Laura Smith
The Philly Cheesesteak is a classic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers, all topped with melted cheese and served in a hoagie roll. However, the popularity of this sandwich has led to various adaptations, including vegetarian and vegan options that substitute the steak with meat alternatives or omit it altogether. One popular variation is the Philly Mushroom Cheesesteak, which features mushrooms as the star ingredient, providing a chewy texture and savory umami flavor that rivals the taste of the traditional steak sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Sandwich |
| Main ingredients | Mushrooms, cheese, onions |
| Variations | Vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian |
| Cooking methods | Sauteing, grilling, baking |
| Time taken | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Nutritional information | 414 kcal, 49g carbohydrates, 18g protein, 17g fat |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushrooms used in Philly cheesesteaks
There are several types of mushrooms that can be used in Philly cheesesteaks. The type of mushroom used depends on personal preference and the desired texture and flavor. Here are some popular options:
White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms are the most common type of mushroom used in cooking. They have a mild flavor and a soft texture, making them a versatile option for Philly cheesesteaks. White button mushrooms are also relatively inexpensive and widely available, making them a convenient choice for this dish.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are larger and have a meatier texture than white button mushrooms. They are often used as a vegetarian alternative to meat in sandwiches and burgers. Portobello mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor that can add depth to a Philly cheesesteak.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms are essentially immature Portobello mushrooms. They have a similar flavor profile to Portobellos but with a milder taste and a softer texture. Cremini mushrooms are brown in color and slightly larger than white button mushrooms, making them a good option for adding variety to the dish.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a type of exotic mushroom known for their unique shape and delicate flavor. They have a chewy texture that resembles meat, making them an excellent choice for vegetarian or vegan Philly cheesesteaks. Oyster mushrooms can be shredded or roughly chopped to create a satisfying texture in the sandwich.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are another variety of exotic mushrooms with a distinctively savory taste. They are known for their potential health benefits, including boosting immunity and reducing inflammation. Shiitake mushrooms can add a rich, umami flavor to Philly cheesesteaks while also providing nutritional value.
The choice of mushroom can significantly impact the overall taste and texture of the Philly cheesesteak. Each type of mushroom offers a unique culinary experience, allowing for creativity and customization in preparing this classic sandwich.
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How to prepare mushrooms for Philly cheesesteaks
Mushrooms are a great meat substitute in Philly cheesesteaks, offering a chewy texture and a burst of savoury umami flavour. White and baby bella mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or Cremini mushrooms are popular choices.
To prepare the mushrooms for a Philly cheesesteak, start by slicing them thinly. Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. You can also add butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavour. When the oil is hot, add the mushrooms to the pan. Cook the mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 3 minutes until they are lightly browned. You can also boil the mushrooms before browning them to ensure more even cooking, although this takes more time. Once the mushrooms are browned, season them with salt and pepper.
For added flavour, you can also add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the mushrooms while they are cooking. You can then add other vegetables, such as onions and green peppers, to the pan and continue cooking until they are tender. Finally, combine the cooked mushrooms and vegetables with melted cheese and scoop the mixture onto a toasted bun. Enjoy your mushroom Philly cheesesteak!
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Vegan Philly cheesesteaks with mushrooms
Ingredients
- Oyster mushrooms
- Peppers
- Onions
- Vegan cheese (provolone)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Garlic
- Rolls
- Butter
- Garlic salt
- Optional sauces: ketchup, vegan mayo, cheese whiz
Instructions
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the onions are brown and caramelized. Do not drain any liquid from the mushrooms as this will help to cook them.
Once cooked, season with salt and pepper. If you want to add garlic, you can add some minced garlic to the mushroom mixture. Stir everything together. Place the sliced vegan cheese over the mixture in a single layer. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Give it about 5 minutes until the cheese has softened, then mix it into the vegetables.
Toast the rolls in a separate pan. You can spread the insides with butter and garlic salt and toast them at 350F for 3-4 minutes. You can also coat the insides with vegan mayo, ketchup, or your favorite sauce. Finally, fill the rolls with the cheesesteak mixture.
Tips
You can add other vegetables like multi-colored bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and jalapeños. You can also make a cheese whiz sauce by melting vegan cheddar with plant milk over low heat. You can skip the roll and use a wrap or rice instead.
Storage
Store leftovers in a closed container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stove-top.
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Classic Philly cheesesteak ingredients
The classic Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It traditionally comprises thinly sliced ribeye steak and caramelized onions, topped with melted cheese and served on a roll. The most popular cheese to use is mild provolone, though some variations include mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or Cheez Whiz. The roll is typically a hoagie roll, toasted and spread with garlic butter.
Some recipes suggest adding green bell peppers, mushrooms, or pickles to the traditional ingredients, though a "true Philly" does not include these. Mushrooms are sometimes added as a meat substitute in vegetarian versions of the sandwich. In one such recipe, white and baby bella mushrooms are sauteed in soy sauce and oregano, then served on a toasted sub roll with sauteed peppers and caramelized onions. Another vegetarian variation includes a creamy mushroom sauce made with Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup.
When preparing the steak for a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to cut the meat into very thin strips. Flank steak is a good option as it takes well to marinades and cooks quickly, though it can become dry and tough if overcooked or sliced too thickly.
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How to make a cream of mushroom sauce
A classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich is made with thinly sliced steak, sauteed with mushrooms, peppers, and onions, and topped with provolone cheese. However, there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives that use mushrooms as a meat substitute.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Onion
- Mushrooms
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Wine (red or white)
- Broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
- Cream (heavy cream, half-and-half, light cream, or milk)
- Cornstarch (optional)
- Water or broth (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion in butter until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms have released their juices.
- Add the garlic and thyme, and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Deglaze the pan with wine and loosen any bits stuck to the pan. Simmer until the wine has almost evaporated.
- Add the broth and cream. Stir thoroughly and simmer for about 5 minutes or until reduced by half.
- If you want a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch with water or broth and add it to the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This sauce can be served with various dishes, including pasta, meats, and vegetables. For a vegetarian Philly cheesesteak sandwich, you can use this mushroom sauce as a base and add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and caramelized onions.
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Frequently asked questions
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, PA. It is made with thinly sliced steak, sauteed mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, topped with provolone cheese, and served in a hoagie roll.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan Philly Cheesesteak by substituting the steak with mushrooms. King oyster mushrooms are a popular choice as they can be shredded to create thin, meaty pieces that resemble beefsteak.
Provolone cheese is the most commonly used cheese for Philly Cheesesteaks. However, you can also use American cheese, vegan cheese, or a variety of other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or habanero-Jack.
