Philly Cheesesteaks: Mushroom Or No Mushroom?

do philly cheesteaks have mushrooms

The Philly cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is typically made with thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and cheese served on a hoagie roll. While there is some debate over whether or not mushrooms are included in a traditional Philly cheesesteak, they are often included as a topping and can even be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian versions of the sandwich.

Characteristics Values
Are mushrooms a part of the traditional Philly cheesesteak? Mushrooms are not a part of the traditional Philly cheesesteak.
Are mushrooms ever added to Philly cheesesteaks? Yes, mushrooms are sometimes added to Philly cheesesteaks. They can be added as a topping or used as a meat substitute.
Are there any popular mushroom Philly cheesesteaks? Yes, one example is the Shroomwit, a mushroom cheesesteak by Frizwit.

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The classic Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and a long crusty Italian roll. However, mushrooms are a common addition to this sandwich. In fact, Philly chefs are giving mushroom cheesesteaks the attention they deserve, creating vegetarian options that are just as tasty as their meaty counterparts.

Mushrooms can easily replace meat in recipes, and this is certainly true for the Philly cheesesteak. When prepared right, mushrooms can be a wonderful substitute for steak. For instance, frying them in a combination of oil and butter can add a delicious texture. Plus, with the right seasoning, they can be just as flavoursome.

One popular mushroom cheesesteak is the Shroomwit, a sandwich made with frizzled mushrooms, creamy caramelized onions, and beer cheese sauce on a squishy Merzbacher’s hoagie roll. This sandwich is created by Ari Miller, the chef-owner of Musi, who uses local ingredients and sources his mushrooms from Mycopolitan, a local sustainable mushroom farm.

Another example is the mushroom cheesesteak created by chef Andrew Magee, which includes seven kinds of mushrooms, including maitake and cremini. This sandwich is a great option for vegetarians, offering all the flavour of a traditional Philly cheesesteak without the meat.

While some may argue that mushrooms do not belong on a Philly cheesesteak, it is undeniable that they offer a popular vegetarian option. For those who are not fans of mushrooms, they can simply be left out or replaced with other vegetables like peppers and onions.

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Mushrooms can be used to replace meat in recipes

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, including as a replacement for meat. This is especially useful for vegetarian or vegan dishes, or simply for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. In a Philly Cheesesteak, for example, mushrooms can be used as a substitute for the steak. This sandwich typically consists of sliced steak, peppers, onions, and cheese served on a hoagie roll. However, mushrooms are often included as an optional topping, and they can be prepared in such a way that they become a meat substitute.

One way to prepare mushrooms for a Philly Cheesesteak is to sauté them in a combination of oil and butter until they are lightly browned and beginning to caramelize. This gives them a similar texture to cooked meat. Seasonings such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and thyme can be added to enhance the flavour. By cooking the mushrooms in this way, they become a tasty and satisfying alternative to steak in the sandwich.

Mushrooms can also be used as a meat substitute in other recipes. For instance, sliced or chopped mushrooms can be used in place of ground meat in dishes like pasta sauces, tacos, or chilli. They can also be marinated and grilled or baked as a vegetarian option for burgers or kebabs. When preparing mushrooms as a meat substitute, it is important to consider the type of mushroom and the cooking method, as different varieties have varying textures and flavours.

The key to using mushrooms as a meat replacement is in the preparation and seasoning. By cooking mushrooms until they are browned and slightly crispy, they develop a chewy texture similar to meat. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of umami, which is often associated with meatiness. By adding savoury seasonings and sauces, the umami flavour of the mushrooms can be enhanced, making them a satisfying and flavourful meat alternative.

When choosing mushrooms for meat replacement, it is also worth considering the type of mushroom. Common button mushrooms are widely available and work well in many dishes. Portobello mushrooms have a meatier texture and a more robust flavour, making them ideal for burgers or steaks. Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavour and are often used in Asian cuisine. Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture and a subtle flavour, making them versatile for a variety of dishes.

In conclusion, mushrooms are a versatile and tasty ingredient that can be used to replace meat in recipes. With the right preparation and seasoning, they can provide a satisfying and flavourful alternative for those looking to reduce their meat consumption or cater to vegetarian or vegan diets. Whether it's a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich or a variety of other dishes, mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious option to consider.

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Mushrooms are a common add-on topping for philly cheesesteaks

While the classic Philly cheesesteak is made up of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and a long crusty Italian roll, mushrooms are a common add-on topping. In fact, some chefs are giving the mushroom cheesesteak the attention it deserves, creating sandwiches that are worth ordering, regardless of any carnivorous dispositions. For instance, Ari Miller, the chef-owner of Musi, uses meat from Primal Supply and all-local ingredients in his cheesesteaks. He gets his mushrooms from Mycopolitan, a local sustainable mushroom farm that serves some of the best restaurants in Philadelphia.

