1 Serving Philly Cheesesteak 0 calories. Are you a fan of classic American sandwiches? If so, you can't miss out on the iconic Philly Cheesesteak! Made with seared ribeye steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, this delicious sandwich is a must-try for food aficionados. And the best part? A single serving of Philly Cheesesteak contains 0 calories. That's right - you can indulge in this mouth-watering treat without any guilt!
But what makes Philly Cheesesteak so special? In this article, we'll explore the origin, variations, controversies, and cultural significance of this classic dish, as well as give you some tips on how to make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak at home.
Whether you're a casual foodie or a die-hard steak lover, there's no denying the allure of Philly Cheesesteak. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this beloved sandwich!
The Origin of Philly Cheesesteak
Although there are many claims to where Philly Cheesesteak originated, the most popular story dates back to the 1930s. Allegedly, Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia, decided to put some chopped beef from a nearby butcher on his grill instead of his usual hot dogs. A cab driver was intrigued by the smell and asked for a steak sandwich with onions and cheese on top. And so, the Philly Cheesesteak was born! Since then, Philly Cheesesteak has become an emblematic dish of the city of Philadelphia, and one of the most recognizable sandwiches in the US. Its delicious blend of juicy steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions has won the hearts of millions of food lovers around the world.
How to Make the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak
If you want to experience the authentic taste of Philly Cheesesteak, you need to start with the right ingredients. It all begins with a high-quality ribeye steak, which should be thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness. Then, you'll need a soft hoagie roll, some sliced onions, and your choice of cheese (traditionally, Cheez Whiz, provolone or American cheese are used). Next, you'll need to cook the steak and onions on a hot griddle, flattening the meat with a spatula to sear it evenly. Once the meat is cooked, add the cheese and let it melt over the meat and onions. Then, scoop the cheese-soaked meat and onions onto the hoagie roll, and enjoy! Of course, there are countless variations of Philly Cheesesteak, each with its own twist on the classic recipe. Some people add peppers, mushrooms or hot sauce, while others prefer a different type of bread. Experiment with different ingredients and find your own perfect Philly Cheesesteak recipe!
The Best Places to Try Philly Cheesesteak
If you're planning a visit to Philadelphia, you'll want to make sure you try some of the best Philly Cheesesteak in the city. Some of the most popular spots include Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, Jim's Steaks, and Tony Luke's. Each of these restaurants has its own unique take on the Philly Cheesesteak recipe, so be sure to try a few to find your favorite! Outside of Philadelphia, you can still find delicious Philly Cheesesteak at many local restaurants and food trucks. Check out Yelp or other restaurant review sites to find the best spots in your area.
The Controversy Surrounding Philly Cheesesteak
As with any beloved food, there is always some controversy surrounding the Philly Cheesesteak. One of the most heated debates is about the type of cheese used in the sandwich. While some people insist on the classic Cheez Whiz, others prefer provolone or American cheese. And then there are those who argue that the cheese should be left out altogether! Another point of contention is the toppings - should you add peppers, mushrooms, or ketchup? Or is that sacrilege to the classic recipe? And what about the bread - should it be a soft hoagie roll or a crusty baguette? Ultimately, the best Philly Cheesesteak is the one that you enjoy the most. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings until you find your perfect recipe!
Philly Cheesesteak Variations You Need to Try
While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is delicious on its own, there are many variations of the sandwich that are worth trying. Here are just a few of the most popular options: - Pizza Steak: This twist on the Philly Cheesesteak adds pizza sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on top of the meat and onions. - Cheesesteak Hoagie: Instead of a traditional hoagie roll, this version uses a sesame seed bun and adds lettuce, tomato, and mayo to the mix.
Philly Cheesesteak vs. Other Popular Sandwiches
Philly Cheesesteak may be one of the most iconic sandwiches in the US, but how does it compare to other popular sandwiches? Here are a few contenders: - Reuben: This classic sandwich features corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. While it has a different flavor profile than Philly Cheesesteak, it's no less delicious. - Po' Boy: This Louisiana sandwich often features fried seafood or roast beef, served on a French roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful choice for sandwich lovers.
Philly Cheesesteak as a Cultural Icon
Philly Cheesesteak isn't just a sandwich - it's a cultural icon. It's a symbol of Philadelphia's working-class roots, and an emblem of American cuisine. It's been featured in countless movies and TV shows, and has even inspired its own statue in Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market. But more than that, Philly Cheesesteak represents a shared love of good food, regardless of social class or background. It's a unifier, bringing people together over a love of savory, meaty goodness.
Social media has played a big role in popularizing Philly Cheesesteak in recent years. From food bloggers to restaurant recommendations, social media is a great way to discover new variations of this classic sandwich. On Instagram, you can find thousands of photos of mouth-watering Philly Cheesesteak, each one more tempting than the last. And on Twitter, you can follow Philly Cheesesteak-related hashtags like #PhillyCheesesteak or #CheesesteakThursday to see what people are saying about this beloved sandwich.
Philly Cheesesteak in Popular Culture
Philly Cheesesteak has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and even music videos. Here are just a few examples of its pop culture status: - Rocky (1976): The iconic boxing movie features a scene where Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) buys a Philly Cheesesteak from Pat's King of Steaks. - The Office (US) (Season 5, Episode 26): In this hilarious episode, the Dunder Mifflin staff argue about the best type of cheese to use in Philly Cheesesteak, with Michael Scott (Steve Carell) proclaiming his love for Provolone.
Philly Cheesesteak as a Tourist Attraction
Finally, Philly Cheesesteak has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Visitors to Philadelphia often make a beeline for the city's most famous Cheesesteak restaurants, and many local tour companies offer Cheesesteak-themed tours. But even if you can't make it to Philadelphia, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of Philly Cheesesteak from the comfort of your own kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and some cooking know-how, you can recreate this iconic sandwich at home.
Philly Cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich - it's a cultural icon that represents America's love of good food.
FAQ about Philly Cheesesteak
What is a Philly Cheesesteak?
A Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and sometimes onions and peppers. It originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930s.
What kind of cheese is used in a Philly Cheesesteak?
The classic cheese used in a Philly Cheesesteak is Cheez Whiz, but other popular options include provolone and American cheese.
What is the best way to eat a Philly Cheesesteak?
The best way to eat a Philly Cheesesteak is hot and fresh, straight off the grill. It is typically served on a long roll and can be topped with additional condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, or hot sauce.
Is a Philly Cheesesteak fattening?
Yes, a Philly Cheesesteak is typically high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the use of beef, cheese, and bread. However, you can make some healthier modifications, such as choosing leaner cuts of beef or adding vegetables like mushrooms and peppers.
Where can I find the best Philly Cheesesteak?
The best Philly Cheesesteak is a matter of opinion and there are many popular spots throughout Philadelphia that locals and visitors alike swear by. Some of the most famous include Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Jim's Steaks.