These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a creative and delicious twist on the classic Philadelphia sandwich. They combine the savory flavors of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in crispy egg roll wrappers. This appetizer is perfect for parties, game day, or any occasion where you want to serve up a unique and crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of the crispy exterior, the tender and flavorful filling, and the gooey melted cheese creates a truly irresistible bite. The recipe is versatile, allowing for customization with various cheese options, vegetables, and seasonings, ensuring a delightful experience every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced (or mozzarella, white American, or cheese whiz)
- 1 package (16 ounces) egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: Dipping sauce (cheese whiz, ketchup, spicy mayo)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak: If using a larger cut of steak, partially freeze it for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Caramelize Onions and Peppers: Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper (if using) and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until softened and caramelized.
- Cook the Steak: Add the sliced steak to the skillet with the caramelized onions and peppers. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the steak is browned and cooked through.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the sliced provolone cheese to the skillet. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheesesteak filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling. Fold in the sides of the wrapper towards the center. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the beaten egg. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner to seal.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C).
- Fry Until Golden: Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove the egg rolls from the oil and drain them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Notes:
- Steak Choice: Ribeye steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, but sirloin or other tender cuts can also be used.
- Cheese Variations: Provolone cheese is a classic choice for cheesesteaks, but you can also use mozzarella, white American, or cheese whiz.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or jalapeños to the filling.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Use fresh egg roll wrappers for the best results.
- Sealing: Brushing the wrapper with beaten egg ensures a tight seal and prevents the filling from leaking out during frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying and crispy egg rolls.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the egg rolls in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve the egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cheese whiz, ketchup, spicy mayo, or a creamy garlic sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Baking Option: For a healthier option, you can bake the egg rolls instead of frying them. Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a fun and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Their crispy exterior, savory filling, and gooey melted cheese make them an irresistible treat. Enjoy the taste of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a whole new way!