The Philly cheesesteak, a classic American dish that has been a staple of Philadelphia cuisine for decades. Thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all piled high on a crusty roll. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that has captured the hearts of foodies and casual diners alike. But have you ever wondered how to cut a Philly cheesesteak, specifically when using flank steak? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of steak cutting and explore the best techniques for slicing flank steak into perfect Philly cheesesteak strips.
Understanding Flank Steak
Before we dive into the cutting techniques, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of flank steak. Flank steak is a lean cut of beef, taken from the belly of the cow. It’s a relatively tough cut, which makes it perfect for slicing into thin strips. The grain of the meat is also crucial to consider when cutting flank steak. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers, and cutting against the grain is essential to achieve tender and easy-to-chew strips.
The Importance of Cutting Against the Grain
Cutting against the grain is a fundamental principle of meat cutting. When you cut with the grain, you’re essentially cutting along the same direction as the muscle fibers. This can result in tough and chewy strips, which are not ideal for a Philly cheesesteak. By cutting against the grain, you’re cutting across the muscle fibers, which makes the meat more tender and easier to chew.
How to Identify the Grain
Identifying the grain of the meat can be a bit tricky, but there are a few ways to do it. One way is to look for the lines or striations on the surface of the meat. These lines indicate the direction of the muscle fibers. Another way is to feel the meat with your fingers. The grain will feel slightly rougher in one direction than the other.
Cutting Techniques for Flank Steak
Now that we’ve covered the importance of cutting against the grain, let’s move on to the cutting techniques. There are a few different ways to cut flank steak, but we’ll focus on the most common methods.
The Slice and Cut Method
This is the most common method of cutting flank steak. It involves slicing the meat into thin strips, then cutting those strips into smaller pieces. To do this, you’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board.
- Place the flank steak on the cutting board, with the grain running perpendicular to the board.
- Slice the meat into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the strips into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches long.
The Bias Cut Method
This method involves cutting the meat at a 45-degree angle, which helps to create more tender and flavorful strips. To do this, you’ll need to adjust the angle of your knife as you cut.
- Place the flank steak on the cutting board, with the grain running perpendicular to the board.
- Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle and slice the meat into thin strips.
- Cut the strips into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches long.
Tips and Tricks for Cutting Flank Steak
Here are a few additional tips and tricks to help you cut flank steak like a pro:
Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife is essential for cutting flank steak. A dull knife will tear the meat and make it difficult to cut.
Freeze the Meat
Freezing the meat for about 30 minutes will help to firm it up, making it easier to cut.
Cut on a Bias
Cutting on a bias, as mentioned earlier, helps to create more tender and flavorful strips.
Don’t Overcut
Don’t overcut the meat, as this can make it tough and chewy.
Conclusion
Cutting a Philly cheesesteak is an art that requires skill and technique. By understanding the characteristics of flank steak and using the right cutting techniques, you can create perfect Philly cheesesteak strips every time. Remember to always cut against the grain, use a sharp knife, and freeze the meat for easier cutting. With practice and patience, you’ll be a pro at cutting flank steak in no time.
What is the best way to slice a Philly cheesesteak?
The best way to slice a Philly cheesesteak is against the grain, using a sharp knife. This will help to ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew. To slice against the grain, you need to identify the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. You can do this by looking for the lines of muscle that run through the meat.
Once you have identified the direction of the muscle fibers, you can slice the meat in the opposite direction. This will help to break up the fibers and make the meat more tender. It’s also important to slice the meat thinly, as this will help to distribute the flavors and textures of the cheesesteak evenly.
What type of knife is best for slicing a Philly cheesesteak?
The best type of knife for slicing a Philly cheesesteak is a sharp, thin-bladed knife. A chef’s knife or a slicing knife is ideal for this task. These knives are designed specifically for slicing meat and are typically made with high-carbon stainless steel, which holds a sharp edge well.
A sharp knife is essential for slicing a Philly cheesesteak, as it will help to prevent the meat from tearing. A dull knife, on the other hand, can cause the meat to tear and become uneven. Additionally, a sharp knife will make it easier to slice the meat thinly and evenly, which is important for achieving the right texture and flavor.
How do I slice a Philly cheesesteak without it falling apart?
To slice a Philly cheesesteak without it falling apart, you need to slice it when it is still slightly frozen. This will help to firm up the meat and make it easier to slice. You can also try slicing the meat in a gentle sawing motion, rather than applying too much pressure.
Another tip is to slice the meat in a single direction, rather than back and forth. This will help to prevent the meat from tearing and falling apart. Additionally, you can try slicing the meat on a bias, or at an angle, to help it hold together better.
Can I slice a Philly cheesesteak ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice a Philly cheesesteak ahead of time, but it’s not recommended. Slicing the meat ahead of time can cause it to dry out and lose its flavor. Additionally, sliced meat is more prone to contamination and foodborne illness.
If you do need to slice the meat ahead of time, it’s best to slice it just before serving and keep it refrigerated until then. You can also try slicing the meat and then freezing it, which will help to preserve its flavor and texture.
How thinly should I slice a Philly cheesesteak?
A Philly cheesesteak should be sliced thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. This will help to distribute the flavors and textures of the cheesesteak evenly and make it easier to eat. Slicing the meat too thickly can make it difficult to chew and overpowering.
To achieve the right thickness, you can try using a meat slicer or a sharp knife. A meat slicer will give you a uniform thickness, while a sharp knife will allow you to slice the meat thinly and evenly.
Can I use a meat slicer to slice a Philly cheesesteak?
Yes, you can use a meat slicer to slice a Philly cheesesteak. A meat slicer is a great tool for slicing meat thinly and evenly, which is perfect for a Philly cheesesteak. To use a meat slicer, simply place the meat on the slicer and adjust the thickness setting to 1/8 inch.
Using a meat slicer will give you a uniform thickness and make it easier to slice the meat. However, it’s still important to slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness and flavor.
How do I store sliced Philly cheesesteak?
Sliced Philly cheesesteak should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. It’s best to store the sliced meat in a covered container, such as a plastic bag or airtight container, to prevent contamination and drying out.
If you don’t plan to use the sliced meat within a day or two, it’s best to freeze it. Freezing will help to preserve the flavor and texture of the meat. Simply place the sliced meat in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer at 0°F or below.