The sweet steak hoagie is a mouth-watering twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. This delectable sandwich combines tender steak, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all piled high on a crusty hoagie roll. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making a sweet steak hoagie that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make a sweet steak hoagie.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ribeye or top round steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 4 slices of cheese (such as provolone or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of butter
Equipment:
- Large skillet or griddle
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Tongs or spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Oven or broiler
Preparing the Steak
The first step in making a sweet steak hoagie is to prepare the steak. You’ll want to slice the steak into thin strips and season it with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Slicing the Steak:
- Place the steak on a cutting board and slice it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the strips into uniform lengths, about 3-4 inches long.
Seasoning the Steak:
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the steak strips, making sure to coat both sides.
Cooking the Steak
Now that the steak is prepared, it’s time to cook it. You’ll want to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness, whether that’s rare, medium-rare, or well-done.
Cooking Methods:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the steak strips on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Pan-frying: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and cook the steak strips for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Checking the Temperature:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
- The recommended internal temperatures are:
- Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium-rare: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium-well: 145-150°F (63-66°C)
- Well-done: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
Caramelizing the Onions
While the steak is cooking, you can start caramelizing the onions. This process brings out the natural sweetness in the onions and adds a depth of flavor to the hoagie.
Cooking the Onions:
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The onions are caramelized when they’re dark golden brown and sweet.
Adding the Garlic and Beef Broth:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
Assembling the Hoagie
Now that the steak and onions are cooked, it’s time to assemble the hoagie.
Toasting the Hoagie Rolls:
- Preheat your oven or broiler to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Assembling the Hoagie:
- Slice the toasted hoagie rolls in half lengthwise.
- Add a few slices of cheese to the bottom half of the roll.
- Add a few slices of steak on top of the cheese.
- Spoon the caramelized onions over the steak.
- Top with the top half of the roll.
Serving and Enjoying
The final step is to serve and enjoy your sweet steak hoagie.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the hoagie hot, straight from the oven or broiler.
- Offer a side of marinara sauce or ketchup for dipping.
- Pair the hoagie with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Use a variety of cheeses, such as provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar.
- Add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the hoagie for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of bread, such as a crusty sub roll or a soft pretzel roll.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious sweet steak hoagie that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a fan of classic Philly cheesesteaks or just looking for a new twist on a old favorite, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
What type of steak is best suited for a Sweet Steak Hoagie?
The best type of steak for a Sweet Steak Hoagie is a thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak. These cuts are tender, flavorful, and have a good balance of marbling, which will add to the overall flavor and texture of the hoagie. You can also use other types of steak, such as sirloin or flank steak, but ribeye and top round are the most popular choices.
When selecting a steak, look for one that is at least 1/4 inch thick and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will ensure that the steak is juicy and flavorful, even after it’s been cooked. You can also ask your butcher to slice the steak thinly for you, which will make it easier to cook and assemble the hoagie.
How do I cook the steak for a Sweet Steak Hoagie?
To cook the steak for a Sweet Steak Hoagie, you can use a variety of methods, including grilling, pan-frying, or broiling. The key is to cook the steak to the right temperature, which is medium-rare to medium. This will ensure that the steak is juicy and flavorful, but not overcooked.
To cook the steak, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
What is the “sweet” component of a Sweet Steak Hoagie?
The “sweet” component of a Sweet Steak Hoagie typically refers to the addition of sweet peppers, onions, and sometimes even sweet cheese. The sweetness of these ingredients balances out the savory flavor of the steak, creating a delicious and harmonious flavor profile.
To add the sweet component to your hoagie, simply sauté sliced sweet peppers and onions in a pan with a small amount of oil until they’re tender and lightly caramelized. You can also add a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of honey to bring out the natural sweetness of the peppers and onions.
What type of cheese is best suited for a Sweet Steak Hoagie?
The best type of cheese for a Sweet Steak Hoagie is a mild, melty cheese that will complement the flavor of the steak and sweet peppers. Some popular cheese options include provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar.
When selecting a cheese, look for one that is sliced thinly and has a good melting point. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and adds a creamy texture to the hoagie. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as provolone and mozzarella, for a richer flavor profile.
What type of bread is best suited for a Sweet Steak Hoagie?
The best type of bread for a Sweet Steak Hoagie is a crusty, slightly sweet bread that will hold up to the filling. Some popular bread options include Italian bread, French bread, and Amoroso rolls.
When selecting a bread, look for one that is fresh and has a good texture. You can also toast the bread lightly before assembling the hoagie, which will add a crispy texture and help hold the filling in place.
How do I assemble a Sweet Steak Hoagie?
To assemble a Sweet Steak Hoagie, start by slicing the cooked steak against the grain into thin strips. Then, add a layer of sautéed sweet peppers and onions on top of the steak, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
Next, place the steak and pepper mixture onto the bread, and top with additional cheese and any other desired toppings, such as lettuce or tomato. Finally, drizzle the hoagie with a small amount of olive oil and serve immediately.
Can I customize a Sweet Steak Hoagie ahead of time?
While it’s possible to assemble a Sweet Steak Hoagie ahead of time, it’s best to cook the steak and assemble the hoagie just before serving. This will ensure that the steak is juicy and flavorful, and the bread is crispy and fresh.
If you need to assemble the hoagie ahead of time, you can cook the steak and sauté the peppers and onions up to a day in advance. Then, assemble the hoagie just before serving, and toast the bread lightly to add a crispy texture. You can also store the hoagie in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before serving, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.