Ingredients (9)
- 1 (12-ounce) boneless rib-eye steak, chilled in the freezer for 45 minutes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium bell pepper, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms, stems trimmed and thinly sliced (optional)
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 2 hoagie rolls, split horizontally and toasted
Tip
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?
There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.
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What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.
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Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?
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How Can We Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.
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How to Thaw Beef
As with most meat, the safest way to thaw beef is in the refrigerator. Small cuts of beef can take up to 24 hours, while larger slabs can take a few days. If you’re in a pinch, frozen beef can be thawed in a bowl or container of lukewarm water. Place the bowl or container in the sink and leave under a running faucet. Never allow raw beef to thaw or sit on a counter or cutting board. Since it takes longer to thaw than most meats, it is more susceptible to bacteria growth.
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Tip
How to Freeze Beef
In order to effectively freeze beef, you’ll want to limit its exposure to air. This not only prevents the production of freezer burn, but also extends its shelf life to three months or longer. The best way to package beef is to wrap it tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap. You should then wrap the meat in a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a plastic bag.
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Next: How to Store Beef
Tip
How to Store Beef
For ground beef, keep refrigerated and use within one to two days. It can stay in its original container if the packaging hasn’t been opened. Steaks follow the same protocol, but can last a bit longer at three to five days. It’s actually best to allow a little airflow with stored meat, as tightly-adhered plastic like Saran wrap can make meat sweat and, as a result, less tender. Meat can be transferred to plastic containers, but should be covered loosely.
Never refrigerate raw meat if it’s been sitting out beyond two hours.
Never refrigerate raw meat if it’s been sitting out beyond two hours.
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Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?
Two South Philly neighbors kitty-corner from one another, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, battle it out 24 hours a day for cheesesteak domination. And while native Philadelphians have strong opinions about what toppings to add and even how to order (Whiz-wit or wit-out), both steak shacks essentially serve the same thing: seared strips of steak, sautéed onions, and plenty of cheese on a crusty hoagie roll. CHOW’s version starts with onions and optional peppers and mushrooms that are cooked till tender, then pushed to one side of the pan to make room for searing thinly sliced rib-eye. The vegetables are piled up right on the steak, slices of provolone are melted on top, and the whole mess is served in a toasted hoagie roll. Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, especially if you drop the provolone for some Cheez Whiz.
Game plan: Don’t forget to chill your rib-eye before starting this recipe—it’ll make the steak much easier to slice.
Instructions
- 1Trim off any excess fat from the steak and cut it against the grain into very thin slices; set aside.
- 2Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bell pepper, if using, and the onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. If you’re using the mushrooms, push the peppers and onions to one side, add the mushrooms to the pan, and cook, stirring rarely, until browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir to combine with the peppers and onions.
- 3Push all of the vegetables to one side of the pan, add the sliced steak in a single layer, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
- 4Divide the steak into 2 piles roughly the size of the hoagie rolls. Place half of the vegetables on top of each steak portion. Lay half of the cheese over each portion of steak and vegetables. Cover the pan with a tightfitting lid and let cook undisturbed until the cheese has melted, about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a flat spatula, scoop each pile into a roll and serve immediately.
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