How to make a proper Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich

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We're tackling one of Chicago's iconic food items, it's not any deep dish pizza because today is all about the Chicago style Italian beef sandwich.
Based on my research, which included watching a lot of Al's Italian beef videos and polling some Redditors, Chicago style Italian beef is categorized by the following:
- Beef Roast (Top Sirloin Butt or Round Roast) that is braised with spices
- Roast Beef is thinly sliced and then warmed in the au jus before being put on the roll
- The serving vessel is a sturdy hoagie/sub/long roll
- Ordered dry, wet or dipped
- Topped with sweet peppers, or hot peppers (giardiniera)
- Other topping variations can include the Italian combo, red sauce, and cheese
-- FULL ITALIAN BEEF RECIPE --
Description: Seasoned roast beef, that is thinly sliced, warmed in au jus and then loaded on a sturdy long roll. The whole sandwich is dipped in the au jus and topped with sweet peppers or hot peppers (giardiniera), or both. Wrap it in wax paper, and consume with some napkins close by.
Ingredients:
- Eye of Round Roast (3-4 lbs or 1.3-1.8 kg)
- Coarse Kosher Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- 8 garlic cloves, smashed, skin removed.
Spice Rub:
- 2 TBSP (13g) Paprika
- 1 TBSP (3g) Oregano
- 1 TBSP (2g) Coriander seeds
- 1 TBSP (2g) Fennel seeds
- 1 TBSP (18g) Coarse Kosher Salt
- 1 TBSP (7g) Fresh Ground Pepper
- 2 cups (480 g) Beef stock + Water to cover
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 C)
2. Liberally salt and pepper the roast.
3. Add a thin layer of oil to a large dutch oven over high heat.
4. When the oil is hot, brown the roast on all sides creating those delicious flavor compounds.
5. Once browned, remove the roast and set aside on a plate. Set the heat to medium.
6. Add the garlic cloves and spice rub to the fond created from browning. Saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Add the beef stock and water to create our braising liquid. Turn off the heat.
8. Add the browned roast back to the liquid. The liquid should come up to at least 1/2 the way up the beef, if it's not, add more water/beef stock.
9. Prepare a parchment paper lid, or set the lid of the dutch oven slightly ajar.
10. Move the dutch oven to the oven and let braise for 2 - 2.5 hours. Flip the beef roast and let braise for another 1.5 hours.
11. Remove the roast from the oven and wrap in plastic film and move to the fridge to rest at least 1 hour. This will allow the proteins to set for better slicing and the plastic film doesn't allow water vapor to escape, keeping our roast moist. (Note: If you are not slicing thinly, you could let the beef rest and eat the beef right out of the oven)
12. Store the braising liquid in the fridge as well.
13. Once rested, thinly slice the roast by using an electronic slicer for best results, though a slicing knife will work too.
14. Heat the au jus over medium low heat until 140 degrees F (60 c).
15. Add a serving of the sliced beef to the au jus and let warm for 30-60 seconds.
16. Load up the beef on a sturdy long roll and dip the whole sandwich in the au jus for proper Chicago style.
17. Top with sweet peppers or hot pepper giardiniera. I used my lacto fermented giardiniera (recipe below).
Lacto Fermented Hot Giardiniera - WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: • Noma Guide to Lacto Fe...
Equal parts (all diced)
- Celery
- Carrot
- Onion
- Red pepper
Spices
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 red hot chiles
- 5 grams oregano
- 5 grams peppercorns
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER DETAILS
All sources used:
- amazingribs.com/tested-recipe...
- www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/h...
- • Video
- • Bobby Flay visits Al's...
- italianbeef.com/order-like-a-...
Music: Provided by Musicbed
Filmed on: Sony a6400 w/ 18-105mm F4
Voice recorded on Rode Video Micro
Edited in: Premiere Pro #Chicago #ItalianBeef
Affiliate Disclosure:
Cook with E is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@petreelord7623]

That kids eating had me stopping immediately lol

[@stephenleonchase6929]

thank you glad I'm not the only 1 why is it most Americans eat with their mouths open this is when i stopped to, sounds horrible close your mouth when you chew...

[@GLUTENX]

Like, just finish chewing before you talk. God it’s so embarrassing being American

[@Justin-xr8si]

@@GLUTENX I dunno I love being American. don’t hate ones style, it’s our culture to go big or go home. If you want tea and finger sandwiches stay away from this

[@TilerYo]

Same

[@JoshHollis86]

Had to stop too

[@MrAscetic23]

Just give me a cup so i can dip the sandwich every bite, like a savage.

[@EthanChlebowski]

Sauce it up! A little serving dish with the au jus would actually be awesome.

[@swaghauler8334]

@@EthanChlebowski It's not only awesome... it's REQUIRED.

