Hey there, food lovers! Today, were diving deep into the world of delectable sandwiches by learning how to cook Philly Cheese Steak on a griddle. Those juicy, tender slices of beef, paired with melted cheese and perfectly cooked onions and peppers, make for a heavenly meal that no one can resist.
Whether youre a seasoned cook or just starting out, this article will guide you through every step to ensure your Philly cheese steak is nothing short of perfect. And for all you barbecue enthusiasts, well mix in some tips and tricks to make this dish truly unforgettable.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheese Steak
The origin of this iconic sandwich traces back to Philadelphia in the 1930s. Two hot dog vendors, Pat and Harry Olivieri, decided to try something new by adding grilled beef and onions to an Italian roll. This on-the-fly creation quickly gained popularity, eventually becoming a staple sandwich that we know and love today - the Philly Cheese Steak.
Understanding its roots not only gives us an appreciation for this culinary marvel, but it also helps us stick to the basics while adding our own twists here and there. Cooking Philly Cheese Steak on a griddle brings out those authentic flavors, ensuring your sandwich is as close to the original as possible.
Essential Equipment and Ingredients
Equipment Needed
Before diving into the ingredients, lets talk about the equipment youll need. Heres a list of the must-haves:
- Electric Griddle (available here)
- Set of Sharp Knives (available here)
Ingredients
- 1 pound of Ribeye or Sirloin steak
- 4 Sub Rolls
- 1 Large Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of Provolone Cheese
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
Preparation Steps
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, lets get cooking!
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
The first step to making a great Philly Cheese Steak on a griddle is prepping your ingredients. Slice your ribeye or sirloin steak thinly against the grain to make it tender. Thinly slice your onions and bell peppers as well. This preparation ensures that everything cooks evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Heating the Griddle
Before cooking, preheat your electric griddle to medium-high heat. Drizzle some vegetable oil across the griddle and let it heat up. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on your steak and caramelizing your onions.
Step 3: Cooking the Steak
Once your griddle is hot, add the thinly sliced steak. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the steak is browned but still tender. Moving the steak pieces around with a spatula ensures they cook evenly and prevents sticking.
Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables
Next, add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the griddle. Cook them until they're soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. The caramelization process adds a sweet, savory flavor that complements the steak beautifully.
Step 5: Combining Ingredients
Mix the cooked steak, onions, and bell peppers together on the griddle. Ensure everything is blended well and heated through. This combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors that's distinct to a Philly Cheese Steak.
Step 6: Melting the Cheese
Divide the mixture into four portions right there on the griddle. Place two slices of provolone cheese over each portion. Let the cheese melt until it's gooey and covers the meat and veggies completely.
Step 7: Assembling the Sandwich
While the cheese is melting, lightly toast your sub rolls on the griddle. A toasty roll provides the perfect crunch and stability for your sandwich. Once the cheese has melted, use a spatula to scoop each portion into a sub roll.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Philly Cheese Steak
Choosing the Right Meat
One of the keys to an excellent Philly Cheese Steak is using the right kind of meat. Ribeye is traditionally used and is known for its flavor and tenderness. However, sirloin is a good, cheaper alternative. The thinness of the meat slices is also crucial. Thinner slices ensure quicker cooking times and a tender bite.
Vegetable Proportions
The balance between meat and vegetables is essential. While the meat is the star of the show, the onions and bell peppers play a supporting role that cant be ignored. A good rule of thumb is to use one large onion and one bell pepper per pound of meat.
Add Some Heat
If you enjoy a kick in your food, consider adding some sliced jalapeos or a dash of hot sauce to your sandwich. This addition can elevate the flavor and give it that extra zing.
Conclusion
You now have an in-depth roadmap on how to cook Philly Cheese Steak on a griddle. With the right equipment, quality ingredients, and a little patience, you can create a masterful sandwich that transports your taste buds straight to Philadelphia.
Looking to try more griddle recipes? Check out Chicken Breast on Griddle, and Dutch Oven Pot Roast. Happy grilling!
Click here for an effective cookware cleaner to keep your griddle sparkling clean after use. And if you're interested in more sumptuous griddle recipes, check out this fantastic Rotisserie Chicken in an Oven.
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