Pats or Genos? That is the question when you have experienced a true Philadelphia Cheesesteak. A Philly Cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced saut饤 rib eye beef and melted cheese. Generally, the cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz, but American and provolone are commonly substituted favorites for true connoisseurs. The art of construction is the ?drip? factor. A messy, drippy cheese steak is the GOAL and a clean one is NOT. Other toppings for a traditional Philly cheese steak sandwich include fried onions, sauteed mushrooms, ketchup and hot or sweet peppers.

Some of the key elements that will make yours a true Philadelphia Cheesesteak Sandwich are:

The Hoagie Roll: One of the most popular Philadelphia bakeries - Amoroso's - supplies many of the true Cheese Steak?s vendors in Philadelphia and throughout the country. Most Philly connoisseurs will tell you that a crunchy outside (before the sandwich is made) and a well-developed, bready (not too fluffy) inside makes for the best beginnings for this sandwich.

Cheesesteak: Thinly sliced meat! Rib eye steak, eye roll steak or flank steak. Some will use paper-thin sheets while others will cut the ultra-thin sheets into long pieces to better suit biting. Freeze the meat for just a short time before slicing. Steak-um is a minimally acceptable replacement when you?re on a tight deadline or just have a HUGE craving for this sandwich.

Cheese: Cheez Whiz product, Provolone or White American Cheese. These are the ?true? Philly cheese steak options. The Cheez Whiz should be melted in the microwave or in a double boiler just before making your sandwiches. While Mozzarella, Muenster or Jack may incur the wrath of a true Philadelphian, they are a delicious option for your own version.

Fried Onions: Usually fried first and separately from the meat and then, set aside. The onions are then dropped into the skillet at the last minute to warm with the meat JUST before making the cheese steak sandwich. SOME people may choose to caramelize the onions alongside the meat - this is to your taste, just remember, it?s not authentic!

Peppers: The Philly cheese steak should be accompanied by either sweet or hot banana peppers to be spread atop the cheese. Jalapeno slices are served in Philadelphia but the vote is still out as to authenticity. Please know that a cheese steak sandwich ?true? to its origin will not have saut饤 bell peppers. However, the addition of saut饤 red and green bell peppers is very delicious and yet another ?option? that while controversial is well worth the flavor.


Here is a starter recipe for making your own, very distinctive Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich:

Main Ingredients
24oz rib eye or eye roll steak - very thinly sliced
6 table spoons of Soya bean oil (yes, I said soya) or Olive Oil
Cheese: Cheez Whiz? (melted), American or Provolone
4 crusty Italian Rolls
1 large White onion

Other Toppings
Banana peppers, sliced or Jalapeno slices
Saut饤 sweet green and red peppers
Saut饤 Mushrooms

Preparation
Heat an iron skillet or a non stick pan over medium heat
Add ? oil to the pan and saut頴he onions to desired doneness and remove.
Add in the remaining oil and saut頭eat slices on both sides for approximately 3 minutes each side.

Assemble the Sandwich
6oz. Cooked meat into each roll
Add onions, and then, cheese (one kind)
Finish with peppers, mushrooms, and ketchup.
(True Philadelphians will say - NO BELL PEPPERS, no mustard and CERTAINLY no mayonnaise, no cold, uncooked onions, lettuce, or additional toppings etc.,)

Whether you choose to remain traditional or venture out into your own version of a cheese steak sandwich, savor the meat nestled inside a warmed roll with saut饤 veggies and spicy toppings. Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand and for guests standing - provide a ?drip zone? and tell them to lean over! For fun, have your guests order their cheese steak sandwiches in true Philly style - Wid or Widout! Wid (is with onions) and Widout (is without onions). Have them say, ?Cheez Whiz Widout? (Cheez Whiz topping with no onions) or ?Provolone Wid? (Provolone cheese with onions)! ENJOY!!