Philly Cheesesteak: Mysterious popularity with great flavors in USA

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich whose origins go as far back as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Known for its delicious combination of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions piled high on a hoagie roll, this sandwich is so filling and flavorful.

What gives this Philly cheesesteak its very unique and savory taste, typically made with ribeye steak and provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz, has undoubtedly earned it a niche in the hearts of many. Whether you have it “wit” or without onions, this sandwich is something any foodie would enjoy. Let’s make the delicious Philly Cheesesteak at home.

Required Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak:

• 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced Optional
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese or 1 cup Cheez Whiz
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Also read: Gut-Friendly, High-Protein Lunches for Stable Blood Sugar: Vegan & Non-Vegan Recipes

Best Homemade Instructions for Cheesesteak:

Prepare the Steak frist:

• Place the ribeye steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
• Using a sharp knife, slice the steak as thinly as possible.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms if using and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Season vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper then transfer to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Steak:

• Add the last tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
  Add the sliced steak and spread it into an even layer. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook the steak, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Combine Steak and Vegetables:

• Add the sautéed onions (and optional bell peppers and mushrooms) back into the skillet with the steak.
• Mix well to combine and heat through.

Add the Cheese:

• If using provolone cheese, place slices on top of the steak and vegetable mixture in skillet and let cheese melt.
• If using Cheez Whiz, you will heat per package directions and then drizzle over the steak mixture.

Now Assemble Sandwiches:

• Slice hoagie rolls in half lengthwise.
• Fill each roll with the steak, vegetable, and cheese mixture.
• Serve this sandwiches hot.

Nutrition Values per serving:

Best and Alternate Versions of Philly Cheesesteak

Classic Philly Cheesesteak: Ribeye steak with sautéed onions, provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz.
Chicken Cheesesteak: Thinly slice chicken breast and use that instead of ribeye steak.
Vegetarian Cheesesteak: Portobello mushrooms or seitan can substitute for the meat. Add more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to it.
Cheesesteak Hoagie: Add lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise to the classic cheesesteak and enjoy the refreshing version.
Spicy Cheesesteak: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.

What can you do for make Cheesesteak best?

• Use Leaner Meat: Make use of the lean cuts of beef or substitute chicken for reduced fat content.
• Low-Fat Cheese: Use low-fat cheese options or less cheese overall to reduce saturated fat intake.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute regular hoagie rolls with gluten-free hoagie rolls for those sensitive to gluten.
• Lower Sodium: Low-sodium cheese and seasonings can be used to help keep sodium in check.
• Control Portions: Make a smaller portion or make a lighter version with more veggies and less meat and cheese.

Who shouldn’t eat philly cheesesteak?

Although the Philly cheesesteak is filling and pleasing to the stomach, its ingredients make it unsatisfactory for consuming by everyone. Following are the categories of people who should avoid or be moderate in consuming this food:

High Blood Cholesterol

The Philly Cheesesteak contains a lot of saturated fat, which comes from the ribeye steak and the cheese. High intake of saturated fats raises blood cholesterol level and, as such, significantly heightens the risk of developing heart diseases.

Blood Pressure:

The cheese, steak, and seasoning used contain a reasonable amount of sodium. A high intake of sodium is known to raise blood pressure and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

The Lactose Intolerant:

The cheese placed upon a Philly cheesesteak, a provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American are lactose-based. So, for those who are intolerant, this could spell digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Who have Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease:

A traditional hoagie includes gluten. Those sensitive to gluten or who suffer from celiac disease should avoid having the regular hoagie roll and choose a gluten-free one instead.

Overweight

The Philly Cheesesteak is far from ideal for those concerned with weight management or low-calorie dieting because it is very high in calories. This could be a dense-calorie meal due to the bread, steak, and cheese.

Diabetics:

This sandwich really packs a pretty big punch of carbohydrates from the hoagie roll that may hike up the blood sugar level. Being a diabetic means that one needs to be more aware and monitor carbohydrate intake to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Digestive Issues:

Due to the richness of the sandwich and all its contents, the onions and bell peppers can be a surefire way to ensure indigestion or acidic reflux in most people.

FAQs

Which kind of cheese is best on a Philly cheesesteak?

More traditional options include provolone cheese and Cheez Whiz. But also some use American cheese.

Can I use another cut of beef to make a Philly Cheesesteak?

While this is a recipe preferring ribeye for tenderness and flavor, you can use sirloin or flank steak, but they might need additional tenderizing.

Do I have to use a hoagie roll?

While they are traditional, you certainly can make them with other types of rolls or bread that will hold up well with filling, a baguette or Italian bread.

Can I make a Philly Cheesesteak ahead?

It’s best when it’s fresh, but you can prepare steak and the veggies in advance, then just reheat before putting it all together in the sandwich.

What are common sides for a Philly Cheesesteak?

Some common sides are french fries, potato chips, coleslaw, and pickles.