Description: This recipe delivers an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience right in your kitchen. Thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese piled high on a toasted hoagie roll – it’s a taste of Philadelphia that’s sure to satisfy. This is not just a sandwich; it’s a culinary journey.
Ingredients:
Servings: 4 people
- 1 lb Ribeye steak, trimmed and thinly sliced*
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper, or to taste
- 1 sweet onion, (large), diced
- 8 slices provolone cheese, mild (not aged provolone)
- 4 Hoagie Rolls, sliced 3/4 through
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 2-4 Tbsp mayonnaise, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak & Onions: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Place the ribeye steak in the freezer for 30-40 minutes to firm it up. This makes slicing it incredibly thin much easier. While the steak is chilling, dice the sweet onion into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure even caramelization.
Step 2: Toast the Rolls: With a serrated knife, carefully slice the hoagie rolls 3/4 of the way through, creating a pocket for the cheesesteak filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the pressed garlic clove. Spread this garlic butter evenly onto the cut sides of each hoagie roll. Toast the buns on a large skillet, flat cooktop, or griddle over medium heat until they are golden brown and lightly crisp. Set them aside, ready to cradle the delicious filling.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your pan or cooktop. Heat over medium heat and add the diced onions. Sauté them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully caramelized – soft, sweet, and golden brown. This process takes time and patience, but the depth of flavor it adds is well worth the effort. Once caramelized, transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Steak: Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Ensure the pan is very hot before adding the thinly sliced steak. Spread the steak in a single, even layer. Let it brown undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a rich crust. Then, flip the steak and season with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté until the steak is fully cooked through but still tender.
Step 5: Assemble the Cheesesteak: Stir the caramelized onions into the cooked steak, combining the flavors. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions on the cooktop. Top each portion with 2 slices of provolone cheese. Turn off the heat and let the residual heat melt the cheese until it’s gooey and perfectly melted, clinging to the steak and onions.
Step 6: Final Touches: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the toasted side of each hoagie roll. This adds a creamy richness to the sandwich. Working with one portion at a time, place a toasted bun over each cheesy steak portion. Use a spatula to carefully scrape the cheesy beef mixture into the bun as you flip it over. Ensure each bun is generously filled with the flavorful mixture.
Step 7: Serve: Serve the Philly Cheesesteaks immediately while they are hot and the cheese is perfectly melted. Enjoy the authentic taste of Philadelphia!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe delivers an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience because of the meticulous attention to detail. The key is using thinly sliced ribeye, which creates a tender and flavorful filling. The caramelization of the onions brings out their natural sweetness, complementing the savory steak perfectly. The garlic butter adds a subtle aromatic note to the toasted rolls, elevating the entire sandwich. Most importantly, it’s a customizable canvas for your own preferences. Want more cheese? Go for it! Prefer a different type of roll? Experiment! This recipe provides a solid foundation for you to build your perfect Philly Cheesesteak.
The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the impactful flavors makes this recipe a winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a casual dinner, game-day gathering, or any occasion where you want to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, the entire process is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Accompaniments: Serve your Philly Cheesesteaks with classic sides like French fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, horseradish sauce, or a creamy cheese sauce.
- Pickled Peppers: A side of pickled hot peppers or banana peppers adds a tangy and spicy kick to complement the richness of the cheesesteak.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory sandwich.
- Beer Pairing: Pair your Philly Cheesesteaks with a cold beer, such as a light lager or an amber ale, for the perfect pairing.
Tips:
- Freezing the Steak: Freezing the steak for a short period makes slicing it incredibly thin much easier. Aim for 30-40 minutes, adjusting based on the thickness of the steak.
- Thin Slicing: The key to an authentic Philly Cheesesteak is thinly sliced steak. Use a sharp knife or a meat slicer for best results.
- Caramelizing Onions: Be patient when caramelizing the onions. It takes time for them to develop their sweet flavor and golden-brown color. Don’t rush the process.
- Cheese Choice: While provolone is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like American cheese, white cheddar, or even a cheese sauce.
- Roll Choice: While a classic hoagie roll is ideal, you can also use other types of rolls, such as Italian rolls or even a sturdy baguette.
- Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise on the toasted rolls adds a creamy richness. Feel free to omit it if you prefer, or substitute it with another condiment like garlic aioli.
- Customization: This recipe is a blank canvas. Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms, peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Cooktop: A flat cooktop or griddle is ideal for cooking the cheesesteaks, as it provides even heat distribution. However, a large skillet will also work.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Aim for steak that is cooked through but still tender. Overcooked steak will be dry and tough.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
This Philly Cheesesteak recipe brings the iconic flavors of Philadelphia to your home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The key is in the details – thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese, all nestled in a toasted garlic-buttered hoagie roll. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your cooktop, and get ready to experience the authentic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak!
Questions and Answers:
- Question: Can I use a different cut of steak besides ribeye? Answer: While ribeye is the traditional and recommended cut for its marbling and flavor, you can use other cuts like sirloin or chuck steak. However, make sure to slice them very thinly and trim any excess fat or gristle. The ribeye will offer the most tender and flavorful result.
- Question: What if I don’t have a flat cooktop or griddle? Answer: No problem! A large cast-iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed skillet will work perfectly fine. The key is to ensure the skillet is hot enough to sear the steak quickly.
- Question: Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time? Answer: Absolutely! In fact, making the caramelized onions ahead of time is a great way to save time on the day you plan to make the cheesesteaks. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently before adding them to the steak.
- Question: What other cheeses can I use besides provolone? Answer: Provolone is a classic choice, but you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. American cheese, white cheddar, or even a cheese sauce are all popular options. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the steak and onions.
- Question: Can I add other toppings to the cheesesteak? Answer: Of course! Feel free to customize your cheesesteak with your favorite toppings. Popular additions include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers (green or red), hot peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Get creative and make it your own!
