The cheesesteak (also known as Philly Cheese Steak) is a sandwich invented almost a hundred years ago by the Italian-American Pat Olivieri, in the city of Philadelphia; it has since become synonymous with the city's street food. A little old-fashioned but simple, stuffed without exaggeration, this sandwich, when prepared properly, is so sublime that it cannot simply be called a "sandwich". Although the natives of Philadelphia forcefully reject any combination of bread, steak, onion and cheese that doesn't involve the infamous Cheez Whiz (cream cheese spread), with a good Italian cheese it is possible to make a perfect cheesesteak. Read on and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable sandwich.
Ingrediants
- 450g rib eye steak, frozen, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 4 slices of provolone or Cheez Whiz spread
- 2 or more sandwiches
Yield: 2 cheesesteaks
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make a Cheesesteak with Real Cheese
Step 1. Take a partially frozen rib eye steak and cut it finely
A thin slice of meat will cook quickly and allow the different flavors - cheese, onions, peppers - to blend with each other and with the bread used as a base.
You can slice the partially frozen rib with a sturdy, sharp knife, or you can use a slicer to make slices of even thickness more easily. Since most people don't own a slicer, a sharp knife will be a perfect ally, while slightly lengthening the preparation time
Step 2. Briefly fry the onions and peppers over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes
In a large skillet where you have poured some seed oil, fry the onions and, if desired, the peppers until both translucent and slightly golden on the surface. Stir occasionally and salt as needed. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3. In the same pan, pour enough oil to cover the bottom and add the thin slices of meat
Let the meat brown and brown without stirring or moving it. Using sufficiently intense heat, and depending on the thickness of the meat, this process should only take 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it.
Step 4. With two sharp kitchen spatulas, start cutting the meat into small pieces
Hold the slices with one spatula while cutting them with the other. After cutting the meat into small pieces, flip it over to make sure it cooks on both sides. Cook for no more than 30 seconds.
Step 5. Add the onions and peppers to the meat, and arrange them in a line as long as the bun
Then cover with two slices of cheese. Soon you will compose your sandwich by placing a slice of bread directly on the meat, so make sure the proportions are correct.
Step 6. Turn off the heat and let the cheese melt for about 30 seconds
Step 7. Place a slice of bread on top of the stringy cheese, forming the "roof" of your sandwich
Choose the variety of bread you prefer, the important thing is that it is greedy and slightly crunchy.
Make sure that the bread you choose does not tend to crumble too easily and that it is sufficiently substantial
Step 8. Slide a spatula under the meat and flip the sandwich into the pan
The filling of your sandwich should fit perfectly in the bread.
Step 9. Arrange the second slice of bread and enjoy your fabulous cheesesteak
Method 2 of 2: Make a Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz
Step 1. Cook the meat following the directions in the previous section
Take your semi-frozen rib steak and cut it finely. Fry the onions and peppers and remove them from the pan as soon as they are ready - this will take about 5 minutes. Start cooking the meat, cut it into small pieces with a sharp spatula when it is almost completely cooked. Incorporate the onions and peppers into the cooked bits of meat.
Step 2. Spread a generous portion of Cheez Whiz over the bread
You can heat bread and Cheez Whiz in two different ways:
- Option 1: Toast the bread and then spread the cream cheese on the warm bread. This way you'll have a crunchy sandwich, but the Cheez Whiz won't stay hot for long.
- Option 2: Heat Cheez Whiz in the microwave. Spread the warm, stringy cream cheese on the bread.
Step 3. Arrange the meat and vegetable mixture on the bread topped with the Cheez Whiz
Step 4. Enjoy your meal
Step 5. Finished
Advice
- With each bite, you will need to be able to savor all the ingredients.
- Use your favorite cheese, provolone is just a good example.
- Use fried onions and mushrooms. They are perfect add-on ingredients for cheesesteak.
