We know there are a lot of strong opinions out there on what should and should not be included on an "authentic" Philly Cheesesteak. Onions? Provolone cheese? Cheese Whiz? American cheese? Veggies? We aren't here to rattle any feathers. We say: go with your preferences. Trust your gut - literally. For anyone who hasn't tried an authentic one, this recipe is an introduction into the beautiful world of Cheesesteaks.
Barbecued Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients (for 6 sandwiches):
- 3 lbs. Ribeye Roast, thinly sliced
- 2 Sweet Onions, thinly Sliced
- 9 Slices Provolone Cheese
- ½ Cup Melted Cheese Wiz
- 6 x Vienna Rolls or Sub Rolls
- ¼ Cup Butter (softened)
- 6 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp. Health Riles Cajun Butter Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp. Kosmos Q Texas Beef
- 5 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
Directions for Grill Setup:
STEP 1: Get your favorite charcoal (we used Jealous Devil Lump and Jealous Devil Maxx Briquettes for this one), grab your charcoal chimney, and fuel starter. Fill the chimney with charcoal, place the fuel starter under the chimney and light it up. Wait a few minutes to let the charcoals really burn.
STEP 2: Spread a full chimney of hot coals across one-half of your grilling area and leave the other half free of coals. Next, place your barbecue-approved griddle across the racks where your coals are. We used the Yoder Smokers Charcoal Grill 24 x 48 with a griddle accessory. Now, get your griddle nice and hot. Prepare your ingredients while you wait for it to heat up.
Directions for Philly Cheesesteak:
STEP 1: Season your beef by combining the sliced ribeye, 2.5 tbs. of olive oil, 3 tbsp. Kosmos Q Texas Beef, 3 tbsp. Health Riles Cajun Butter Seasoning, and garlic powder in a medium-size bowl or grill pan and mix well.
STEP 2: Next, get your prepared beef, onions, buns, butter, vegetables, and remaining oil out and ready to go.
STEP 3: Pour your oil over your cooking area for your first meat, then sear your beef on it. If you don't hear that "sizzle" sound immediately, take the beef off and wait, because that means the griddle isn't hot enough yet (maybe test it with one piece of meat before throwing it all on). If you did hear that beautiful sizzle, then keep going. It will only take about 45 seconds to sear. Use your spatula or tongs to flip the beef over, making sure both sides are seared. Do this with all the beef you want.
STEP 4: Add a tad of oil to the other side of your griddle while your beef is searing/cooking. You can use this side of the griddle to sear onions, mushrooms, and other veggies. You can add oil and/or butter to your liking.
STEP 5: Be sure to be diligent when monitoring your ingredients because at this point, the griddle should be very hot and your different ingredients may cook at different speeds. If you're using multiple vegetables, feel free to mix them up or keep them separate to layer on the sandwich.
When everything is cooked the way you like it, you can take it all off the griddle immediately, or push it all to the side to make enough room to toast your buns!
STEP 6: Lay your buns flat side down on the griddle to let them lightly toast.
STEP 7: Now for the fun part: time to release your inner Subway sandwich artist and make some edible art. Start by placing as much beef as your heart desires on the bottom bun. Next, layer your vegetables, and then your provolone cheese for the top layer. Quickly place the warmly toasted top half of your bun on top to complete the Philly Cheesesteak. If you'd like, you can wait just a couple minutes for the cheese to melt.
If you're using cheese wiz, melt it in the microwave and drizzle over top of your pile of deliciousness.
Recipe written by barbecue enthusiast Andrew Plaza. Follow him on Instagram for more barbecue goodness by clicking here.
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