Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy egg roll that crackles with every bite-only inside, instead of the usual fillings, you discover the savory, melty goodness of a Philly cheesesteak. Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls offer a playful, innovative spin on the beloved Philadelphia classic, marrying the bold flavors of thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and melted cheese with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried wrapper. This fusion appetizer not only pays homage to an iconic American dish but also introduces a new way to enjoy those signature tastes in every bite. Whether you’re a die-hard cheesesteak fan or an adventurous foodie, these egg rolls promise a deliciously crispy adventure that reinvents a timeless favorite.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls offer a brilliant fusion where the iconic savory filling of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese meets a satisfyingly crisp, golden shell. This irresistible snack elevates the beloved Philadelphia classic into a handheld delight perfect for sharing or individual indulgence. Whether for game day, parties, or a creative weeknight dinner, mastering this recipe will bring a harmonious contrast of textures and a burst of authentic Philly flavor to your table.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield
- 8 egg rolls (serves 4 as an appetizer or snack)
Difficulty Level
- Medium – requires basic chopping, sautéing, and frying skills
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 8 large egg roll wrappers
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing filling)
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp water (for sealing egg rolls)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and green peppers, sautéing until softened and caramelized – about 8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Cook the steak: Push veggies to the side and add the thin steak slices in a single layer. Sear for 2 minutes, then toss with onions and peppers. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble egg rolls: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the steak filling onto the lower third, then sprinkle with shredded provolone cheese. Fold bottom corner up over filling, fold in sides tightly, and roll up firmly. Seal edges with water to prevent opening.
- Heat oil for frying: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat 3 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintain oil temperature for even crisping.
- Fry egg rolls: Fry 2-3 egg rolls at a time, carefully lowering into oil. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving plate while warm and crispy for the best texture.
Tips for Success
- Choose ribeye or sirloin: Thin slicing frozen steak slightly firm makes it easier to cut paper-thin for tenderness and authentic Philly texture.
- Prevent sogginess: Ensure filling has cooled before wrapping to avoid moisture that softens the wrappers.
- Sealing matter: Use a dab of water to secure egg roll seams tightly to prevent filling leakage during frying.
- Oil temperature is key: Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F for crispy, non-greasy egg rolls.
- Make-ahead tips: Egg rolls can be wrapped and refrigerated up to 4 hours before frying. For longer storage, freeze raw egg rolls on a baking sheet and then transfer to a sealed bag.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Pairings
Present your golden Philly cheesesteak egg rolls on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh curly parsley or chopped chives for a pop of green. Pair this crispy favorite with a creamy horseradish aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ketchup for dipping. A side of crisp dill pickle slices or a light coleslaw balances the richness beautifully. For beverage pairing, a cold craft lager or a zesty citrusy IPA brings out the depth of the savory steak and cheese filling.
| Nutrient | Per Egg Roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
Explore more cheesesteak recipes to continue your culinary journey.
For a deeper dive into food safety and frying techniques, visit the US Food Safety guidelines.
Q&A
Q&A: Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls – A Crispy Twist on a Classic
Q1: What exactly are Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
A1: Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved foods: the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the crispy, golden egg roll wrapper. They encapsulate thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese inside a crunchy shell-offering a handheld, crispy twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak experience.
Q2: How did the idea of Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls come about?
A2: The concept originated from creative chefs looking to reinvent the traditional Philly cheesesteak by giving it an unexpected texture and format. By wrapping the classic filling in egg roll wrappers and frying them, they transformed a familiar sandwich into a fun, shareable appetizer that highlights the best flavors of Philly with a crispy surprise.
Q3: What ingredients are typically inside Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
A3: The filling generally includes thinly sliced ribeye or top sirloin steak, caramelized onions, sautéed green bell peppers (optional), and gooey melted cheese-often provolone or Cheez Whiz. The blend is seasoned to capture the savory, rich flavor profile of the original sandwich.
Q4: What makes the egg roll wrapper an ideal choice for this dish?
A4: Egg roll wrappers are thin yet sturdy, creating a satisfying crunch when fried. Their neutral flavor lets the bold Philly cheesesteak ingredients shine, while their crisp texture adds a delightful contrast to the tender steak and melty cheese inside.
Q5: How do you best serve Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
A5: They’re fantastic piping hot, served with classic dipping sauces like a zesty horseradish mayo, spicy ketchup, or even a tangy cheese sauce. Perfect for parties or casual dinners, they’re ideal bite-sized treats that invite sharing and dipping.
Q6: Can Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls be made ahead or frozen?
A6: Absolutely! You can assemble the egg rolls in advance and freeze them uncooked. When ready, just fry or bake from frozen to maintain that crispy exterior and deliciously melty interior-making them a great option for easy entertaining.
Q7: Are there variations to the traditional Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll?
A7: Definitely. Some chefs experiment by swapping the steak for chicken or mushroom to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences. Others add peppers, mushrooms, or even substitute cheese types to put their own spin on the classic flavor combination.
Q8: Why are Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls so popular?
A8: They strike the perfect balance between familiarity and novelty-delivering the beloved taste of a Philly cheesesteak in a fun, crunchy package. Their portability, shareability, and rich flavor make them irresistible appetizers or snack-time treats that excite both foodies and casual eaters alike.
Whether you’re a Philly native craving your favorite sandwich with a twist or an adventurous eater seeking a new snack obsession, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls offer a crispy, cheesy adventure you won’t soon forget!
To Conclude
In the world of fusion foods, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls stand out as a delightful marriage of tradition and innovation. This crispy twist on a classic not only pays homage to the beloved flavors of Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich but also adds an irresistible crunch that elevates every bite. Whether you’re a die-hard cheesesteak fan or a curious foodie seeking your next snack obsession, these egg rolls promise a satisfying journey through familiar tastes, wrapped in a new and exciting form. So next time you crave something both comforting and creative, let Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls be your delicious destination-a perfect bite where East meets feast.