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

This is the way I've eaten them since I was a kid. More like a french dip than the messy chicagoan dipped sandwich. :)

[@vucub_caquix]

This is the way. Treat it like a wetter French dip. The true soul of the Chicago style Italian beef is in the richness of the au jus, just as the video says. And also in the toppings, namely that Chicago-style hot giardiniera.

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

@Long duk dong Yes, I dont think you understood. French Dips are served dry with a cup of au jus, so you can dip the dry sandwich into the au jus as you eat. The Chicagoan Italian Beef, the whole sandwich is dipped, then wrapped, then served wet.

[@randalgnar]

I really appreciate this video, but close your mouth when you chew dude Lmaoo

[@RussianNightmare]

My wife and I just watched this and that's the first thing we said to each other.... Manners yo.

[@SpinCrash]

The headline is: This video is incredible. But the byline is: Please close mouths when you chew. I can't make it past the taste test part :(

[@dealerauctionnightmare4689]

That was very annoying!

[@mikeg.1374]

Lay off the manners madness! These are two brothers getting together and having a good time!

[@RussianNightmare]

Stop it. Nothing wrong with having manners.

[@kzgc8y3n]

The visual table of contents was a very humble narrative choice while also being informative, and providing a bit of foreshadowing. Nice touch. After your comment about Detroit Style Pizza, I searched your vids for a walkthrough, but couldn't find one. If you had a video on that style of pizza, not only would it have been a perfect throwback, it might have gotten me to sub on the spot. Regardless, I am subbed because you killed it on this video.

[@EthanChlebowski]

Thanks for the kind words. I really do need to get a Detroit style pizza video up, its on my list! Glad you decided to sub anyway.

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

So, I attempted this using your recipe first, since it looked well researched. I'm a fan of the Italian beef and am from Chicago although no longer live there. But a Portillos is nearby and Chicago Pizza parlors are all over with the famed Italian Beef. The spice mix seemed like a lot but I went with it. Very bold flavor and color. Using a 3.25lb eye of round roast, the cooking time and broth wound up very light, barely a half quart. The spice mix, while tasty was a bit too bold; it was hard to taste the onion or garlic or even the beef broth/au jus over the spices. Very tasty but missed the mark a bit. I redid the recipe with some modifications learned from the first time around. First and foremost, lower the temp; 275F was perfect. I had a 3.42lb roast I topped up with 4 cups of beef broth, and still had to use another 2 cups of water to reach the halfway mark on the roast. After 50 minutes with the parchment paper lid, I pulled the lid off, flipped the roast and took a temp 102F So I put it back in for 45 minutes. I pulled the roast and checked the temp, 140F. Perfect, if a bit over-cooked. The idea is a medium-rare to medium cook, then you slice the meat very very thin, and finish the cooking in the broth to assemble the sandwich. The first roast going for 3.5 hours gave me a very well done roast; to the point that it was almost falling apart and stringy texture. This modified cooking schedule is the proper medium-well, still pink in the middle. The other modification is I took the spice mix and just converted to teaspoons instead of the tablespoons listed. As an example; instead of 2Tbsp of paprika, I used 2 tsp. This was a much better mix. I can taste the beef broth, onions, garlic, and the spices bring it up to a very close to my favorite Italian Beef places. Again, I'll give you that it was a tasty sandwich, but it missed the mark when it came to the goal. Will definitely make the roast again with the modifications. Sharing for feedback as well as helping any others that may be looking to do this at home themselves.

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

I should note: the temp of the warming au jus is important and listed at 140, this is to ensure you dont overcook the sliced meat for the sandwich. If you had it higher, such as 180, it'd be super easy to dry out your roast and change the texture entirely.

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

I also forgot to mention; I used 4 cups of beef broth with about 1 cup extra in the first roast. The extended 2 hour cooking time with the lid as well as the extra 90 minutes uncovered cooking time just evaporated a lot of it and gave me just over half of a quart of au jus for warming/dipping, etc. The lower temp and shorter times, I had to add more to the pot, but I wound up with just over 1 quart of au jus to cook and dip.

[@markkieso1735]

Ya their temp stupid

[@soccerboy1996]

Great write up!

