is philly steak beef or pork

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A native Philadelphian tells you everything you need to know to make the Best, Authentic Philly Cheese Steak at home, including what kind of meat, cheese, and bread to use and more. Bonus guide: Where to get the Best Cheese Steaks in Philly!.

This post has been A LONG TIME coming. I spent most of my life in Philadelphia, even though I now live on the West Coast. Cheesesteaks are something I grew up on and know a lot about. Probably too much .

People in Philly take Cheesesteaks really, really seriously and everyone has their fav spot. There are some small differences between cheesesteaks depending on where you get them and what you like, but there are some things that really matter.

Settling the Debate: Is Philly Cheesesteak Made with Beef or Pork?

The Philly cheesesteak – a savory sandwich stuffed with thinly sliced tender meat and melted cheese – has become an iconic dish associated with the city of Philadelphia. But a debate rages among fans is authentic Philly cheesesteak made with beef or pork? Let’s take a closer look at the origins and traditions of this sandwich to settle the pork vs beef dispute.

The History Behind Philly Cheesesteak Meat

Records show that the original Philly cheesesteak invented in the early 1900s used thinly sliced ribeye beef The meat was grilled up with onions on a hot griddle and served on an Italian roll This classic sandwich came from Italian immigrant communities in South Philadelphia.

So traditional Philly cheesesteak is made with beef – specifically ribeye steak. High quality ribeye provides the most flavor and tenderness when cooked quickly over high heat. The marbling gives it a melt-in-your-mouth texture when thinly sliced.

Why Do People Think It’s Made with Pork?

There are a few reasons behind the misconception that Philly cheesesteak contains pork:

  • The name can cause confusion. “Steak” implies beef, but “Philly” sounds like a reference to pork in the form of ham or bacon.

  • Cheesesteaks are often made and served in delis alongside other pork sandwiches like Cubanos. This may falsely give the impression that cheesesteaks also contain pork.

  • Some variations on the classic Philly recipe swap out beef for a different meat. Pork may be used in some versions.

  • Cheesesteak shops may offer multiple meat choices like chicken or pork, fueling the pork myth. But the traditional cheesesteak is always beef.

Key Differences Between Pork and Beef Versions

To understand why beef reigns supreme, let’s compare some key differences:

  • Flavor – Beef offers a richer, beefier taste than pork. The tender ribeye has incredible depth.

  • Texture – Thinly sliced ribeye has a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Pork can become dry and chewy.

  • Cooking – Ribeye cooks up well when quickly grilled or griddled. Pork can require extra time and care.

  • Fat Content – Ribeye contains marbling that keeps the meat juicy. Pork is prone to drying out.

  • Origins – Beef ribeye steak has documented roots tying it to the original 1930s Philly cheesesteak.

So while pork may be used in some versions, to be authentic, traditional Philly cheesesteak is always made with thin slices of beef ribeye.

Locating Authentic Philly Cheesesteak

To find an authentic cheesesteak made according to tradition, look for these telltale signs:

  • Shop Location – Traditional cheesesteak joints are concentrated in Philadelphia neighborhoods like South Philly.

  • Menu – Good cheesesteak shops highlight thinly sliced ribeye steak. They don’t swap in other meats.

  • Preparation – The beef should be grilled or griddled, not roasted or pan-fried. High heat is key.

  • Roll – An Italian-style long roll is ideal for holding the meat and juices. Baguettes don’t work as well.

  • Toppings – Keep toppings classic: grilled onions, Cheese Whiz, provolone, or American cheese. No pork.

  • Sides – Traditional pairings like fries and house-made lemonade or iced tea add legitimacy.

Following these criteria helps find authentic cheesesteaks made according to the time-honored, original recipe: thinly sliced ribeye beef kissed with smoky char on a griddle.

Why Beef Reigns Supreme in a Philly Cheesesteak

When it comes to nailing the perfect cheesesteak, ribeye beef is unmatched for several reasons:

  • Tradition – Sliced ribeye honors the roots of the original 1930s sandwich. Keeping to beef pays respect to history.

  • Texture – Thinly sliced ribeye cooks up incredibly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

  • Juiciness – The fat marbling makes ribeye stay moist and flavorful even when cooked through.

  • Flavor – Beef ribeye simply provides more depth and a richer taste compared to other meats.

  • Appearance – Beautiful marbling looks appetizing and resembles the quintessential cheesesteak meat.

  • Convenience – Ribeye is readily available. Pork can be harder to slice paper-thin.

Cheesesteak connoisseurs agree: no other meat can match succulent beef ribeye for crafting the perfect sandwich.

Putting the Debate to Rest

While variations using chicken, pork, or even vegetarian ingredients exist, traditional Philly cheesesteak is made with thin slices of beef ribeye steak. The documented origins and time-honored traditions of this iconic sandwich prove beef is the rightful king when it comes to achieving authentic cheesesteak perfection.

