How to Make the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak: Classic, DIY, Vegan, Healthier, and More

I. Introduction

If there’s one sandwich that represents Philadelphia, it’s the Philly Cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich has been around since the 1930s, and its popularity has only grown since then. Made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sometimes topped with onions, peppers, and mushrooms, this sandwich is a comfort food staple. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak using various ingredients, techniques, and even regional variations.

II. Classic Philly Cheesesteak

To make a classic Philly Cheesesteak, you’ll need a few key ingredients: rib-eye or top round steak, thinly sliced; provolone cheese; and a hoagie or sub roll. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the steak: heat up a cast-iron skillet on high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Add cheese: once the steak is cooked, add sliced provolone cheese on top and let it melt slightly.
3. Assemble the sandwich: slice the hoagie roll in half, and add the steak and cheese mixture to the bottom half. Top with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and/or peppers if desired, and cover with the top half of the roll.

III. DIY Philly Cheesesteak at Home

If you don’t have access to the traditional Philly Cheesesteak ingredients, there are still ways to DIY at home. Here are some alternatives:

• Use sirloin or flank steak instead of rib-eye or top round.
• Substitute provolone cheese with Cheez Whiz or American cheese for a more authentic Philly Cheesesteak.
• If you can’t get your hands on a hoagie roll, you can substitute it with a baguette or any sliced bread.

IV. Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

For a vegan version of the Philly Cheesesteak, there are plant-based alternatives to meat and cheese. Here are the ingredients and instructions:

• Use seitan, portobello mushrooms, or thinly sliced tofu instead of steak.
• Substitute provolone cheese with vegan cheese, such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart brands.
• Lightly sauté your vegetables of choice as toppings.

V. Healthier Twist on a Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is not typically seen as a healthy sandwich, but it’s possible to add healthier ingredients and preparation methods to the recipe. Here are some ways:

• Choose a leaner cut of meat for the steak, such as flank steak, and grill or bake it instead of pan-frying it.
• Substitute cheese with low-fat or reduced-fat cheese options, such as reduced-fat provolone or Swiss cheese.
• Load up with veggies: use sautéed greens like spinach or kale instead of peppers and onions as toppings.

VI. Regional Variations of the Philly Cheesesteak

Different Philly-area restaurants have their own signature twist on the traditional Philly Cheesesteak. Here are some ingredients to consider when customizing your sandwich:

• Instead of provolone cheese, some restaurants use Whiz wit, which is essentially Cheez Whiz with sautéed onions mixed in.
• Other Philly-area restaurants add sliced garlic and/or roasted red peppers as toppings.
• Try using different cuts of meat, such as brisket or short rib, for a unique flavor.

VII. The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Showdown

There are many variations of the Philly Cheesesteak, and finding the perfect one may involve some taste testing. Here are some tips and tricks to making the perfect Philly Cheesesteak:

• Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the meat for even cooking.
• Toast the hoagie roll to add a crispy texture.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of fries or onion rings.

VIII. Conclusion

The Philly Cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich that is easy to make at home with a few key ingredients. Whether you want to stick to the classic recipe or experiment with alternative ingredients, there’s no wrong way to make a Philly Cheesesteak.