If you’ve ever been to Chicago, chances are you’ve heard of Portillo’s Italian beef sandwiches. These mouth-watering sandwiches are a staple of the Windy City’s food scene, and for good reason.
With their tender, thinly sliced beef and savory au jus, they’re a flavor explosion in every bite. But how can you recreate this iconic sandwich at home?
In this article, we’ll break down the steps to prepare the perfect Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich, from seasoning the meat to choosing the right bread.
So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds (and your friends) with this delicious recipe.
How To Prepare Portillo’s Italian Beef?
Step 1: Slice the Beef Thinly
The key to a great Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich is thinly sliced beef. This allows the meat to soak up the au jus and become more flavorful. Use a sharp knife to slice the beef as thinly as possible.
Step 2: Season the Beef
To bring out the umami flavor of the beef, season it with mustard, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning into the meat and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
Place the seasoned beef in a slow cooker with beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Step 4: Top with Hot Peppers
For an authentic Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich, top it with hot peppers. You can use pepperocini or giardiniera peppers for a spicy kick, or piquillo or banana peppers for a milder flavor.
Step 5: Choose the Right Bread
The bread you choose for your sandwich is just as important as the beef itself. Look for a bread that can withstand the juices of the beef and gravy dip. Turano rolls or hoagie rolls are great options.
Step 6: Warm Up the Beef in Au Jus
Before serving, gently warm up the beef in the au jus to make it extra juicy. This will also help the meat absorb even more flavor.
Gathering Ingredients And Equipment
Before you start preparing your Portillo’s Italian beef, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Top round roast
– Mustard
– Salt
– Pepper
– Beef broth
– Hot peppers (pepperocini, giardiniera, piquillo, or banana)
– Bread rolls (Turano or hoagie)
Equipment:
– Sharp knife
– Slow cooker
– Cutting board
– Measuring cups and spoons
Make sure to choose a top round roast that is lean and fresh. You’ll also need a slow cooker to cook the beef to tender perfection. For slicing the beef, a sharp knife and cutting board are essential. To season the beef properly, you’ll need mustard, salt, and pepper. Additionally, you’ll need beef broth to add flavor and moisture to the meat. Finally, don’t forget the hot peppers and bread rolls to complete your authentic Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich.
With these ingredients and equipment in hand, you’re ready to start preparing your own delicious Portillo’s Italian beef at home.
Seasoning And Preparing The Beef
To prepare the beef for a Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich, it’s important to season it properly. A simple seasoning mix of mustard, salt, and pepper will bring out the umami flavor of the beef. Rub the seasoning into the meat and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking.
The beef should be cooked slowly to ensure that it absorbs the flavors of the seasoning and the beef broth. Place the seasoned beef in a slow cooker with beef broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Once the beef is cooked, it should be sliced as thinly as possible. This will allow the meat to soak up the au jus and become more flavorful. Use a sharp knife to slice the beef thinly.
To top off your Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich, add some hot peppers. Pepperocini or giardiniera peppers are great options for those who like a spicy kick, while piquillo or banana peppers are milder alternatives. Choose a bread that can withstand the juices of the beef and gravy dip, such as Turano rolls or hoagie rolls.
Before serving, gently warm up the beef in the au jus to make it extra juicy. This will also help the meat absorb even more flavor. With these simple steps, you can prepare a delicious and authentic Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich that will satisfy any craving.
Making The Savory Au Jus
To make the savory au jus for your Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich, you’ll need to render the beef fat first. Chop the beef fat into small bits, about the size of peas, either with a food processor or by hand using a sharp knife. Make sure the fat is very cold before chopping, as it will chop better.
Heat up the chopped beef 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.
Next, combine 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.
To make your sandwiches, heat up your rolls in a 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. You can also spoon on some extra gravy just before serving for an even more delicious sandwich.
By following these steps and making your own savory au jus, you’ll be able to recreate an authentic Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich that’s just as tasty as the original.
Choosing The Right Bread And Toppings
Choosing the right bread and toppings for your Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bread and toppings:
Step 1: Bread
The bread you choose for your Italian beef sandwich should be sturdy enough to hold up to the juices and toppings. Look for a bread that has a slightly crispy exterior and a soft interior. Turano rolls or hoagie rolls are great options that can hold up to the juiciness of the beef.
Step 2: Toppings
Toppings are what make an Italian beef sandwich unique and delicious. The traditional toppings include hot peppers, sweet peppers, and onions. You can also add cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t forget to add a drizzle of gravy or au jus to enhance the flavor of the sandwich.
Step 3: Hot Peppers
Hot peppers are an essential topping for an authentic Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich. You can use pepperocini or giardiniera peppers for a spicy kick, or piquillo or banana peppers for a milder flavor. Make sure to add plenty of hot peppers to your sandwich for the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Step 4: Cheese
Adding cheese to your Italian beef sandwich is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture of the sandwich. Provolone or mozzarella cheese are both great options that pair well with the beef and hot peppers.
Step 5: Gravy or Au Jus
The gravy or au jus is what makes an Italian beef sandwich so juicy and flavorful. Make sure to add plenty of gravy or au jus to your sandwich before serving. You can also dip your sandwich in the gravy for an extra burst of flavor.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Assembling And Serving The Perfect Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich
Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the perfect Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich. Follow these steps to create a mouth-watering sandwich that will transport you to Chicago:
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Slice the rolls in half lengthwise and toast them in the oven or on a grill. This will give the bread a crispy exterior and prevent it from getting soggy.
Step 2: Add Condiments
Spread mayonnaise and mustard on opposite sides of the bread. You can also add other condiments such as horseradish, ketchup, or BBQ sauce, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Layer the Beef
Take the warm beef out of the au jus and place it on one side of the bread. Make sure to layer it thinly and evenly.
Step 4: Top with Hot Peppers
Add your choice of hot peppers on top of the beef. You can also add sweet peppers or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
Step 5: Dip in Au Jus
Pour some of the au jus into a small bowl or ramekin for dipping. This will add even more flavor to your sandwich and prevent it from getting dry.
Step 6: Seal and Serve
Close the sandwich by placing the other half of the bread on top. Use toothpicks or wrap it in foil to keep it together. Serve with a side of fries or chips and enjoy!
With these simple steps, you can recreate the iconic Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich at home. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a taste of Chicago wherever you are!