[@fwbcarl]

So far, this is my best Italian Beef recipe. It took a few years to find this blend of spices. Now the bread is hard to find. The bread needs to be a higher Gluten than regualr french or Italian bread. When I find the right blend with 00Flour combination with either lard or butter, a a little of both, I'll post it on my Facebook page called the Cookbook. Chicago Italian Beef 5 Lb top sirloin butt beef roast 1 peeled bulb garlic 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 T Italian seasoning 1 T oregano 1 T ground fennel 1 T ground corriander 1 t black pepper 2 t sweet paprika 2 t crushed red pepper 1 T onion powder 1 t granulated garlic 1 t sea salt 20 oz. beef stock Puree together in a food processor: garlic, fennel, coriander, olive oil, Italian seasoning, oregano, black pepper, sweet paprika, crushed red pepper, onion powder, granulated garlic, sea salt. Sear your roast in a hot pan, stovetop. Use a spatula to rub your pureed spices onto your roast. Put your rubbed roast & any juices from searing into a deep glass or metal dish & add 20 oz. of beef stock; place into a preheated 225 degree oven for 90-120 minutes, depending on the size of your roast. Put your roast & gravy into two separate dishes & refrigerate them overnight. Slice your roast as thin as you can without shaving it. Put your gravy into a pot & bring to a simmer; put your thinly sliced beef into the simmering gravy until cooked through; this process will only take moments. A true Chicago Italian Beef sandwich hasthe following: Italian beef, Giardiniera, sauteed green bell peppers and plenty of juice. Using tongs, grab your whole sandwich & "dip" it into your simmering gravy for a flavorful Italian beef. To make sweet peppers, slice 2-3 green bell peppers & sauté in olive oil, 7-10 cloves garlic, 1 t black pepper, 2 t sea salt; cook until peppers soften.

[@Crumpman]

The sounds of them slurping and smacking drove me insane, especially Space Jam. Other than that, looked good.

[@RussianNightmare]

Manners right?

[@epic1761]

I had to stop watching, hes clearly an eater who doesn't give a shit lol

[@SilvaDreams]

This is one of those foods that you simply don't eat cleanly or quietly. As I was once told "A good sandwich is never a clean sandwich."

[@epic1761]

@@SilvaDreams you must get all the ladies

[@SilvaDreams]

@@epic1761 Only the ones worth keeping.

[@CraigJNewman]

Dipped, extra hot. For life. Side note: Bari in Chicago has the best Italian beef. I did a two-month investigation to try and find the best that Chicago had to offer and that was the best by far. Everything made in house and the bread was from the bakery right next door. Their extra hot giard is insane. Unfortunately, I live in the burbs now and only have a Portillos near me. It's passable, but if I have to go big box beef, I prefer Al's. Still, Bari wins.

[@calebeversole5396]

Bari has some of the best sandwiches in Chicago period. Hands down my favorite spot. I can’t drive through Chicago without loading up

[@CraigJNewman]

@@calebeversole5396 did we just become best friends?

[@calebeversole5396]

@@CraigJNewman i that just happened!

[@michaelwoods4495]

You didn't say which suburbs. You could try Frannie's, I think in Franklin Park, or Johnnie's in three or four locations, one in Arlington Heights.

[@andrewm3150]

Pops is good too. There all over the south burbs

[@KenHollowayshow]

Great video. I'm not from Chicago, but I had my first Italian Beef sandwich at Al's and it was an unforgettable experience. I usually order mine hot and sweet dipped, but I've not tried to make my own yet. Your video also has lots of great tips about how to do it right. Nicely done.

[@JB-cb8fx]

I’m in London (UK) so pretty far from Chicago. This recipe is amazing. I haven’t foond gairdinara yet so I had red and green peppers with melted provolone. Probably the best sandwich I’ve ever had

[@Appaddict01]

Add some red pepper flakes or something else spicy. Most places have some heat to their “juice”. He definitely missed that.

[@freshestinclass763]

Amazon

[@knockedbuffalo]

Honestly having it dipped is one of the best things I’ve tasted

[@anthonys3892]

I’m from Chicago, I was smiling cause I finally found someone who did it right. I live by little Italy and get Al’s or Carm’s Beef Combo at least twice a week. I might add that most Chicagoans pronounce it giard-ah-nair, no last syllable

[@ethanschwartz]

first time making it they came out great. i cooked it at a lower temp (275) for about the same amount of time and made some high gluten rolls in the afternoon. Very happy with the outcome considering it's been about 10 years since I last enjoyed Al's - thanks!

[@joepancerz8048]

hey ethan, i know youve moved into a different style of video making, but it would be cool to see some of this style come back. This is alot of fun to watch.

[@firepaint33]

HAHAHAHA you guys missed the best one! Dry with extra hot pappers, melted provolone, AND the hot au-jus ON THE SIDE IN A RAMEKIN (or bowl) for dipping. You want to apply the sandwich to the face hole moments after the dry bread begins to soak up the gravy but hasent yet began to loose its bready composure. its science

[@EthanChlebowski]

Sounds like a great version.

[@vucub_caquix]

DRY BEEF HOT! CUP OF JUS! DRY BEEF HOT! CUP OF JUS!

