Taiwanese-Style Cheesesteak

Ingredients

While the original American cheesesteak is typically made with thinly sliced beef, this Taiwanese adaptation incorporates tender strips of marinated pork. The seasoning is also adjusted to include Taiwanese spices and sauces, adding a distinct umami flavor. Additionally, the traditional American cheese is replaced with a creamy and tangy Taiwanese cheese, elevating the overall taste of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cheesesteak, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 Taiwanese-style bread rolls (gua bao) 4 Taiwanese-style bread rolls (gua bao)
• 100g (3.5 oz) Taiwanese cheese, sliced 100g (3.5 oz) Taiwanese cheese, sliced
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork loin to the marinade and toss until the meat is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Stir-fry until they are tender and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
5. 5.
   Split the Taiwanese-style bread rolls (gua bao) and lightly toast them.
6. 6.
   Assemble the cheesesteaks by placing a generous amount of the cooked pork on the bottom half of each bread roll. Top with the sautéed onion and green bell pepper mixture.
7. 7.
   Lay a few slices of Taiwanese cheese on top of the vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve the Taiwanese-style cheesesteaks hot and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork loin — For the best results, choose a lean cut of pork loin and slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Taiwanese cheese — Look for Taiwanese-style cheese, such as "Taiwanese mountain cheese" or "Taiwanese white cheese," which has a creamy and tangy flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute it with a mild white cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
• Taiwanese-style bread rolls (gua bao) — These soft and fluffy bread rolls can be found in Asian grocery stores or specialty bakeries. If you can't find them, you can use small burger buns as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Taiwanese black vinegar or a drizzle of chili oil to the assembled cheesesteaks.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add sliced red chili peppers or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the sautéed onion and green bell pepper mixture.
• To save time, you can marinate the pork overnight, allowing the flavors to develop even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-style cheesesteaks as a main dish, accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad. They are best enjoyed while still warm and the cheese is melted.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, you can garnish the cheesesteaks with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds or a drizzle of Taiwanese-style sweet and savory sauce.