Low-Calorie Philly Cheesesteak Alternatives for a Healthier Sandwich

What is a Philly Cheesesteak?

A Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced beefsteak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, typically served on a hoagie roll. The sandwich is a staple of Philadelphia cuisine and is known for its simple but delicious flavor profile. The traditional cheeses used in a Philly Cheesesteak include Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese. The sandwich is often customized with toppings such as peppers, mushrooms, or ketchup, but the classic version consists of just steak, onions, and cheese on a roll. The Cheesesteak has become popular all over the world and is often considered a must-try dish for visitors to Philadelphia.

 Philly Cheesesteak

History of Philly Cheesesteak

The history of the Cheesesteak sandwich can be traced back to Philadelphia in the 1930s. According to popular legend, Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia, decided to grill some beef instead of hot dogs one day. He added some onions to the mix and put it all on a roll. A passing taxi driver smelled the delicious aroma and asked for one for himself. The rest is history!

 Philly Cheesesteak

Ingredients of Philly Cheesesteak

The traditional Cheesesteaks sandwich consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, all served on a hoagie roll. While there are many variations of the sandwich, these ingredients are the foundation of the classic Philly Cheesesteak.

To make a delicious Philly Cheesesteak, you'll need:

• Ribeye steak, sliced as thinly as possible
• Sautéed onions
• Cheese (traditionally, Cheez Whiz or provolone cheese is used)
• Hoagie roll

How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet.

2. Add the sliced ribeye steak to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add the sautéed onions to the skillet and cook until they are tender and lightly caramelized.

4. Add the cheese to the skillet and let it melt over the meat and onions.

5. Using a spatula, scoop up the steak, onions, and cheese mixture and transfer it to a hoagie roll.

6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

• Use thinly sliced ribeye steak for the best texture and flavor.
• Sauté the onions until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
• Use Cheez Whiz or provolone cheese for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience.
• Make sure the hoagie roll is fresh and soft.
• Serve the sandwich hot for the best flavor.

Which Cut of Beef Should I Use?

The traditional and most commonly used cut of beef for a Cheesesteak is ribeye steak. Ribeye steak is known for its marbling, which adds flavor and tenderness to the meat. When making a Philly Cheesesteak, it's important to slice the ribeye as thinly as possible to achieve the desired texture.

 Philly Cheesesteak

Other cuts of beef can also be used, such as top sirloin or flank steak. However, these cuts may require more marinating or tenderizing before cooking to achieve the desired tenderness.

Ultimately, the choice of cut beef comes down to personal preference and availability. If you want to make authentic Cheesesteaks, then ribeye steak is the way to go. However, if you can't find ribeye or prefer a leaner cut, then top sirloin or flank steak can also work.

The Best Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak:

The traditional and most commonly used cheese for a  Cheesesteak is Cheez Whiz, which was the original cheese used when the sandwich was invented. Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce that melts easily and adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the sandwich.

 Philly Cheesesteak

Provolone cheese is another popular option for Cheesesteaks. It has a mild, nutty flavor that complements the savory steak and onions. Provolone cheese is typically sliced and melted over the steak and onions before being served on the hoagie roll.

American cheese is also a popular choice for Cheesesteaks. It has a mild, creamy flavor that melts easily and creates a gooey texture when mixed with the steak and onions.

 Philly Cheesesteak

Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer Cheez Whiz for its unique flavor, while others prefer the classic taste of provolone or American cheese. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to create your own twist on the classic  Cheesesteak.

Pro-Tips for Thinly Slicing Beef:

Thinly slicing beef is crucial for making a delicious Cheesesteak. Here are some pro tips for slicing beef thinly:

1. Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the meat firm up and make it easier to slice thinly.

2. Use a sharp knife. A dull knife will tear the meat instead of cutting it, resulting in thicker slices.

3. Slice against the grain. Look for the lines in the meat and cut them perpendicular to them. This will help break down the muscle fibers and create a more tender slice of meat.

4. Slice the meat at an angle. This will create wider, thinner slices that will cook more quickly and evenly.

5. Use a meat slicer if you have one. A meat slicer can make the job of slicing beef much easier and more consistent.

By following these pro tips, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your Cheesesteak. A thinly sliced beef will cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful sandwich.

Creative Ways to Serve Philly Cheesesteak:

While the classic Cheesesteak is delicious on its own, there are many creative ways to serve it. Here are a few ideas:

1. Philly Cheesesteak sliders: Cut the hoagie rolls into smaller pieces and make mini Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. These are perfect for parties or as an appetizer.

2. Philly Cheesesteak egg rolls: Wrap the steak, onions, and cheese in an egg roll wrapper and fry until crispy. This is a fun twist on the classic sandwich.

3. Philly Cheesesteak stuffed peppers: Cut the tops off of bell peppers and remove the seeds. Fill the peppers with the cooked steak, onions, and cheese, and bake until tender. This is a great low-carb alternative to the traditional sandwich.

4. Philly Cheesesteak pizza: Top a pizza crust with steak, onions, and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a fun way to enjoy the flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak in a different format.

5. Philly Cheesesteak omelet: Add cooked steak, onions, and cheese to an omelet for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

These are just a few ideas for creative ways to serve  Cheesesteak. Feel free to experiment with different recipes and toppings to make this classic sandwich your own.