The Italian beef sandwich is a classic Chicago delicacy that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Originating from the Windy City in the early 1900s, this mouthwatering sandwich has become a beloved favorite among locals and tourists alike. With its tender, slow-cooked beef, flavorful gravy, and crispy bread, the Italian beef sandwich is an absolute must-try for any food enthusiast. If you're looking to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen, you're in luck! In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making the perfect Italian beef sandwich, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking technique. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and discover the secrets behind this Chicago specialty.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF HACK
Most major cities in the U.S. have a sandwich that locals proudly claim as their own. For Chicagoans that sandwich is the Italian Beef. Thin-sliced roast beef is dunked in herbed gravy to soak up the flavor, then it's stacked on a warm Italian sandwich roll and topped with sweet peppers or spicy hot Giardiniera. The recipe may seem like a simple one, but if any component of this iconic sandwich isn't faithful to the Chi-Town original, true beef fanatics will cry "foul" quicker than bleacher bums at Wrigley field.
Provided by Todd Wilbur
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Render the beef fat by chopping it into small bits (about the size of peas) with a food processor. Be sure the fat is very cold--it will chop better. If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the fat by hand. Use a sharp knife and cut it as small as you can. Heat up the fat in a sauté pan over medium heat until the bits are browned. Strain the solids from the fat and measure 1/4 cup of fat for the gravy.
- Make the beef gravy by combining all of the ingredients, including the beef fat, in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the mixture begins to boil reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn the heat to low.
- Make the sandwiches by heating up the rolls in the hot oven for 3 minutes.
- For each sandwich, drop 1/4 pound of sliced beef (separate the slices) into the gravy for 2 minutes. Make sure the gravy isn't boiling. It should be around 180 degrees F. After the beef has soaked in the gravy, use tongs to arrange the beef on a warmed sandwich roll and top with your choice of hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Or both. Spoon on some extra gravy just before serving.
PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES
Portillo's restaurant, in Chicago, are famous for their beef sandwiches. This would be one of those dishes you could make for your family and freeze leftovers for another meal.
Provided by Miss Annie
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 12h15m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine the water, salt, ground black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf and salad dressing mix.
- Stir well and bring just to a boil.
- Place roast in a slow cooker and pour mixture over the roast.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 10 to 12 hours OR high setting for 4 to 5 hours.
- Remove bay leaf and shred meat with a fork.
- Serve on Italian Rolls.
PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF (COPYCAT)
Make and share this PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF (Copycat) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Denver cooks
Categories Meat
Time 40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Render the beef fat by chopping it into small bits (about the size of peas) with a food processor. Be sure the fat is very cold--it will chop better. If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the fat by hand. Use a sharp knife and cut it as small as you can. Heat up the fat in a sauté pan over medium heat until the bits are browned. Strain the solids from the fat and measure 1/4 cup of fat for the gravy.
- Make the beef gravy by combining all of the ingredients, including the beef fat, in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the mixture begins to boil reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn the heat to low.
- Make the sandwiches by heating up the rolls in the hot oven for 3 minutes.
- For each sandwich, drop 1/4 pound of sliced beef (separate the slices) into the gravy for 2 minutes. Make sure the gravy isn't boiling. It should be around 180 degrees F. After the beef has soaked in the gravy, use tongs to arrange the beef on a warmed sandwich roll and top with your choice of hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Or both. Spoon on some extra gravy just before serving.
COPYCAT PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF RECIPE - (3.9/5)
Provided by Susan52
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a saucepan over medium high heat, combine the water, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, garlic and salad dressing mix. Stir well and bring to a boil. Place roast in a slow cooker and pour mixture over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours. Shred meat with a fork. Serve on rolls.
Tips:
- Selecting the Right Beef: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast or top sirloin for a tender and flavorful Italian beef sandwich.
- Slicing the Beef Thinly: Use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to thinly slice the cooked beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Simmering the Beef: Simmer the beef in a flavorful broth made with beef stock, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs to infuse it with rich flavors.
- Preparing the Giardiniera: Make your own giardiniera, a tangy pickled vegetable relish, using a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, peppers, and cauliflower.
- Grilling the Bread: Lightly grill the bread to add a smoky flavor and a crispy texture to the sandwich.
- Building the Sandwich: Layer the thinly sliced beef, giardiniera, and melted cheese on the grilled bread for a classic Italian beef sandwich experience.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of making Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches at home requires patience, attention to detail, and a love for bold flavors. From selecting the right cut of beef to simmering it in a flavorful broth, each step plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of tenderness, savory richness, and tangy brightness. Experiment with different bread options, toppings, and sides to create your own unique variations of this iconic sandwich. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a game-day snack, the Portillo's Italian beef sandwich is a culinary delight that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
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