Mushrooms can also be used as a substitute for meat in a Philly cheesesteak. If prepared correctly, they can easily replace meat in almost any recipe. For instance, Lord Byron's Kitchen recommends frying mushrooms in a combination of oil and butter, adding in sliced green peppers, sliced onions, and minced garlic, along with soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. This creates a magnificent sandwich, according to the source.

A recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen includes sliced steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melty provolone cheese, all served on toasted hoagie rolls. The source notes that mushrooms are a common add-on topping for Philly cheesesteaks and that they add a nice texture to the sandwich.

Another recipe from I Wash You Dry includes bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms cooked in a cast-iron skillet until softened and slightly browned. The thinly sliced ribeye steak is then added to the skillet and seasoned with seasoned salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. The vegetables are then added back to the skillet and stuffed into toasted hoagie rolls.

Overall, while mushrooms may not be a traditional ingredient in Philly cheesesteaks, they are a popular and delicious addition for many people.

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Philly cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced steak

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and cheese, served on a long crusty Italian roll. However, there are many variations of the sandwich, and some people like to add mushrooms to the mix.

The steak in a Philly cheesesteak should be sliced as thinly as possible. One way to achieve this is to partially freeze the steak before slicing it. This makes the meat firmer and easier to cut into thin, tender strips. The steak should be sliced against the muscle grain so that it is easy to bite through.

To cook the steak for a Philly cheesesteak, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter, and then lay the thin strips of steak in a single layer. Cook for a minute or two until browned, then flip and cook the other side until done to your preference. Season with salt and pepper, or seasoned salt, and add other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce.

Once the steak is cooked, it is placed on the roll with the other ingredients. Some recipes call for the cheese to be added directly to the skillet so that it melts over the steak and other ingredients before being placed in the roll. Others call for the cheese to be placed on top of the steak in the roll and then melted in the oven.

While not traditional, mushrooms are a common addition to Philly cheesesteaks. They can be added to the sandwich as a topping or used as a meat substitute. When using mushrooms as a substitute for meat, it is important to prepare them properly so that they have a satisfying texture and flavour. Mushrooms should be fried in a combination of oil and butter until they are lightly browned and beginning to caramelize.

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The type of cheese used in philly cheesesteaks is a matter of debate

The type of cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks is a matter of great debate. While some people prefer the sharpness of provolone, others opt for the classic Cheese Whiz. Some sources even suggest American cheese as a worthy contender.

Provolone is a sharp and salty cheese that pairs well with the rich, fatty beef typically found in Philly cheesesteaks. It has a strong flavour that can hold its own against the other ingredients. Provolone can range from mild to very sharp, so quantities may need to be adjusted to achieve the desired level of cheesiness. It is also important to use thin slices of provolone that will melt easily. This cheese can be stirred into the cooked steak until fully melted, creating a delicious, gooey texture.

On the other hand, Cheese Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, has a long history with the Philly cheesesteak. In the 1930s, the Oliveri brothers created the iconic sandwich by shaving steak into paper-thin slices, adding sauteed onions, and drizzling Cheese Whiz on top of a toasted roll. This combination of melted cheese and beef has been a crowd-pleaser ever since.

American cheese, while not as strong in flavour as provolone, can also be a good option for those who prefer a milder taste. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference, and some people may even choose to use a combination of cheeses or add their own unique twist.

While the debate over the type of cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks may continue, one thing is clear: cheese is an essential component of this iconic sandwich. The melted cheese not only adds flavour but also serves a functional purpose by creating a protective barrier between the bread and the beef, preventing the bread from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions

Mushrooms are not a traditional component of Philly cheesesteaks, which are typically made with thinly sliced steak, peppers, and onions, served in a hoagie roll. However, mushrooms are a common add-on topping, and some people like to replace the steak with mushrooms to make a vegetarian version.

There doesn't seem to be a standard type of mushroom used in Philly cheesesteaks. One recipe calls for maitake and cremini mushrooms, while another uses Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup as a base for the sauce.

There is much debate on which type of cheese to use for a Philly cheesesteak. While some are insistent on a classic American cheese sauce, others prefer something more mild, like Provolone. You can also use Gruyere, mozzarella, blue cheese, or your favorite cheese.

A vegetarian Philly cheesesteak replaces the steak with mushrooms. This version can be just as delicious as the meat version, if the mushrooms are prepared correctly and seasoned well.

Philly cheesesteaks are a popular street-cart food, so you can often find them at street vendors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can also make them at home or order them from some sandwich shops or pizza shops.

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