[@vucub_caquix]

Sorry, I meant to say that that's exactly how I order mine. The amount of gravy from the warmed beef will soften the bread enough. Getting it wet or dipped is a trap, because unless you have somewhere IMMEDIATELY convenient & private to eat it, you'll be making the same noises these guys made right in public for everyone haha! (shout out to Jay's beef in Harwood Heights! Loyal customer for 15 years!)

[@crosscatch]

Provolone? That's like putting ketchup on a hotdog. It is not allowed if you are over 6years old and it is illegal if you are over 14. You will be tried as an adult!

[@johnchase4408]

That's not an Italian Beef ANYWHERE in Chicago.

[@laurawilson3708]

Tried many recipes for Italian Beef and they've all come out good, but tried this one last night and it's by far the best! The meat alone just has wonderful flavor. Thank you!

[@stacimaet.6366]

Can I tell you how much I ADORED this video!! I grew up eating those would we would visit my grandma we would always stop to get Italian beefs and I cannot wait to make this tonight thanks to you AWESOME!!!

[@shaneb1313]

YES SIR!!! That looks so GOOD! I had one of these &, it instantly became my favorite sandwich! I live in KC &, we definitely have every type of BBQ but, I get tired of it. I want that!!!

[@jeremiahyoung4617]

Makes me want to drive up to portillos and get a beef dipped, with a side of cheese sauce fries and a rootbeer.

[@blu5583]

Omg yesssssssss 😍

[@hkballer13]

Yup I was thining the same.

[@Nathan_Jay]

sonza68 biggest mistake, man.

[@zachsteele6964]

@@sonza68 do you hate california

[@Moondoggy1941]

I just did that last week, ours does not have mustard, you can only get it in a tiny bag.

[@wanderinggstars]

I never left a comment here but I made this recipe along with my own homemade giardanara last year and it was so good! I don't live in the Midwest anymore and it reminded me of home!!

[@gumpygumpy]

I can’t even believe how well edited this video is

[@Exiled_Rouge]

My brother, I have lived in Chicago for over 40 years. Born and raised. Most people on KZbin incorrectly recreate local foods. But I think this is the accurate recreation I have ever seen on KZbin or television. There are several variations; North side, South side, West side and "Deli" style Italian Beefs. These can also each be Dry or Wet. There is also Hot and Sweet variants of North, South and West side Beefs. As well as Cheesy Beefs, which aside from the cheese additions (Provolone, Moz or Cheddar) is an Italian Beef made on Garlic Bread. A "Combo" Beef can be any of the aforementioned styles. Wet or Dry, Hot or Sweet. Gonnella rolls are hearty and somewhat crusty on the outside. These are the preferred rolls because they hold up to the juicyness. Tremendous respect, brother.

[@vucub_caquix]

Co-signed. I'm strongly considering going to Costco to get a roast & attempting this as a project...

[@Appaddict01]

He missed red pepper flakes a lot of places have spicy “juice” you don’t get that from paprika. Buona Beef sauce is really spicy. I’ve even seen cayenne in some copycat recipes.

[@GregCurtin45]

Thank for giving us a *mother* recipe for cooking/roasting/braising for a large volume of guests. Always learning something that I can use watching your videos - much appreciated. ps: your friend/brother/bf... try and feed him more often; he eats like my chocolate lab ;)

[@ALPHAJACK78]

That's Amazing! Thanks for sharing this recipe, and I'm gonna make this for Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@billpowell1793]

So I followed the recipe. I have to admit that this was the best version and the closest taste to the Italian Beef I grew up with. I used Peperoncini peppers instead and even poured some of the juice from the jar into the au jue when I reheated to make the sandwiches. I'll need to shorten the cooking time or lower the heat the next time I make it. The total 5 hours at 300F seems to make the beef a little too tender. This is deffinately a keeper, thanks for sharing.

[@chrishelbling3879]

Didn't he say 2 1/2 hours then 1 1/2 hours, for 4 hours total? But I like what you're saying, I'm half-way into this, maybe I'll turn my temp down to 225°.

[@GeneralAlex4]

Thanks for Al's secrets! I'm gonna try to make it tomorrow .

[@quixoticjedi942]

Never been to Al's but every place else I've ever gotten an Italian beef in Chicago they used salt, pepper, sliced onion, garlic and oregano. They braise the meat to barely medium rare, refrigerate over night, sliced paper thin to nearly shredded, put the sliced meat back in the jus to finish cooking. Traditionally they used Gonnella french bread, which came in four foot long loaves. You can substitute a crispy crust baguette. Never use a hoagie roll, they're too soft. Even the french bread falls apart. The sweet peppers are cooked in the jus until soft and are usually just green. You can order them dry, wet, dipped or half dipped. You order them thusly, "I'll have a beef, sweet, half dipped." And you get one with sweet peppers dipped half way into the jus, wrapped in paper that you unfold to eat the sandwich so you're not trying to hold onto something falling apart in your hands.

