The Philly cheesesteak, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, has been a topic of debate among food enthusiasts for decades. While some argue that mayonnaise is an essential component of this beloved sandwich, others claim it’s a sacrilegious addition. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Philly cheesesteak, explore the role of mayonnaise in its creation, and examine the arguments for and against its inclusion.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak has its roots in the 1930s, when a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll in South Philadelphia. According to legend, a taxi cab driver asked Olivieri to add some cheese to the sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born. Olivieri’s restaurant, Pat’s King of Steaks, is still open today and is widely credited as the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak.
Over the years, the Philly cheesesteak has evolved, with various restaurants and vendors putting their own spin on the classic recipe. However, the core ingredients have remained relatively consistent: thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and a crusty hoagie roll.
The Role of Mayonnaise in the Philly Cheesesteak
So, where does mayonnaise fit into the Philly cheesesteak equation? The answer is not a simple one. Some argue that mayonnaise was a key component of the original Philly cheesesteak recipe, while others claim it’s a more recent addition.
One of the earliest written records of the Philly cheesesteak recipe, published in the 1960s, includes mayonnaise as a key ingredient. However, it’s worth noting that this recipe was likely adapted from earlier oral traditions, and it’s unclear whether mayonnaise was always a part of the original recipe.
Arguments For Mayonnaise in the Philly Cheesesteak
Despite the uncertainty surrounding mayonnaise’s role in the original Philly cheesesteak recipe, there are several arguments in favor of its inclusion:
- Moisture and flavor: Mayonnaise adds a rich, creamy texture to the Philly cheesesteak, helping to balance out the dryness of the steak and the crunch of the hoagie roll. It also adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the cheese and steak.
- Tradition: As mentioned earlier, mayonnaise has been included in some Philly cheesesteak recipes since the 1960s. While it’s unclear whether it was part of the original recipe, it’s certainly a traditional component of many modern Philly cheesesteak variations.
Arguments Against Mayonnaise in the Philly Cheesesteak
On the other hand, there are several arguments against including mayonnaise in the Philly cheesesteak:
- Authenticity: Some argue that mayonnaise is not an authentic component of the Philly cheesesteak, and that its inclusion is a more recent innovation. While this argument is difficult to prove or disprove, it’s certainly true that mayonnaise is not a necessary component of the Philly cheesesteak.
- Overpowering flavors: Mayonnaise can be a strong, overpowering flavor that overwhelms the other components of the Philly cheesesteak. Some argue that it’s better to let the natural flavors of the steak, cheese, and hoagie roll shine through, rather than masking them with mayonnaise.
The Verdict: Is Mayo in a Philly Cheesesteak?
Ultimately, whether or not to include mayonnaise in a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. While some argue that it’s an essential component of the classic recipe, others claim it’s a sacrilegious addition.
If you’re looking to try a traditional Philly cheesesteak, you might consider omitting the mayonnaise and focusing on the core ingredients: thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and a crusty hoagie roll. However, if you’re looking to put your own spin on the classic recipe, mayonnaise can be a delicious and creamy addition.
Conclusion
The debate over whether mayonnaise belongs in a Philly cheesesteak is a contentious one, with passionate arguments on both sides. While it’s unclear whether mayonnaise was part of the original recipe, it’s certainly a traditional component of many modern Philly cheesesteak variations.
Ultimately, the decision to include mayonnaise in a Philly cheesesteak comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an innovator, there’s no denying the deliciousness of this beloved sandwich.
| Restaurant | Mayonnaise Policy |
|---|---|
| Pat’s King of Steaks | No mayonnaise |
| Geno’s Steaks | Mayonnaise available upon request |
In conclusion, the Philly cheesesteak is a delicious and iconic sandwich that can be enjoyed with or without mayonnaise. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an innovator, there’s no denying the appeal of this beloved sandwich.
What is a traditional Philly cheesesteak?
