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Pittsburgh rare

Pittsburgh rare is a delectable dish that has been captivating the taste buds of Western Pennsylvania since the late 19th century. This hearty meal is a simple yet delicious combination of hamburger steak, fried onions, and French fries. Though ground beef is traditionally used to prepare the hamburger steak, local chefs have also utilized their own unique concoctions featuring sirloin and ribeye.

Pittsburgh rare


The dish is named after its birthplace, Pittsburgh, and was first developed by local unskilled laborers who needed an efficient and nutritive meal to fuel them in their hard work. This grain-free palate pleaser featured an original combination of beef, onions, and potatoes in order to provide a balanced meal for its creators.

To make Pittsburgh rare, the hamburger steak is first cooked on a hot griddle until it reaches the desired degree of doneness. Once the patties are finished cooking, they are smothered with copious amounts of onions and then transferred onto a plate. French fries, though not included in the original recipe, are then served along with the hamburger steak and onions.

A bountiful bite of Pittsburgh rare will evoke an unforgettable gustatory journey with each flavor delightfully complimenting the next. The beef is succulent and savory, the onions are sweet and tangy, and the fries are crispy and crunchy. This flavorful combination has quickly become an iconic delicacy of the region, with locals fighting over the privilege of having a taste.

At its best, Pittsburgh rare appears as a beautiful masterpiece. The colors of the dish consist of a golden hue from the onions, a pale cream color from the fries, and a deep brown hue from the hamburger steak. Every ingredient beautifully dances around one another in harmony, creating a luxurious mosaic that can tantalize the most experienced connoisseur.

Whether you’re in the Steel City or miles away, Pittsburgh rare is sure to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. So make sure to try this timeless classic the next time you’re in the area – you won’t regret it.

The origin of Pittsburgh rare

It is no secret that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of many delicious and rich food experiences. From Pirmanti sandwiches to pierogis, the city has something for everyone’s taste buds. One dish in particular, however, stands out among all the rest - Pittsburgh rare.

The origin of the dish is thought to have started in the industrial area of the city in the 1950s. As workers on this side of the river often went without lunch, a local restaurant owner developed a way to help out his employees. He decided to take the only item available to him, some thinly sliced steak, and cook it quickly over an open flame.

The result was a flavorful, juicy steak sandwich with a unique flavor that eventually caught the attention of local and beyond. Thus, the infamous “Pittsburgh rare” was born.

The flavors and textures of the sandwich caught the attention of more than just the local workers. Many connoisseurs of fine cuisine soon discovered the unique charm that made the sandwich so special. The meat was cooked in a special sauce of Worcestershire, onions, garlic, and peppers. The combination of these ingredients created a flavor that was unlike anything that anyone had ever tasted before.

The popularity of the sandwich soon spread beyond the small industrial neighborhood, and soon restaurants across the city were dishing out this original Eastern Seaboard creation.

Today, Pittsburgh rare is a revered specialty of Pittsburgh, and it can be found in many restaurants across the country. As the popularity of the sandwich grew, so did the variety of meats and toppings used. Today, you can find almost any type of meat, condiment, or topping on a Pittsburgh rare sandwich.

So, the next time you find yourself in Pittsburgh, make sure to stop by the local diner or restaurant to try the legendary Pittsburgh rare. The unique flavor and texture of this classic sandwich is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more!

FAQs about Pittsburgh rare

What does Pittsburgh mean steak?

Pittsburgh steak refers to a steak that is seasoned with a blend of spices, then seared in a hot skillet, often with crushed garlic and rosemary. It is usually served medium rare or rare. Its name comes from its resemblance to the shape of a “Pittsburgh Crunch” sandwich, which is an adaptation of the Philadelphia cheesesteak.


What does Pittsburgh medium-rare mean?

Pittsburgh medium-rare describes a steak that is cooked to an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of steak is browned on the outside, but still pinkish-red and juicy inside.


What is the difference between Pittsburgh and black and blue?

Pittsburgh style steak is prepared by searing the meat in a hot skillet, while black and blue steak is prepared by quickly searing it on a high heat and then almost immediately transferring it to a very cool area (such as outdoors) to create a charred but rare effect.


What temp is Pittsburgh rare steak?

A Pittsburgh rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).


Types of Pittsburgh rare

Pittsburgh rare. It's a phrase that can send a chill down the spine of any fan of culinary exploration. The dish, which has its roots in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a delicacy of fried eggs, often served over toast or pancakes. But don't let the simple ingredients fool you – it's a complex and nuanced way of preparing eggs.

At its core, the traditional method of preparing Pittsburgh rare involves cooking the eggs in their own fat, usually bacon grease, until the whites are fully cooked but the yolk is still a bit loose. This gives the dish its signature runny, yet rich texture. And while the traditional way of preparing Pittsburgh rare is delicious, there are many variations on this classic dish.

You may have heard of the beloved “Scrapple” variation, featuring a savory base of pork, beef, cornmeal mush, and spices, topped with eggs. Variations of this include bacon instead of pork, as well as adding additional veggies like peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Another popular version is the Benedict-style variant, which adds a creamy sauce, usually hollandaise, and poached eggs to the mix.

But if you’re looking for something truly unique, try a vegan version. Using firm tofu, you can create a flavorful mix with vegan Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes, and top it off with a flavorful tomato sauce. Even those who aren't vegan will find this variant to be an interesting take on the classic.

For something a little bit sweeter, try making an apple-cinnamon French toast version of the dish. This requires a little more work than the traditional method, but you’ll be rewarded with a tasty combination of sweet, tart apples and warm cinnamon.

No matter which version of Pittsburgh rare you choose, you’re sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you go with the classic version or opt for one of the more creative variants, it’s a dish that’s sure to please. So next time you’re feeling adventurous, why not give Pittsburgh rare a try?