[@vucub_caquix]

One of my people.

[@simplyauthentic2022]

I've had a lot of italian beef sandwiches and for some reason my favorite is the one from Portillo's. Al's beef is sweet almost like there's cinammon in their spices. I don't think this guy has actually eaten at Al's beef and not noticed that sweetness. Not a bad recipe though, I wouldn't put the cinnamon in anyway.

[@quixoticjedi942]

@@simplyauthentic2022 Back in the day it was Margie's on Cicero Ave. Then it was Bostons on Grand and Chicago. Sadly both are gone now. Margie's is still there with a for sale sign on the building, but Bostons was sold and turned into a parking lot.

[@ekraszewski]

Just a minor correction and no big deal. I used to drive a bread truck in Chicago. The French bread was known as “extra long French” and it was 36” long.

[@joshmosen2580]

Legend has it, Space Jam is still chewing with his mouth open like a total psychopath

[@burn12k8]

Me: mom can u get us some sandwich rolls? Mom: we already have bread at home (bread slices)

[@ToddSchultzNC]

Bread is bread... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3LbZmhpoJyKa9U

[@swampy7139]

You're brother takes the biggest bites I've ever seen

[@joesantamaria5874]

I have NEVER seen a dude take bites that big who wasn’t a competitive eater. Holy $(‘T

[@jordaningram2293]

Being born and raised 40 minutes from Chicago, and having Italian Beefs at every restaurant 50 miles in any direction, I have to say this is by far the closest to a true Italian Beef as I've seen a youtuber make and definitely better than allot of places near me. Good work.

[@msr1116]

Papa Charlie's frozen beef and jus was recommended to me many years ago but it remains criminally oversalted.

[@prime77089]

I saw one guy make some medium rare, sriracha covered California crap…

[@Appaddict01]

He was missing the spice, though. Most places have some heat to the “juice”. Red pepper flakes or cayenne.

[@wright96d]

When I was in Chicago 3 years ago, I stopped at an Al's Italian beef and it was truly one of the best things I've ever eaten. I think about it from time to time. My mouth is now watering.

[@michellebrown7714]

which al's did you go to? the original restaurant has no seats in it so you have to learn the "Al's stance" to eat. :)

[@wright96d]

@@michellebrown7714 It had a dining area. Whichever one was closest to the hotel, haha.

[@michellebrown7714]

@@wright96d I'm guessing you werent too far from the airport. if you werent, I know which one it was :)

[@logankiraly7515]

That man is enjoying his sandwich so hard

[@kingredwood960]

Italian beef and Pepsi 😂😂😂

[@mentalious]

I don’t think I could ever eat with these guys. Just because I hate when people eat with their mouths open, it is just something that Triggers me so much.

[@kman2783]

They have a name for people who say they get, "Triggered" Democrats! 😂😆😂

[@TripedalTroductions]

I've had a sour stomach since yesterday but seeing you pour that braising liquid legitimately made my mouth water.

[@csilvermyst]

You two are adorable and authentic. I came here for the ginger but I stayed for the beef. Gotta try this recipie out!

[@deangonzalez2163]

In Chicago we chew with our mouths closed!

[@annunacky4463]

I used a similar detective technique to get the peanut sauce recipe from a Vietnamese eatery. Every visit I got a waiter to tell me an ingredient. Then I went to Asian store next door and asked for the missing liquid component. Yep It was coconut soda drink! Hoisin, chunky PB and some soy, brown sugar and lime juice. Very nice...

[@Appaddict01]

He missed red pepper flakes. A lot of places have spicy “juice”.

[@timlichti6415]

You have to open your own hoagie shop. No doubt. Went and scoped out all you're hoagie recipe and they are hands down the best. You're rolls and French bread pair perfectly with your sandwich

[@anthonypalasota870]

Fantastic video thank you. I watch hundreds of videos on cooking. That is one of the best.

[@EthanChlebowski]

Anthony Palasota I appreciate the kind words, glad you enjoyed.

[@blindsteinofthemountain3831]

The best bread for this sandwich is made by Gonnella.

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

Agreed. I just made mention of this in my latest Italian beef video.

[@vucub_caquix]

Yup yup yup

[@dedown97]

Turano

[@blindsteinofthemountain3831]

@@dedown97 Lol I use Turano because I can't get Gonnella.

[@rolandomota6485]

Crazyy there’s a gonella bakery a few towns over where I live

[@TG-nh9jx]

Being from Chicago I want to let you know that you did the beef sandwich Justice. Looks great, just the beef could be sliced a bit thinner.

[@EthanChlebowski]

Glad to hear it!

