Latvian-style Cheesesteak

Recipe

Latvian-style Cheesesteak

Riga Cheesesteak: A Latvian Twist on a Classic American Dish

In the heart of Riga, the capital city of Latvia, a delightful fusion of American and Latvian flavors awaits. This Latvian-style Cheesesteak combines the iconic American sandwich with traditional Latvian ingredients, resulting in a unique and mouthwatering culinary experience. Get ready to savor the rich flavors of tender beef, melted cheese, and a touch of Latvian flair.

Jan Dec

40 minutes

15 minutes

55 minutes

4 servings

Medium

Omnivore, Low-carb, High-protein, Gluten-free (when using gluten-free bread)

Dairy (cheese), Gluten (rye bread)

Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto

Ingredients

While the original American Cheesesteak is typically made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll, the Latvian-style Cheesesteak incorporates local ingredients and flavors. This adaptation features marinated beef, sautéed mushrooms, Latvian cheese, and a tangy horseradish sauce, all served on a traditional Latvian rye bread. We alse have the original recipe for Cheesesteak, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
  • Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 20g (3g sugars)
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 2g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. 2.
    Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. 3.
    In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and sauté the mushrooms until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. 4.
    Drain the marinated beef and season with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the beef slices until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  5. 5.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the slices of Latvian rye bread on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes.
  6. 6.
    Assemble the Latvian-style Cheesesteak by layering the beef, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and grated Latvian cheese on the toasted rye bread slices.
  7. 7.
    Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. 8.
    Serve the Latvian-style Cheesesteak hot, drizzled with horseradish sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Latvian cheese — Opt for a semi-hard cheese with good melting properties, such as Talsu cheese or Jāņu cheese.
  • Latvian rye bread — Look for a dense and hearty rye bread, preferably with a slightly sour taste.
  • Horseradish sauce — Adjust the amount of horseradish sauce according to your preference for spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce mixture.
  • Experiment with different types of Latvian cheese to find your favorite combination of flavors.
  • If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of horseradish sauce or substitute it with a creamy Latvian mustard.
  • Serve the Latvian-style Cheesesteak with a side of pickles for a traditional Latvian touch.
  • If you can't find Latvian rye bread, you can use a dark, dense bread with a similar texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Latvian-style Cheesesteak hot, accompanied by a fresh green salad or traditional Latvian sauerkraut salad. Cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters for easier handling.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Latvian-style Cheesesteak on a wooden serving board or a rustic plate. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, for a pop of color.