessary.
3. Be generous with the onions and green bell peppers – they are a key part of the flavor profile.
4. Toast the hoagie rolls under the broiler before adding the steak mixture and cheese. This helps to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties. While most people prefer provolone, you can also use Swiss, cheddar, or even Cheez Whiz if you’re feeling adventurous.

Conclusion

Philly cheese steaks are a classic American sandwich that are delicious any time of day. While the recipe may seem simple, there are a few tricks and techniques that you need to master to get it just right. With the right ingredients, preparation, and variations, you can create your own perfect Philly cheese steak that will become a favorite in your household.

Section Two: The Ingredients You Need

Before you start making your Philly cheese steak, you need to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need to make blissful Philly cheese steaks:

1. Choosing the Right Meat Cut

The most crucial ingredient in any Philly cheese steak is the meat. You should get a thinly sliced rib-eye or top round steak from a trusted butcher. Try to avoid using pre-packaged meat from the store as they may be tough and less flavourful.

2. Choosing the Right Cheese

Another significant ingredient is cheese. The most commonly used cheese in Philly cheese steaks is provolone or Cheez Whiz. If you want a more gourmet experience, you can opt for a mixture of provolone and American cheese.

3. Using the Right Bread

The bread used in cheesesteaks is as important as the meat and cheese. Most people use Italian rolls, but you can also use hoagie rolls or footlong rolls. The bread should be soft, airy and have a crusty exterior.

4. Adding Vegetables

To give your Philly cheese steak an extra flair, add vegetables such as onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. Cut them into thin slices and sauté them until they’re translucent and soft.

5. Using the Right Seasoning

Simple seasoning can enhance the overall taste of the cheese steak. Season the thinly sliced beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.

6. Choosing the Right Oil

To cook the steak and vegetables, you’ll need oil. Use vegetable oil or olive oil to prevent the meat and vegetables from sticking to the pan.

7. The Right Toppings

In addition to the cheese, you can top your Philly cheese steak with ketchup, mayonnaise, or hot sauce. These toppings offer different flavours and can be applied based on your preference.

8. Tools Needed

To make the perfect Philly cheese steak, you will need a non-stick pan, a spatula, and tongs. The spatula can be used to flip meat and vegetables, while the tongs can be used to flip the bread.

9. Preparation Time

You’ll need to prepare all the ingredients and tools before cooking the cheesesteak. Give yourself plenty of time to ensure everything is organised and ready to use.

10. Patience and Attention to Detail

Philly cheese steak is not difficult to make, but it requires patience and careful attention to the details. Pay attention to timing, temperature, and seasoning to ensure that every bite is mouth-watering and delightful.

Ingredients needed for making Philly cheese steaks

Philly cheese steak is a classic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. It is a filling sandwich consisting of thinly sliced beef, cheese, onions, and bread. To make this delicious sandwich at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

How to prepare the meat for Philly cheese steaks

The most important part of making a Philly cheese steak is to have properly sliced meat. You can use sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak for this recipe. Follow these steps to prepare the meat:

1. Freeze the meat for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
2. Remove the meat from the freezer and slice it against the grain into paper-thin slices.
3. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.

How to cook the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms

Cooking the vegetables is another crucial step in making a delicious Philly cheese steak. Follow these steps to cook the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the vegetables until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.

How to cook the meat for Philly cheese steaks

Now that the meat and vegetables are prepared, it is time to cook the meat for Philly cheese steaks. Follow these steps:

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the meat and stir to combine.

How to assemble the Philly cheese steak sandwich

The final step in making a Philly cheese steak sandwich is to assemble the sandwich. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Place the sliced hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooked meat and vegetables to the hoagie rolls.
4. Top the meat and vegetables with two slices of provolone cheese.
5. Place the sandwiches back in the oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Time to Dig In!

Now that you know how to make the perfect Philly cheese steak at home, it’s time to get cooking. Thank you for taking the time to join me today. I hope you enjoyed the article and learned something new that you can apply in your kitchen. Please drop by again soon for more cooking tips and delicious recipes. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your Philly cheese steak. Bon appétit!