[@mmanda515]

@@EthanChlebowski Also being a life-long Chicagoan, first thing I noticed & went, "oh nooooo" as soon as I saw it, was your bread choice. Neither of the ones you got were gonna hold up. It's not bread-y, like a sandwich roll or hot dog bun, AT ALL. That's why it got soggy off the bat, even dry. It's more sturdy, like a loaf of italian bread cut into 6" pieces, split... or even french roll, cut same. Hearty, almost hard-ish outside.. like, Turano Bakery does them. ;) Subway type, super smoooshy or (yup, a new bread term. ;) LOL) hot-dog/brat bun style tho, = a totally different experience & esp when it comes to taste/texture. Too light & soggy. Give it a go, if you ever have the chance again. Guarantee you'll be like, "ohhh, now I get it!" . Looks YUMMY otherwise. :) Glad you both enjoyed 'em so much! I never liked the whole 'combo' thing either, just too much imho. They are ALL good choices, don't get me wrong... but because of the 'spice' aspect, more idk.. garlic-y, even tho Buona is good, Al's is good... Rosati's was, blehhh.... (ducking knowing as a Chicagoan I'll get smacked for this) but I really enjoy Portillo's probably, most of all.

[@bsquarebware]

@@EthanChlebowski Yes, born and raised in Chicago and you have the best Chicago style Italian Beef recipe on KZbin. The sliced thin deli-meat doesn't have a chance to soak up the flavors. Thank-you and I will be trying this recipe and I am hitting the subscribe button right now.

[@jvallas]

mmanda515 Portillo’s all the way.

[@Ena48145]

@@mmanda515 I know what you mean.. you're talking about those ones with the cornmeal on the bottom right?

[@ItsJustMeLogan]

The best part is when your brother just casually goes to town on an icecream

[@maryalice578]

Born and raised in Chicago. I know it’s hard when you can’t get the right bread, but Gonella or Turanos is a must. Far sturdier and it sucks up the juice perfectly. Well done for not putting the meat in the juice while the juice comes up to temp!

[@nickmason2345]

I’m from the Chicago burbs, the Italian Combo is a must have! It’s so good

[@crackedbrainOG]

I get the Marconi brand giardiniera online and had it shipped. It is exactly like what they use in Chicago.

[@jkllupo3736]

made today, omg, you nailed this, being from chicago, this tastes just like als. congrats and thanks!

[@boy6432]

The gravy really elevates the sandwich it’s gotta be said, I’m glad I’m from where I’m from

[@nestlund]

Au Jus looks really good but beef needs to be cooked less and sliced thinner. All around a pretty good vid though.

[@butchyshoe]

don't think u can cut it thinner not !

[@tremainsmith6352]

You can cut it thinner Damn Dummie. Italian beef 🍖 can be cut the layer u want it you damn dummie

[@pulykamell]

A good Italian beef can be almost see-through, it's cut so thin. That's WAY thick for an Italian beef. Eye of round is also not a good choice. It has no flavor. Top sirloin/top butt, top round, and bottom round, in order of preference. And, yeah, don't cook it quite that much through. I aim for about 135-ish. Refrigerate, slice. It finishes in the jus.

[@christhurston728]

Yeah on a slicer like under 0.5 is amazing

[@christhurston728]

Thinner slices, more surface area = more jus snd tender-er meat

[@etherdog]

I really liked the feedback your brother(?) added to the taste test. It is good to have another point-of-view with something as subjective as taste. As with everything you do, you break things down into manageable steps and make it look easy AND delicious! As a side note, "au" means "with" in French and of course "jus" is "juice".

[@EthanChlebowski]

Yep that's my brother, it's nice to have a secondary opinion on things, and he has a certain way with words haha.

[@andrewespejo785]

I really enjoy your research style listening to every side of argument and also using food knowledge

[@crabbyhayes1076]

Grew up in Chicago in the 50s and early 60s. There were so many wonderful restaurants, take-out places, and bars that served excellent Italian beef sandwiches. Our favorite was from Panetti's Italian grocery/deli in Roselawn (sp?). My parents bought it in bulk from them and served it at our small restaurant in Burnham - it was really a favorite. As I recall, we bought crusty long Italian rolls (by Gonella or Torino - I don't recall). They also offered a softer, but still crusty, round bun - yum. Miss the food from those days. Thanks so much for the video.

[@diannaleigh2191]

OMG Thank you for making this!!! I moved to the Wisconsin side of the Wisconsin/Minnesota border this year and while we do have a Portillos not far, I would much rather not spend $7 per sandwich and try to make this at home. Totally trying this tomorrow!!! Also dipped is always the answer, there is nothing less LOL

[@Appaddict01]

Use red pepper flakes that’s where the spice comes from.

[@thejohnbeck]

would brushing the bread with olive oil before putting anything on it help it hold up a little before the dip? or is it more of "just dunk it, who cares?"?

