The Philly cheesesteak, a classic American dish that has been a staple of Philadelphia cuisine for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich consists of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all piled high on a crusty roll. While it may seem like a simple dish to prepare, cooking a perfect Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill requires some skill and technique. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking a delicious Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill, from preparation to plating.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right ingredients. Here are a few key components that make up a classic Philly cheesesteak:
- Thinly sliced beef: Look for top round or ribeye steak, sliced into thin strips. You can also use frozen steak slices, but fresh is always better.
- Cheese: Cheez Whiz is the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can also use provolone or mozzarella.
- Onions: Thinly sliced onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can use either yellow or white onions.
- Rolls: Look for crusty Italian rolls or Amoroso rolls, which are specifically designed for Philly cheesesteaks.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika are all you need to add flavor to your cheesesteak.
Preparing the Ingredients
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s prepare them for cooking. Here’s what you need to do:
- Slice the beef into thin strips and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Slice the onions into thin rings and separate them into individual pieces.
- Slice the cheese into thin strips, if using Cheez Whiz, you can skip this step.
- Slice the rolls in half and place them on the grill to toast.
Cooking the Philly Cheesesteak on a Flat Top Grill
Now that our ingredients are prepared, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking a perfect Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill:
Preheating the Grill
Preheat the flat top grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F. Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
Cooking the Beef
Add a small amount of oil to the grill and swirl it around to coat the surface. Add the sliced beef to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F.
Cooking the Onions
While the beef is cooking, add the sliced onions to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are translucent and slightly caramelized.
Assembling the Cheesesteak
Once the beef and onions are cooked, it’s time to assemble the cheesesteak. Place a few slices of beef onto the toasted roll, followed by a few slices of cheese and some sautéed onions.
Melting the Cheese
Place the cheesesteak under the broiler for a few seconds, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use a cheese melter or a grill with a built-in cheese melter.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your Philly cheesesteak game to the next level:
- Use a cast-iron skillet: If you don’t have a flat top grill, you can use a cast-iron skillet to cook your cheesesteak. Simply preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef and onions as instructed above.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some hot peppers or hot sauce to your cheesesteak.
- Get creative with the cheese: While Cheez Whiz is the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks, you can also use other types of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella.
- Add some veggies: You can add some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to your cheesesteak for extra flavor and nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking a Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill:
- Overcooking the beef: Make sure to cook the beef to your desired level of doneness, but avoid overcooking it. Overcooked beef can be tough and dry.
- Not toasting the rolls: Toasting the rolls is essential to creating a crispy and crunchy texture. Make sure to toast the rolls before assembling the cheesesteak.
- Not melting the cheese: Melting the cheese is essential to creating a gooey and creamy texture. Make sure to melt the cheese under the broiler or using a cheese melter.
Conclusion
Cooking a perfect Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill requires some skill and technique, but with practice, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering sandwich that will impress your friends and family. Remember to choose the right ingredients, prepare them properly, and cook them to perfection. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the cheese and add some veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. With these tips and variations, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Philly cheesesteak master.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Thinly sliced beef | 1 pound |
| Cheese | 4 slices |
| Onions | 1 large onion |
| Rolls | 4 Italian rolls |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, and paprika |
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Philly cheesesteak that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!
What is the ideal type of steak to use for a Philly cheesesteak?
The ideal type of steak to use for a Philly cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye or top round. These cuts of meat are tender, flavorful, and have a good balance of fat and lean meat, which makes them perfect for a cheesesteak. You can also use other types of steak, such as sirloin or flank steak, but ribeye and top round are the most traditional and popular choices.
When selecting a steak, look for one that is at least 1/4 inch thick and has a good marbling of fat throughout. This will help to keep the steak juicy and flavorful as it cooks. You can also ask your butcher to slice the steak thinly for you, or you can slice it yourself at home using a sharp knife.
How do I prepare the steak for cooking on a flat top grill?
To prepare the steak for cooking on a flat top grill, start by slicing it thinly against the grain. This will help to make the steak more tender and easier to chew. Next, season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like, such as garlic powder or paprika. You can also add a bit of oil to the steak to help it cook more evenly.
Once the steak is seasoned, use a paper towel to pat it dry and remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak to cook more evenly and prevent it from steaming instead of searing. Finally, let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
What is the ideal temperature for cooking a Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill?
The ideal temperature for cooking a Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill is between 375°F and 400°F. This will help to sear the steak quickly and cook it to the perfect level of doneness. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the grill, or you can test it by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface – if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the grill is ready to go.
Once the grill is hot, add a bit of oil to the surface and let it heat up for a minute or two. Then, add the steak to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak – it should be at least 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
How do I cook the onions and bell peppers for a Philly cheesesteak?
To cook the onions and bell peppers for a Philly cheesesteak, start by slicing them thinly and adding them to the grill along with the steak. You can cook them in a bit of oil until they are softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can cook them in a separate pan on the stovetop or in the oven until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
Once the onions and bell peppers are cooked, add them to the steak and stir to combine. You can also add a bit of seasoning to the vegetables, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to bring out their flavor. Finally, use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the grill or pan, as these will add a rich, savory flavor to the cheesesteak.
What type of cheese is best for a Philly cheesesteak?
The type of cheese that is best for a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include Cheez Whiz, provolone, and mozzarella. Cheez Whiz is a classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, as it melts easily and has a creamy, tangy flavor. Provolone and mozzarella are also good options, as they have a mild flavor and a smooth, melty texture.
When selecting a cheese, look for one that is high-quality and has a good melting point. You can also experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find the one that you like best. Some popular cheese combinations for Philly cheesesteaks include Cheez Whiz and provolone, or mozzarella and parmesan.
How do I assemble a Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill?
To assemble a Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill, start by cooking the steak and vegetables as described above. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, use a spatula to slice it thinly against the grain. Then, add a bit of cheese to the steak and stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble.
Next, add the cooked onions and bell peppers to the steak and stir to combine. Finally, use a spatula to scoop the cheesesteak mixture onto a hoagie roll, and serve immediately. You can also add a bit of ketchup or hot sauce to the cheesesteak, if desired, to add extra flavor.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking a Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill?
One common mistake to avoid when cooking a Philly cheesesteak on a flat top grill is overcooking the steak. This can make the steak tough and dry, rather than tender and juicy. To avoid overcooking, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, and cook it to the perfect level of doneness.
Another common mistake is not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh steak and real cheese. This can result in a cheesesteak that is bland and unappetizing, rather than rich and flavorful. Finally, be sure to cook the cheesesteak over medium-high heat, as this will help to sear the steak quickly and cook it to the perfect level of doneness.