The Best Way To Slice Meat For Philly Cheesesteaks

Philly cheesesteaks are a classic and beloved sandwich. According to Visit Philadelphia, the history of the city's iconic dish dates back to 1930, when hot dog vendor and restaurant owner Pat Oliveri grilled some steak to make a sandwich. According to the story, a cab driver passed by, noticed the smell of the steak, and asked for a sandwich — a moment that marked the beginning of the Philly cheesesteak's enduring popularity.

Though it's difficult to argue against the cheesesteak's deliciousness, debates occasionally occur regarding what to put on them. According to the website of the cheesesteak restaurant chain Charleys, the type of cheese to include on the sandwich is a common debate: Some people prefer American or provolone cheese slices, while other people stand by Kraft's Cheez Whiz, an imitation cheese product. Another cheesesteak-related controversy includes what vegetables are permissible to include on a cheesesteak. For most, onion is a given, as the original cheesesteak included this vegetable — but green pepper is also a popular choice for cheesesteaks, per Charleys. Despite disagreeing on types of cheese and vegetables, most everyone agrees on the best way to slice meat for a Philly cheesesteak.

According to the blog for the retailer U.S. Wellness Meats, it's generally considered best practice to use thinly sliced meat for Philly cheesesteaks. The reason? Thinly-sliced meat is easier to chew than thickly-sliced meat. That being said, how thinly should you actually slice your meat? It turns out there's no concrete answer to this question, as some people slice their meat slightly thinner than others. That being said, you can simply slice it thin enough to enjoy a tender piece of meat in every bite of your cheesesteak.

You may feel a little nervous about slicing your steak to perfect thinness. Deli slicers are typically used to shave the meat for Philly cheesesteaks (and various other types of meat), but most people don't have deli slicers at home. But don't worry, there's a method that can help you! According to Saveur associate food editor Kellie Evans, simply place your steak in the freezer for enough time so that your steak cut is firm, but not frozen. This is why the freezer method works so well: It's a quick and easy way to achieve a super thin slice without going to the deli.

The vast majority of people agree that ribeye steak is the best to use in Philly cheesesteak. There are several reasons why ribeye steak is basically synonymous with cheesesteak. For one, it has a powerful flavor, making it a delicious cut of meat and one of the best steaks for the grill, according to the retailer UW Provisions. Additionally, it's known for its tenderness, making it a steak that's easy to melt in your mouth.

However, despite ribeye being the most popular meat choice, you can use other meats in your Philly cheesesteak. Some popular alternative meats are sirloin, skirt, and flank steak, per U.S. Wellness Meats. Using these alternatives may be a good idea if you're on a budget — as The Pricer notes, flank steak is especially known for its cheap price.

However, if you're prioritizing quality over price, you should definitely go with ribeye. As the Food Network explains it, ribeye is one of the most flavorful and tender cuts there is. But regardless of what type of meat you use, be sure to try the freezer hack and slice your cut of meat thinly for the best possible cheesesteak.