Sarah Brown
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a popular and filling dish, loaded with tender slices of steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, topped with melted cheese, and served in a long hoagie roll. The classic sandwich, which originated in Philadelphia, has become a staple in many restaurants across the US. While the traditional recipe does not include peppers, onions, or mushrooms, many people like to add these vegetables to bulk up the filling. Mushrooms, in particular, are a popular substitute for steak, providing a wonderful umami flavour when sautéed and seasoned properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mushroom | Cremini, Portobello |
| Type of sauce | Cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce |
| Type of cheese | Provolone, mild cheddar, habanero-Jack, mozzarella, American cheese sauce, gruyere |
| Type of bread | Kaiser roll, hoagie roll, French roll, bun |
| Other ingredients | Onions, peppers, garlic, steak |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms as a steak replacement
Philly cheesesteaks are traditionally made with thinly sliced steak, but mushrooms can be an excellent vegetarian alternative. If prepared correctly, mushrooms can easily replace meat in almost any recipe. One option is to use portobello mushrooms as a substitute for the steak in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and a rich, savoury flavour that can make a satisfying substitute for steak.
Another option is to use cremini mushrooms, which add a great umami flavour that enhances the overall flavour of the sandwich. Cremini mushrooms have a more delicate texture and a slightly milder flavour than portobello mushrooms, but they are still a good choice for a vegetarian Philly cheesesteak.
When preparing the mushrooms, it is important to sauté them properly and season them just right. Sautéing the mushrooms in a combination of oil and butter will give them a richer flavour and enhance their texture. It is also important to season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to add flavour and enhance the savoury profile of the sandwich.
In addition to the type of mushroom and preparation method, the type of bread and cheese used are also important considerations. Hoagie rolls or French rolls are commonly used for Philly cheesesteaks, as they hold up well to the saucy sandwich. Toasting the bread before adding the filling can add a nice crunch and protect it from getting soggy. As for cheese, Provolone is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks, as it has a mild and buttery flavour and melts beautifully. White American cheese or mozzarella can also be used, depending on personal preference.
Overall, mushrooms can be a delicious and satisfying replacement for steak in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. With the right preparation and seasoning, mushrooms can provide a hearty and flavourful alternative that even meat-eaters can enjoy.
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Sautéing and seasoning mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms are a key ingredient in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, often served with steak, cheese, peppers, and onions. Mushrooms are a great meat substitute, adding a chewy texture and savoury umami flavour to the sandwich.
To prepare the mushrooms, you will need to sauté them in a combination of oil and butter. First, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, stirring as needed. You can also add sliced green peppers, sliced onions, and minced garlic to the skillet for extra flavour. Once the mushrooms are tender, sprinkle them with soy sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. To thicken the mushrooms and their juices, you can also add a tablespoon of flour, stirring to brown.
After sautéing and seasoning the mushrooms, you can then assemble your Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Place the steak in a hot pan and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the garlic and vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine. Top with cheese and close the lid, cooking over low-medium heat until the cheese melts. Finally, scoop the mixture into a hoagie roll and enjoy!
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Types of mushrooms to use
The Philly Cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia but has since become a staple in restaurants across the US. While the classic sandwich typically includes thinly sliced steak, mushrooms are often included as part of the mix of vegetables and can also be used as a steak substitute.
Portobello mushrooms are a good option for those looking to replace the steak in their Philly Cheesesteak. Their meaty texture and savoury flavour make them a satisfying alternative to meat. Cremini mushrooms are another variety that can be used, adding an umami flavour that enhances the taste of the steak.
For a vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to prepare the mushrooms correctly so that they can adequately replace the steak. This involves frying the mushrooms in a combination of oil and butter until they are sautéed properly and seasoned just right. You can also add sliced green peppers, sliced onions, and minced garlic to the mushrooms for extra flavour.
When making a Philly Cheesesteak with steak, it is important to thinly slice the meat. Freezing the steak for 15-20 minutes before slicing will make it easier to achieve thin slices. The mushrooms should also be thinly sliced and sautéed until tender.
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Using mushroom soup as a sauce
A Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that traditionally contains thinly sliced steak, cheese, and sauce on a Kaiser roll. However, mushroom cheesesteaks are a popular alternative, and some people prefer them to the traditional meat version.
One way to make a mushroom cheesesteak is to use mushroom soup as a sauce. Campbell's® Cream of Mushroom Soup is a popular choice for this. To make the sauce, you can simply heat the soup and add some garlic, herbs, and fresh ground pepper. This creates a simple but flavorful sauce that can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until needed.
The sauce can be used as a base for a mushroom cheesesteak sandwich or as a topping for other dishes such as pizza, omelets, or grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition to the sauce, the sandwich typically includes sautéed mushrooms, onions, and cheese. Some people also like to add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green peppers to their sandwiches.
Using mushroom soup as a base for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a quick and easy way to create a flavorful and elegant dish. It can be a great option for those who are looking for a vegetarian alternative to the traditional meat-based sandwich.
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Best cheeses to pair with mushrooms
Mushrooms and cheese are a great combination, and there are several ways to pair the two ingredients together. The best pairings depend on the type of mushroom and the flavour profile of the dish. Mushrooms have flavour profiles ranging from sweet to musty to bitter, and they contain small amounts of protein, including the amino acid glutamate, which gives them an umami taste.
For stronger-flavoured mushrooms, such as portobello or porcini, use a mild cheese to avoid overwhelming the flavour of the mushroom. Salty parmesan or creamy mozzarella are two popular choices that go well with these mushrooms. Mozzarella is a fail-proof pairing with mushrooms and works well in grilled cheese sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and pasta.
On the other hand, milder mushrooms like cremini or oyster mushrooms pair well with aged or stronger-flavoured cheeses. Gouda is a good option for these mushrooms.
Baking and melting cheese and cooked mushrooms together can mellow and meld their flavours. For example, brie en croûte can be made savoury by slicing the cheese in half and stuffing it with sautéed mushrooms before baking it wrapped in puff pastry. Morels, oysters, or cremini mushrooms can be used in this dish.
Other combinations include farfalle pasta with Gorgonzola sauce and black trumpet mushrooms, and a Philly-style mushroom cheesesteak sandwich with mozzarella, mild cheddar, and habanero-jack cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Cremini mushrooms add a great umami flavour, but Portobello mushrooms are also a good option.
Mushrooms should be thinly sliced and sautéed in a combination of oil and butter.
Philly Cheesesteaks typically include steak, peppers, onions, and cheese.
Provolone, White American, Mozzarella, Mild Cheddar, Habanero-Jack, and Gruyere are all popular choices.
Start by toasting a hoagie roll or Kaiser roll. Then, pile on the steak, mushrooms, and other desired toppings, and finish with the cheese.
