Philly Cheesesteak (Philadelphia)

 

The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and often sautéed onions, all served on a long, crusty roll. While variations exist, this recipe focuses on the traditional and most beloved version.

Yields: 2 sandwiches Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 crusty hoagie rolls (about 6-8 inches long)
• 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (shaved steak works best, ask your butcher to slice it thinly or partially freeze and slice yourself)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or beef fat
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4-6 slices provolone cheese (or Cheese Whiz for a truly authentic experience)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Sliced bell peppers (green or red)

Equipment:

• Large skillet or griddle
• Spatula

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions (and Peppers, if using): Heat the olive oil or beef fat in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions (and peppers, if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once cooked, push the onions (and peppers) to one side of the skillet or remove them and set aside.

2. Cook the Steak: Increase the heat to high. Add the thinly sliced steak to the hot skillet in one layer. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the meat instead of searing it. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Use your spatula to chop the steak into smaller, manageable pieces while it cooks.

3. Combine and Melt the Cheese: If you set the onions (and peppers) aside, return them to the skillet and distribute them evenly over the cooked steak. Arrange the provolone cheese slices (or dollops of Cheese Whiz) over the steak and onions.

4. Melt the Cheese (Cover Method): To help the cheese melt quickly and evenly, you can add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and immediately cover it with a lid for about 30 seconds to a minute. The steam will help melt the cheese beautifully. Alternatively, you can simply let the cheese melt from the residual heat, which may take a bit longer.

5. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: While the cheese is melting, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open them up.

6. Load the Rolls: Using your spatula, carefully scoop up portions of the steak, melted cheese, and onions (and peppers) and transfer them into the open hoagie rolls. Be generous with the filling!

7. Serve Immediately: Serve your Philly Cheesesteaks hot and enjoy the taste of Philadelphia!

Enjoy this classic and satisfying sandwich!