Vietnamese Philly Cheesesteak
Why This Vietnamese Philly Cheesesteak Is Unforgettable
This Vietnamese Philly Cheesesteak combines the rich flavors of a traditional cheesesteak with the bold, savory ingredients commonly found in Vietnamese cooking. Tender marinated steak, caramelized onions, charred peppers, melted provolone, and a flavorful umami-packed sauce come together for a sandwich that’s both comforting and unforgettable.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE (EBT-FRIENDLY: 75% OF INGREDIENTS)
| EBT-Eligible: 75% | Cook Time: 45 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs striploin (or ribeye steak)
- 8-10 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2-3 shallots (minced)
- 4-5 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Red Boat fish sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon (or beef bouillon)
- pinch salt
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 2 white onions (thinly sliced into rings or half moons)
- 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
- brioche hotdog buns (or Italian rolls)
- 1 green pepper (julienned)
- 2-3 slices per sandwich provolone cheese
- mayo (or kewpie mayo, for topping)
Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.
Directions
Steak Marinade
- Combine the steak and aromatics: Place the thinly sliced steak into a large mixing bowl. Add the garlic, shallots, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, bouillon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Caramelized Onions
- Melt the butter: Melt the butter in a skillet over low heat.
- Caramelize the onions: Add the white onions and cook slowly for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Set aside: Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sandwich Assembly
- Char the pepper: In the same skillet, sauté the green pepper until slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
- Toast the buns: Toast the brioche buns or Italian rolls.
- Cook the steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add about ½ cup of the marinated steak. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Melt the cheese: Gather the steak into a pile and top with the caramelized onions, peppers, and provolone cheese. Cover briefly until the cheese melts.
- Assemble and serve: Transfer to the toasted rolls and top with mayo. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Freeze the steak briefly: Chilling the steak for 15–20 minutes before slicing makes it much easier to cut paper-thin slices.
- Don’t skip the marinade: The fish sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce create a deep umami base—give it at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Caramelize low and slow: Rushing the onions over high heat will burn them instead of bringing out their sweetness.
- Toast the rolls: A quick toast in the pan or oven keeps the bread from getting soggy and adds a nice crunch.
- Use a cast-iron skillet: It gives the steak a great sear and makes melting the cheese over the pile easy.
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