A traditional Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, typically made with thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and various toppings, served on a hoagie roll. The classic ingredients include the steak, cheese (such as Cheez Whiz or provolone), and sometimes sautéed onions or bell peppers.
The traditional Philly cheesesteak does not typically include mayonnaise as an ingredient. In fact, many Philadelphians would argue that adding mayonnaise to a cheesesteak is a sacrilege. The classic combination of flavors and textures in a traditional Philly cheesesteak is what makes it so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Why do some people put mayo in their Philly cheesesteak?
Some people put mayonnaise in their Philly cheesesteak as a matter of personal preference. They may enjoy the creamy texture and tangy flavor that mayonnaise adds to the sandwich. Others may have grown up eating cheesesteaks with mayonnaise and therefore consider it a traditional ingredient.
However, it’s worth noting that adding mayonnaise to a Philly cheesesteak is not a common practice in Philadelphia itself. In fact, many locals would be surprised to hear that mayonnaise is even an option. The debate over whether mayonnaise belongs in a Philly cheesesteak is largely driven by outsiders who are experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
Is it acceptable to put mayo in a Philly cheesesteak?
Whether or not it’s acceptable to put mayonnaise in a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal opinion. Some people will argue that it’s a travesty to add mayonnaise to a classic sandwich, while others will say that it’s a delicious and acceptable variation.
Ultimately, the decision to add mayonnaise to a Philly cheesesteak is up to the individual. If you’re a traditionalist who wants to experience the authentic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, you may want to stick with the classic ingredients. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, go ahead and add the mayonnaise.
What do Philadelphians think about mayo in a Philly cheesesteak?
Philadelphians tend to be passionate about their cheesesteaks, and many of them are strongly opposed to the idea of adding mayonnaise. In fact, some locals might even tell you that putting mayonnaise in a Philly cheesesteak is a sin.
However, it’s worth noting that not all Philadelphians agree on this point. Some locals may be more open-minded about the idea of adding mayonnaise, or they may have their own secret ingredients that they like to add to their cheesesteaks. Ultimately, the debate over mayonnaise in a Philly cheesesteak is a lively and ongoing one.
Can you still call it a Philly cheesesteak if you add mayo?
If you add mayonnaise to a Philly cheesesteak, can you still call it a Philly cheesesteak? The answer to this question is a matter of interpretation. Some people would argue that a Philly cheesesteak by definition does not include mayonnaise, and therefore adding it would disqualify the sandwich from being a true Philly cheesesteak.
Others would say that the term “Philly cheesesteak” refers to a general style of sandwich, rather than a specific set of ingredients. According to this view, you can still call it a Philly cheesesteak even if you add mayonnaise or other non-traditional ingredients.
How do you order a Philly cheesesteak with mayo?
If you want to order a Philly cheesesteak with mayonnaise, you can simply ask for it when you place your order. You might say something like, “I’ll have a cheesesteak with Whiz, onions, and mayo, please.” Keep in mind that some restaurants or food vendors may not be familiar with the idea of adding mayonnaise to a Philly cheesesteak, so you may need to explain what you mean.
It’s also worth noting that some restaurants may offer mayonnaise as an optional topping, in which case you can simply check the box or select it from the menu. However, if you’re ordering from a traditional Philly cheesesteak joint, you may need to ask for the mayonnaise specifically.
What’s the best way to make a Philly cheesesteak with mayo?
If you want to make a Philly cheesesteak with mayonnaise, the best way to do it is to start with high-quality ingredients. Use thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and fresh toppings such as onions or bell peppers. Then, add a dollop of mayonnaise to the sandwich and mix it in with the other ingredients.
One tip is to use a flavored mayonnaise, such as garlic or chipotle mayonnaise, to add an extra layer of flavor to the sandwich. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or toppings to find the combination that works best for you. Ultimately, the key to making a great Philly cheesesteak with mayonnaise is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combinations.