[@jeffbonner9313]

He's never been to Chicago if he never Heard of a combo!!!!!

[@vucub_caquix]

Native Chicagoan here, a combo is too much even for me...

[@fwbcarl]

@@vucub_caquix I love the combo. The sausage gives it a punch.

[@alllove6305]

I ate combos my whole life until i stop eating pork and then i started eating just the beef dipped hot with sweet peppers. Chicagos best Mr beef Johnnie's Portillos and some where down, down the line is Als Combo is the way!!!

[@ikillacommunistforfun320]

He probably goes to portillo's. Rookie

[@ParadoxicalThird]

I grew up in chicago and don't really like combo. Also we shouldn't gatekeep our food, our city is known for it.

[@altair458]

I love this!!! I subscribe!!!! Please keep up the good work👍👍👍👍

[@qlove728]

That's why I love living in Chicago our food is the best food nothing like a Italian beef dip extra garden peppers and jalapeno peppers 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@chriscostello5094]

dude on the right just diesels the sub every time!!!

[@comesahorseman]

FWIW, that parchment paper lid is called a "cartouche" in a fancy French cooking school.

[@mauz791]

Hehe touche

[@hippie6972]

I'm originally from the Chicagoland area, and I've been watching every Chicago Style Italian Beef video I can find. Your video is the BEST I've watched! You must have been really full after eating all those beefs!

[@styleme3375]

I’ve tried a few recipes but his has the most authentic flavor profile, hands down. It’s sooooo good.

[@hippie6972]

@@styleme3375 I'm going to try this one, thank's! 😁

[@wahapete]

Very thorough easy to follow video with a detailed comment section....Thanks!

[@ir1041]

This has to be one of the douchiest comments sections out there

[@discoveryalbum]

Long video, lots of good information, fantastic looking food. Remind me, who's moist now?

[@EthanChlebowski]

Much appreciated, moist sandwich is the best kind of sandwich haha

[@discoveryalbum]

@@EthanChlebowski Still have a few days of meal prep left. Can't wait to give this a go! Keep it up E!

[@nicholasheitzman2160]

life long chicagoan here - what make an italian beef sandwich impossible to pull off outside of chiacgo is many things. But number one on that list is the bread. The bread has to be from Turano's or Gonella's or it will not work. This is a great video though. I appreciate the respect you put into recreating this classic.

[@TheChunkylover79]

Thank You for the Recipe!

[@40nights40daystv]

They really trolled us with that asmr at the end lol

[@exsquidd1]

Ok ok, this is a good video, only if you dont live in the Windy City. For us lucky souls that do... fugitaboutit! Just take that drive down to Lil Italy and get you the original Al's Beef with sweet and hot and a bunch of their great Fries. THEN.... walk across the street to Mario's for dessert.

[@dymmalowitz5465]

I can't believe this video has such a few views! The job you've done is absolutely anormous. Thank you so much for this ultimate guide to italian beef hogies, I've always wanted to try those and thanks to you I can cook myself one. Keep up, buddy!

[@johnm3310]

If you do this recipe, keep it dry and keep a cup of jus next to plate... Dip before every bite. It is the best way to eat this style of sandwich. Enjoy your day. edit... And get top quality bread. It makes a difference. I even toast a bit for better taste.

[@xyere4984]

This video is good and well researched . Thanks😊

[@JohnSGallagher]

The sounds of them chewing with their mouths open is the ASMR playing in hell

[@nuki82]

Wow. This is hands down the best reference to Italian beef ive ever seen on youtube. Kudos

[@nuki82]

Ethan you really should make more of this. LA French dip, Philly roast pork (dinics video has been great), etc

[@pedrobautista7152]

DUDE!!!!!! YOU BY FAR!!!! WHERE THE CLOSES TWO MAKING THE ITALIAN BEEF!!!! 😋😋😋

[@vicsmith5580]

You nailed it Ethan, thanks!

[@OnigiriDaddy]

Only the WETTEST sounding chewers on KZbin, love your videos dude haha

[@nepttune710]

Your brother looks like the type of guy that starts every sentence with "actually"

[@finnianp8250]

His brother

[@finnianp8250]

Doesn't even reply and edits the comment :'(

[@nepttune710]

@@finnianp8250 oh sorry dude. I "liked" it if it's any consolation. Lol

[@finnianp8250]

@@nepttune710 I was just kidding man dw about it

[@nepttune710]

@@finnianp8250 hahaha I know. I just actually dont have a lite whatsoever so I thought I'd take the time to respond.

[@twan413]

Great Job Sir!!!

[@Niteworx]

Watching you guys eat the Italian beef is giving me the biggest craving I’ve ever had. I’m letting a roast get to room temp at this moment and I’m going make this tonight.

