Arab-style Cheesesteak

Ingredients

While the original American cheesesteak is typically made with thinly sliced beef, we have adapted it to Arab cuisine by incorporating traditional Middle Eastern spices and flavors. Additionally, we have replaced the traditional hoagie roll with a soft and fluffy Arabic bread, adding a unique texture to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cheesesteak, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 Arabic bread rounds 4 Arabic bread rounds
• 200g (7 oz) Akkawi cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) Akkawi cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes.
2. 2.
   Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced beef to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Split the Arabic bread rounds in half and lightly toast them.
6. 6.
   Place a generous amount of the beef and onion mixture on the bottom half of each bread round. Top with a generous amount of shredded Akkawi cheese.
7. 7.
   Place the cheesesteaks under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve the Arab-style cheesesteaks hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef sirloin — For the best results, make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Arabic bread — If you can't find Arabic bread, you can substitute it with pita bread or any other soft flatbread.
• Akkawi cheese — If Akkawi cheese is not available, you can use a combination of mozzarella and feta cheese for a similar flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To add extra flavor, you can marinate the beef in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Middle Eastern spices for 1-2 hours before cooking.
• For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef and onion mixture.
• Serve the Arab-style cheesesteaks with a side of tahini sauce or garlic sauce for dipping.
• Experiment with different types of Middle Eastern cheeses, such as halloumi or nabulsi, for a unique twist on the dish.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or seitan.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style cheesesteaks hot, accompanied by a fresh salad of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley. Drizzle some tahini sauce over the cheesesteaks for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some sumac or za'atar spice blend over the melted cheese. Serve the cheesesteaks on a wooden platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves for an appealing Middle Eastern touch.