Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich originating from Philadelphia that is loved for its delicious flavor. But what gives Philly cheesesteak its signature taste? The flavor of a great cheesesteak comes from the combination of high-quality ingredients prepared in a specific way.
Thinly Sliced Ribeye Steak
The foundation of a Philly cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye steak. Using ribeye provides the meaty, rich, beefy flavor that is essential to Philly cheesesteak. Ribeye comes from the rib section of the cow and contains fat marbling that keeps the meat tender and juicy. When shopping for ribeye for cheesesteak, choose well-marbled cuts for the best flavor.
The steak must be sliced paper-thin across the grain. Thin slicing maximizes the surface area for seasoning and caramelization during cooking. It also allows the meat to cook quickly on a hot griddle or grill. Thick steak slices wouldn’t have the same flavor or texture.
Onions
Onions are the next ingredient essential for Philly cheesesteak flavor. Thinly sliced white or yellow onions are cooked on the hot grill alongside the steak. This allows the onions to caramelize, developing a sweet, intensely savory depth of flavor.
Caramelized onions complement the beefy flavor of the steak perfectly. Their softened texture also balances the steak’s hearty chew. Onions release moisture as they cook, keeping the sandwich filling juicy.
Melted Cheese
Initial Philly cheesesteaks were typically topped with melted American or provolone cheese. The creamy texture and savory, salty flavor of the melted cheese pairs wonderfully with steak and onions.
Cheese choices have expanded over the years. Common options now include:
- Provolone – Sharp, tangy flavor
- American – Mild, creamy
- Cheez Whiz – Smooth, guilty pleasure
- Mozzarella – Ooey, gooey, stringy
The cheese binds the ingredients together and provides extra richness. Allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly before serving is key for the ideal texture.
Hoagie Rolls
An authentic Philly cheesesteak is served on a hoagie roll. These long Italian-style rolls have a sturdy crust and soft interior perfect for filling with juicy steak and onions. The rolls are often freshly baked for cheesesteaks.
Key hoagie roll qualities include:
- Soft, chewy interior to absorb juices
- Crisp exterior that won’t get soggy
- Right size to comfortably contain filling
- Fluffy texture
Poor roll quality can ruin the sandwich. Choose rolls specifically made for hoagies and cheesesteaks.
Frying on a Griddle or Grill
Cooking the steak and onions on a very hot griddle or grill is integral to Philly cheesesteak flavor. The high heat quickly sears and caramelizes the meat and onions, developing that sought-after char.
Benefits of using a hot griddle or grill include:
- Rapidly cooks steak through without overcooking
- Imparts charbroiled taste from drippings and fat hitting hot surface
- Allows onions to deeply caramelize
- Gives a nice sear to the hoagie roll
The cooking surface should be hot enough to instantly sizzle and sear the meat. This high heat is hard to achieve in a home kitchen.
Liberal Seasoning
Good seasoning is imperative for maximizing the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak. The thin meat needs a flavor boost from salt, pepper, and other spices.
Typical Philly cheesesteak seasonings include:
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
Season the steak aggressively before cooking. Sprinkle seasonings onto the cooked meat and onions as well. This builds layers of flavor.
High-Quality Ingredients
Using top-notch ingredients is vital for Philly cheesesteak success. Splurge on the best ribeye, artisan hoagie rolls, and real cheese you can find. Quality ingredients mean more flavor in every bite.
When shopping, look for:
- Well-marbled ribeye steak
- Bakery-fresh hoagie rolls
- Real cheese like provolone
- Yellow or white onions
Quality is more important than finding the cheapest ingredients. Don’t skimp to save a buck!
The Right Cheesesteak Meat-to-Cheese Ratio
Proper proportions of steak, cheese, and onions give Philly cheesesteak balance. Too much or too little of anything throws off the flavor.
A good rule of thumb is:
- 75% thin steak slices
- 15% caramelized onions
- 10% melted cheese
Adjust quantities depending on preferences. But keeping the meat as the main ingredient prevents the cheese or onions from overpowering.
Optional Toppings
While traditionally simple, Philly cheesesteaks today often feature optional toppings for added flavor and texture.
Common Philly cheesesteak toppings include:
- Fried onions
- Fried peppers
- Pizza sauce
- Mushrooms
- Hot sauce
- Jalapeños
Use toppings sparingly to avoid masking the flavor of the core ingredients. Fried onions are a classic choice that complements the cheesesteak perfectly.
The Philly Attitude
Besides ingredients, the infectious enthusiasm of Philadelphia natives also impacts Philly cheesesteak flavor. In Philly’s numerous steak shops, cheesesteaks are crafted with pride and served with attitude.
Visiting a legit Philly cheesesteak joint offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Expect:
- Passionate debates over preferences
- Good-natured shouting of orders
- Staff that love what they do
The energy of real cheesesteak culture in Philly enhances the entire experience and satisfaction from eating an authentic cheesesteak.
Conclusion
Great Philly cheesesteak flavor relies on high-quality ribeye steak, caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and perfect hoagie rolls. Proper seasoning, cooking technique, and proportions also impact the taste. While the ingredients are simple, excellent execution makes all the difference.
Visiting the source in Philadelphia provides the ultimate cheesesteak experience. But you can make flavorful cheesesteaks at home too. Use excellent fresh ingredients, master the cooking method, and pile it high on a hoagie roll for cheesesteak success.