[@christhurston728]

Great stuff. A parchment lid is called a cartouche, shape your parchment into a sqaure fold it in half like 3 times, measure from the edge of tge pot to the centre and cut the excess off for a nice circle without doing a janky circle

[@xchazx111]

Chew with your mouths closed, would ya? LMFAO! Couple of horses here.

[@EthanChlebowski]

X Chaz X 111 Food was too good, had to get after it.

[@EthanChlebowski]

@@MikeHoncho884 It's not an excuse.

[@twospeed368]

Places that sell Italian beefs will typically have two other items on the menu as "sides". The first is called gravy bread and it's basically just the bread from a sandwich thuroughly soaked in the gravy. The other menu standard is the "pizza puff" which is sort of like a hot pocket but one step up and deepfried.

[@TheVesparider76]

Combo, hot and dry is my favorite! Great video! I'm not making these at home but I can down some Portillo's!

[@Appaddict01]

What kind of savage gets a dry beef.😔

[@drewlichty8091]

Tips for anyone wanting to do this recipe: Eye of round is a really lean cut of meat. It lacks the collagen (connective tissue) for braising, I find. It really does well roasting at high heat (up to 500). This will produce slices that are medium-rare rather than well done. Way more tender and moist. I know the Jus is important so you could sear the roast in a pan on all sides to build up a nice fond, and then stick it in the oven. Then make a jus out of the roasting juices/fond in the pan and stock + water. You'll be left with slices of meat with only a grey border, but since the eye of round is such a large roast the vast majority of each slice will be pink. There are better cuts out there for this recipe. But, maybe that's what you have - it was on sale and it's too good to pass up. This way will do the cut justice, IMO.

[@manny-perez]

I have to tell you, your brother is pretty great too; chip off the old block! I like it when you include him in the videos!

[@EthanChlebowski]

Thanks! It's nice to have a secondary opinion on things like these.

[@manny-perez]

@@EthanChlebowski Shoot me an email so we can share comments we don't want to share with the world, I have a lot of good suggestions to give you! ([e-mail])

[@butchyshoe]

Al's beef has franchised thru out Chicago and burbs. I have to add their french fries are right up their with their beef sandwich. I tell them to dip the sandwich till it drowns.LOVE IT !

[@parkerinthephilippines]

This is a fantastic video !

[@royalukas8144]

As a native Chicagoan, I always go for the combo, with extra peppers and wet. The reason is because you know you want both sliced beef and sausage, but eating two sandwiches in the same setting is out of the question. Plus, you can't always depend on a friend to share with. So there's that to consider as well

[@curtgreenleaf6432]

I could come up with at least 30 places with better Italian beef than "Al's."

[@sabinsx]

for real. that's like the last place I'd go.

[@Ena48145]

I was so sad this wasn't actually dipped in a cup of sauce while eating it. This looks absolutely incredible and if I can get my hands on some of that meat soon, I'll surely be making this. My mouth is watering

[@lordot8665]

13:46 Guy whispers softly "ya baby" Me out loud "what a freak"

[@paulhebblethwaite7168]

And then commenced to eat like a slob. Come on son. Mummy taught you manners and how to eat. Didn't she? Informative video otherwise.

[@Zachary_Sweis]

Italian beef is literally my favorite sandwich on Earth. Seems like you did a pretty good job on this one, man. You absolutely owe it to yourself to go to Chicago and get one.

[@manny-perez]

The same thing can be achieved by cracking the lid, without the messy parchment paper!

[@EthanChlebowski]

You can crack the lid too, though I prefer the parchment paper because it reduces the liquid more!

[@joefran619]

going to try this tonight, thx

[@aaronhodson8809]

Music selection at like 10 min in when you begin assembly, aaauh. perfection. There is no more good Italian beef places in my town.

[@kretieg2943]

That is THE most marbled eye of round I have EVER seen. Is that thing Wagyu or what?

[@Marshimized]

i always thought a dutch oven was when you and your partner are in bed and you fart and then trap them under the covers

[@matz1011]

That's what you just have to do with a hocker

[@mikeyjames]

At 14:39 😂 as a Canadian he said exactly what I was thinking 😂

[@wesphia]

Awesome... i’m def making it now. First i need to make the hoagie per your vid as well. No good hoagie’s in stores near me. Thanks!

[@RickSchultze]

When ordering dipped... Tell them to hold it under till it stops bubbling

[@jeffbonner9313]

looks good but none of those are "dipped"!!

[@bm20091]

Looks great man. Just had a combo in a little place near Chicago. *cool that beef some before refrigerator

[@ianbuchanan3839]

If you're in the UK the joint of meat used is Silverside, specifically salmon-cut

[@leewoodrow]

Thanks for that, Morrison’s do the salmon cut.