Egg rolls are a beloved appetizer or snack, with their crispy, crunchy exterior and flavorful fillings. However, you can elevate the classic egg roll by infusing the savory, cheesy flavors of Philly cheesesteak into it. This recipe combines the beloved Philly cheesesteak filling with a crispy egg roll wrapper to create a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and bold in flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, appetizer, or a fun party snack, these egg rolls with Philly cheesesteak flavor are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls:
- 1 pack of egg roll wrappers (about 12 wrappers)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb. ribeye steak, thinly sliced (or beef of your choice, such as sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 ½ cups provolone cheese, shredded (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons beef broth (optional, for added juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Preparation
1. Prepare the Steak and Vegetables:
Start by slicing the ribeye steak thinly across the grain. This is important to ensure that the meat is tender once cooked. You can also use other cuts of beef like sirloin if preferred, but ribeye will give a rich flavor with its marbled fat.
Next, finely chop the onion and bell pepper. You can adjust the amount of these vegetables depending on your preference. The bell pepper adds a slightly sweet crunch to the Philly cheesesteak filling, but it is entirely optional if you prefer the dish to stick closer to the traditional flavors.
2. Cook the Steak and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak to the skillet and cook it, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through. This should take about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. The beef should be tender but still juicy.
Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. This will enhance the flavor and bring out the natural sweetness of the onions and peppers.
3. Season the Filling:
Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture, and stir everything to combine. Then add the Worcestershire sauce for that signature Philly cheesesteak tang. For a little extra juiciness, you can also add a splash of beef broth. Stir everything together to coat the steak and vegetables in the seasoning.
Once the mixture is well combined and the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay out the egg roll wrappers on a clean surface, positioning them so they form a diamond shape with one corner facing you. Place a heaping spoonful of the Philly cheesesteak filling (about 2 tablespoons) in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this could make it difficult to seal the rolls properly.
After adding the filling, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded provolone cheese over the top of the filling. Provolone is commonly used in Philly cheesesteaks because of its melting properties and sharp flavor, but you can substitute it with mozzarella cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
5. Roll and Seal:
To roll the egg rolls, begin by folding the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the two side corners, making sure the filling is securely enclosed. Roll the egg roll tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a small dab of water. This helps the wrapper stick together so the filling doesn’t leak out while frying.
Repeat this process for the remaining egg roll wrappers until all the filling is used up.
6. Fry the Egg Rolls:
In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking; a good test is to dip a small piece of bread into the oil and see if it sizzles. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the prepared egg rolls into the oil, a few at a time, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them so that they cook evenly on all sides.
Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
7. Serve:
Once all the egg rolls are fried, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are great with a classic marinara sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. You can also sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls
- Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing the steak, use a sharp knife to ensure you get thin, even slices. This will help the steak cook quickly and evenly.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to stuff the egg rolls to the brim, but be careful not to overfill them. The egg rolls need to be sealed tightly to prevent any of the filling from escaping during frying.
- Check the Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the egg rolls will cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Maintain a steady oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Experiment with Cheese: While provolone is a traditional Philly cheesesteak cheese, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a combination of different cheeses for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can assemble the egg rolls and store them in the fridge for up to a day before frying. Just be sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Air Fryer Option: If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can air fry these egg rolls instead of deep frying. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the egg rolls for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out crispy with a fraction of the oil!
Serving Suggestions
These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to serve them up for your next meal or gathering:
- Appetizer: Serve these egg rolls as an appetizer for a party or casual get-together. They’re fun to dip and share, making them the perfect finger food.
- Main Course: Pair the egg rolls with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can even serve them with fries for a Philly cheesesteak-inspired dinner.
- Game Day Snack: These egg rolls are a perfect addition to any game day spread. Pair them with a few other finger foods like buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, or nachos.
- Family Dinner: If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are an excellent choice. They come together quickly and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Conclusion
These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a creative twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. With their crispy exterior, savory beef filling, and gooey melted cheese, they make for a fun and delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re a great way to enjoy the flavors of Philly cheesesteak in a new and exciting way. Try this recipe out the next time you want to bring something special to the table, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
