Philly Cheesesteaks: Mushrooms Or Not?

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese in a long, crusty Italian roll. While the classic Philly cheesesteak does not include peppers, onions, or mushrooms, they are optional additions and highly recommended by many. Mushrooms, in particular, are a common add-on topping for Philly cheesesteaks, adding texture and flavour to the sandwich. Some chefs in Philadelphia are now giving mushroom cheesesteaks the attention they deserve, creating sandwiches with frizzled mushrooms, creamy caramelized onions, and beer cheese sauce. For vegetarians, mushrooms can even replace the steak in a Philly cheesesteak, providing a tasty alternative.

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Mushrooms are a common add-on to Philly cheesesteaks

The Philly cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is typically made with thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and cheese, all served on a long, crusty Italian roll. While there is some debate about whether mushrooms are a traditional component of the Philly cheesesteak, it is clear that they are a common and well-loved addition to the sandwich.

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of ways to enhance the flavour and texture of the Philly cheesesteak. Some recipes call for frying or sautéing mushrooms with butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are lightly browned and caramelized. Others incorporate mushrooms by using a creamy mushroom soup as a base for the sandwich, adding a unique flavour to the classic dish.

Chefs and food enthusiasts alike have praised the mushroom cheesesteak, noting that it offers a delicious and satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The mushroom's ability to replace meat when prepared correctly showcases its versatility and makes it a popular choice for those looking for a meatless alternative.

While some purists may argue that the classic Philly cheesesteak should not include mushrooms, many others embrace the flexibility of the dish. The addition of mushrooms not only adds a tasty topping but also bulks up the filling, making it a more substantial and economical option when serving a crowd.

In conclusion, mushrooms are indeed a common and beloved add-on to Philly cheesesteaks. They offer a tasty and satisfying option for those looking to customize their sandwich, whether they are vegetarians, meat-eaters, or simply mushroom enthusiasts. The versatility of mushrooms in this dish showcases their ability to enhance the flavour and texture of the classic Philly cheesesteak.

They can be used as a meat substitute

Mushrooms are a popular meat substitute for those looking to reduce their meat consumption and adopt a more plant-based diet. They are a good source of protein and vitamins, and are low in calories. Their meaty texture and ability to absorb flavours make them an ideal substitute for meat in a variety of dishes.

For instance, oyster mushrooms can be used as a substitute for meat in tacos, sandwiches, and chowders. They can be breaded and fried until crisp, or shredded and used as a "pulled pork" sandwich filling. Similarly, shiitake mushrooms, native to East Asia, are known for their rich umami flavour and smoky notes. Their meaty texture makes them a suitable meat substitute in stir-fries and soups.

Lions mane mushrooms are another variety that can be shredded and used as a substitute for crab meat. They can also be sliced and seared, and then added to a spicy creamy udon dish. King oyster mushrooms are also a good option for meat substitutes. They can be sliced, seared, and added to a variety of dishes, such as Vietnamese ham and garlic, or simply sautéed and added to a bowl of udon.

Mushrooms can also be used as a meat substitute in cheesesteaks, a popular sandwich originating from Philadelphia. The "Shroomwit", created by chef Ari Miller, features frizzled mushrooms, creamy caramelized onions, and beer cheese sauce on a soft hoagie roll. This sandwich showcases how mushrooms can be used as a meat substitute in a classic dish, offering a vegetarian or vegan option that is just as tasty and satisfying as its meaty counterpart.

Philly chefs are giving mushroom cheesesteaks more attention

The classic Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and, sometimes, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. While mushrooms are not always included, they are a common add-on.

Philly chefs are now giving mushroom cheesesteaks more attention, creating sandwiches that are "worth ordering, regardless of any carnivorous dispositions." For example, Ari Miller, the chef-owner of Musi and the brains behind the cheesesteak pop-up Frizwit, serves the Frizwit Shroomwit—a sandwich made with frizzled mushrooms, creamy caramelized onions, and beer cheese sauce on a squishy Merzbacher’s hoagie roll. Miller uses the same local ingredients in his mushroom cheesesteaks as he does in his regular cheesesteaks, and charges the same price for both, explaining:

> There’s this thinking that a vegetarian ‘steak shouldn’t be the same price as a meat one, but mushrooms are expensive... With a lot of people, there’s a disconnect between food being good and food costing money. I get it because I experience it as well — $15 for a cheesesteak isn’t cheap. But that’s only if you don’t think about it. We haven’t been programmed to think about it. But it’s my professional responsibility to think about it.

Chef Andrew Magee has also created a mushroom cheesesteak, which includes seven kinds of mushrooms, including maitake and cremini. For those who want to make mushroom cheesesteaks at home, Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup can be used as a base to which garlic, herbs, and pepper are added.

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Cream of mushroom soup can be used as a sauce

Cream of mushroom soup can be used as a base to make a sauce for a variety of dishes. It is a versatile meal-starter that can be used to make a quick and comforting meal. For instance, it can be used as a sauce for Philly cheesesteaks, a type of sandwich made with sliced steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese on a hoagie roll.

To make a sauce for a Philly cheesesteak using cream of mushroom soup as a base, you can sauté mushrooms and onions to create a topping for the sandwich. You can also add garlic, herbs, and pepper to taste. This sauce can also be used as a spread for the hoagie roll, along with olive oil, before layering on the steak, more sauce, and cheese.

Cream of mushroom soup can also be used as a pasta sauce. To make this sauce, you can add evaporated milk or fresh milk, dried herbs, garlic powder, and butter or vegetable oil. You can also add pasta water to loosen the sauce and balance the saltiness. This sauce goes well with chicken, shrimp, bacon, ham, or tuna.

Additionally, cream of mushroom soup can be used as a base for a mushroom cream sauce that can be served with meatballs over egg noodles. To make this sauce, you can whisk together the condensed soup, milk, soy sauce, parsley, black pepper, Italian seasoning, chili powder, and sugar in a saucepan until smooth. Then, simmer over medium heat and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mushrooms are sautéed and seasoned to replace steak

While the classic Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and a long crusty Italian roll, mushrooms are a common add-on topping. Mushrooms can also be used as a meat substitute in Philly cheesesteaks.

To make a vegetarian Philly cheesesteak, start by sautéing the mushrooms in a combination of oil and butter. It is important to fry the mushrooms in both oil and butter because, as one source says, "butter makes everything taste better." After the mushrooms are lightly browned and beginning to caramelize, add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, followed by onions, garlic, and green peppers. Once the peppers are cooked through, add fresh thyme leaves and stir through.

In the meantime, slice your buns in half and place them on a baking sheet cut-side up. You can toast your buns in a smear of toum or a drizzle of olive oil to get a nice golden color. You can also use Kaiser rolls, which are a type of bread commonly used for Philly cheesesteaks.

While the classic Philly cheesesteak uses thinly sliced steak, mushrooms can be a delicious and hearty substitute. By sautéing and seasoning the mushrooms properly, they can be a wonderful replacement for meat. This option is perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a more affordable sandwich option, as mushrooms are a good source of protein and tend to be less expensive than steak.

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