I come from Philly and now live in Alaska. What they think is a Philly Cheese Steak involves green peppers and onions. So if thats what you are looking for, then no dice. If you want something similar to what they sell in every pizza place in the philly metro area, this is as close as you can get from outside the state
Cheeses used vary - I hate to admit it but I think cheese whiz tastes the best. Provolone is awesome too and thats what I would use if I was afraid of the plastic orange stuff called whiz.
05Cooking the steak: In a cast iron frying pan, or a grill pan heat some oil. Saute toppings until pliable - make them however you like them. Remove them from pan and set aside.
06Pour some more oil in the pan (I use olive oil, but if you have access to the stuff they use in restaurants on grills it would taste even better) on medium high heat. Place 1/4 to 1/3 of a pound of meat in the pan, lying the pieces flat and overlapping to form a shape that will fit nicely in a bun.
07When the meat turns grey with doneness, flip it over and if you are using cheese slices now is the time to lie them on top of the meat. Add the other toppings back into the pan next to the meat and allow to reheat. Cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt. This should take 1-2 minutes. If the meat looks overcooked, thats ok - i t should be GRAY.
08This is the time to toast the bread if you so wish. I don't like mine toasted at all. Warmed is ok.
09If you are using cheese whiz, warm it in the microwave. Pick up meat and melted cheese with a spatula and deposit on the roll. IF using cheese whiz, use a butter knife or chopstick to smear whiz next to the meat.
10Push the meat on one side of the roll and deposit the toppings next to it. This is important because if you put the toppings ON the meat, they will not be in the bottom of the sandwich, which really sux.
11You should get meat, toppings and cheese in every bite.