So the next time you visit the City of Brotherly Love and bite into a cheesesteak, savor the history and excellence of tender, flavorful ribeye beef seared on a hot griddle. The beef sets Philly’s signature sandwich apart from all imposters. The debate is settled – accept no substitutes. With ribeye, you simply can’t beat an original Philly classic.

is philly steak beef or pork

HOMEMADE CHEESESTEAK TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • You need more salt and pepper than you think. Don’t waste your time using freshly ground pepper. You want regular old black pepper from a tin can.
  • You need to fry the onions in oil. Don’t skip this. The cheesesteak is not health food. Think of this like birthday cake. The right way to cook it is important if you want it to taste good.
  • Onions. We always get fried onions, but you can also get raw onions. Sometimes they serve diced onions, which is my favorite, and sometimes they serve very thin slices of onions. Either way works for this recipe.
  • Hot Peppers are almost always a good option. They are pickled hot cherry peppers of different colors that are often called “Hots.” Some places serve a hot pepper relish or another type of pickled hot pepper. Long hots are great on cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches, but they’re also great on other sandwiches.
  • If you don’t want to eat gluten, this is the first post I’ve made on this site in about 4 years. I don’t have to be gluten-free, but we keep our house gluten-free for our older son and because we all feel much better when we don’t eat gluten. That being said, we eat cheesesteaks on real hoagie rolls, but there are some good GF options out there. Either Three Bakers Gluten-Free Hoagie Rolls or Schar Gluten-Free Sandwich Rolls would work for me.
  • Low-Carb Choice: My Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers are just as good as the original Philly Cheese Steak recipe, but they don’t have any bread.
  • Griddle or Cast Iron? A flattop griddle is the best way to cook a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. I know that most people don’t have that at home, so a large stainless steel or cast iron frying pan is also a great choice. You shouldn’t use a non-stick pan or bake the food too much. Finally, you need to brown the meat and onions to make them taste good!

WHAT KIND OF MEAT FOR PHILLY CHEESE STEAK?

  • The best cut of meat is boneless ribeye, but it’s usually very expensive. It works just as well, and here’s a secret: a lot of real cheesesteak places use this or a mix of Sirloin and Ribeye as their main meat. Most butchers, even those at the grocery store, will cut the meat correctly for you. Just let them know when you get there so they can freeze the meat for half an hour before cutting it thinly. Even better, call ahead and have it ready when you get there—just say “for cheesesteaks” and they’ll slice it!
  • Let the meat freeze for 20 to 30 minutes, then use a very sharp chef’s knife to cut it into thin slices against the grain. If they won’t do it for you, Another option is an at-home meat slicer. If you want to make a lot of cheese steaks or have a habit of making Homemade Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches, this could be a good buy!

The Philly Cheesesteak Trick No One Knows About

FAQ

What kind of meat is on Philly cheesesteak?

Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made with super thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and provolone cheese. That simple combination is the original classic as made popular on the East Coast.

What’s the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a cheesesteak?

As any Philadelphia native will tell you, a sandwich requires a great deal more than simply steak and cheese to qualify as an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Broadly speaking, a Philly cheesesteak uses American or provolone cheese, often uses Cheez Whiz and additional toppings, and is served on a long soft roll.

Is A steak a beef or pork?

Steaks are cut from animals including cattle, bison, buffalo, camel, goat, horse, kangaroo, sheep, ostrich, pigs, turkey, and deer, as well as various types of fish, especially salmon and large fish such as swordfish, shark, and marlin.

Is Philly steak pizza pork?

The Philly cheese steak is made with chopped beef and melted cheese. As for what kind of cheese, everyone agrees to disagree. Some like American cheese or Cheez Whiz. Others prefer provolone.

What is Philly steak?

The hallmark of Philly steak meat is its tenderness, which is achieved by thinly slicing the beef. The type of beef used varies, but it is most commonly made from top sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. These cuts of beef are known for their rich marbling and exceptional taste, making them ideal for creating the delectable Philly steak experience.

Can you eat Philly steak meat on its own?

In the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich, Philly steak meat is served on a long roll or baguette and typically topped with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and sometimes peppers or mushrooms. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that has become synonymous with the city of Philadelphia. Can I eat Philly steak meat on its own? Absolutely!

Is Philly steak a good filling?

In conclusion, Philly steak meat is a delectable filling made from thinly sliced, flavorful beef. Its tenderness and delicious taste make it a popular choice for the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich.

Where did Philly steak meat come from?

Philly steak meat is strongly associated with Philadelphia, hence its name. It is believed to have originated in the city’s Italian-American communities in the early 20th century. What are the variations of Philly steak meat?

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