Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Delight
Dive into the rich heritage of Philadelphia with this mouthwatering Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Delight. Born from the classic sandwich culture of South Philly, this recipe captures the essence of the original cheesesteak enjoyed at local luncheonettes. Using only the finest ingredients – wafer-thin deli roast beef or shaved rib-eye, bell peppers, and caramelized onions topped with creamy provolone cheese – this sandwich is grilled to perfection in extra-virgin olive oil for that distinct, flavorful crisp. This is not just a sandwich; it's a taste of history that pays homage to the original craftsmanship of the cheesesteak. Experience the nostalgia of true Philadelphia flavor, where every bite tells a story. Serve it with a side of marinara or ketchup for a delicious twist, just as tradition dictates!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hoagie rolls or Sub rolls
2 large (Cut in half and hollowed out)
Deli roast beef or frozen rib-eye
1/2 lb (Wafer-thin sliced or shaved)
White onion
1 (Thinly sliced)
Green bell pepper
1 (Thinly sliced (optional))
Garlic
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Provolone cheese
1/2 lb (Thinly sliced)
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste (For grilling)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Marinara sauce or ketchup
optional (For topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a griddle or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until it's hot.
2
Once hot, generously cover the bottom of the pan with extra-virgin olive oil.
3
Add the thinly sliced onions and optional green bell peppers to the griddle, cooking while stirring frequently until they caramelize, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4
Stir in the minced garlic along with salt and pepper, and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds to meld the flavors.
5
Next, push the caramelized mixture to one side of the griddle to create space for the meat.
6
Place the deli roast beef or shaved rib-eye on the hot side of the griddle, cooking while continuously flipping and chopping the meat with two spatulas until well done, roughly 2 minutes.
7
Mix the cooked meat with the caramelized onions and bell peppers until combined.
8
Divide the mixture into two equal portions and layer the thinly sliced provolone cheese on top to melt.
9
For the hoagie or sub rolls, cut each roll in half crosswise and then slice lengthwise, opening them up for filling.
10
To give the sandwiches added texture, hollow out some of the soft bread from the inside and invert the halves over the melted cheese and meat.
11
Once the cheese is sufficiently melted, carefully flip the sandwiches using one or two spatulas to crisp the outside further.
12
Serve the cheesesteaks immediately, offering optional sides such as marinara sauce or ketchup for a flavorful addition.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Delight?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of wafer-thin sliced deli roast beef or shaved frozen rib-eye.
What type of cheese is best for this authentic recipe?
Thinly sliced provolone cheese is used to provide a creamy, melted topping.
What kind of onions should I use?
One white onion, thinly sliced, is recommended for this recipe.
Are bell peppers required for an authentic Philly cheesesteak?
In this recipe, green bell peppers are considered optional but can be added for extra flavor.
What type of bread is recommended?
Use two large hoagie rolls or sub rolls for the best results.
How should the rolls be prepared before filling?
Cut each roll in half crosswise and then slice lengthwise. It is also recommended to hollow out some of the soft bread from the inside.
Why should I hollow out the bread?
Hollowing out the bread helps improve the sandwich's texture and allows more room for the meat and cheese filling.
What oil is used for grilling the ingredients?
Extra-virgin olive oil is used to generously cover the pan and grill the sandwich to a flavorful crisp.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
Caramelizing the onions and optional peppers typically takes about 6-8 minutes while stirring frequently.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic along with salt and pepper after the onions have caramelized, then cook for 30 more seconds.
What is the proper technique for cooking the meat?
Place the meat on the hot griddle and continuously flip and chop it with two spatulas until it is well done.
How long does the meat take to cook on the griddle?
The thinly sliced beef or rib-eye cooks quickly, taking roughly 2 minutes.
Should the meat and vegetables be cooked separately?
They are started separately, but once the meat is cooked, you should mix the meat with the caramelized onions and peppers.
How do I melt the cheese onto the sandwich?
Divide the meat mixture into portions, layer the provolone on top, and then invert the bread rolls over the cheese to help it melt.
What is the final step to ensure the sandwich is crisp?
Once the cheese is melted, carefully flip the entire sandwich using spatulas to crisp the outside of the bread.
Can I add sauces to this cheesesteak?
Yes, serving with a side of marinara sauce or ketchup is a delicious and traditional optional twist.
What heat setting should I use for the pan?
A medium-high heat setting is best for the griddle or sauté pan.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to make two large sandwiches.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the classic sandwich culture of South Philly and local Philadelphia luncheonettes.
Is garlic a standard ingredient in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic are included to meld the flavors together.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe specifies 1/2 lb of thinly sliced provolone cheese.
What seasonings are added to the mix?
The recipe uses salt and pepper to taste, added during the garlic cooking phase.
Can I use a regular sauté pan instead of a griddle?
Yes, a large sauté pan works perfectly if a griddle is not available.
How thinly should the meat be sliced?
The meat should be wafer-thin or shaved to ensure it cooks quickly and has the right texture.
What happens to the onions before the meat is added?
The caramelized onion mixture is pushed to one side of the griddle to make space for the meat.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and pays homage to traditional Philadelphia cuisine.
Should the sandwich be served hot?
Yes, the cheesesteaks should be served immediately while the meat is hot and the cheese is melted.
Can I use frozen rib-eye?
Yes, shaved frozen rib-eye is an excellent choice for an authentic result.
What does the 'flip' step achieve?
Flipping the sandwich at the end helps to crisp the outside of the hoagie roll in the olive oil.
Are there any specific serving suggestions?
Tradition dictates serving it with marinara or ketchup for those who prefer a flavored twist.