Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a creative fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the classic Philly cheesesteak and crispy, savory egg rolls. This innovative dish combines the rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers—with the crunchy, golden exterior of an egg roll. It’s a fantastic appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress at any gathering or serve as a delightful meal on its own.
The History of Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
The Philly cheesesteak has its roots in Philadelphia, where it was created in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who decided to use steak in his sandwiches. The sandwich quickly became a Philadelphia staple and is beloved across the country. Egg rolls, on the other hand, have a more Asian origin, with their crispy exterior and savory fillings reflecting traditional Chinese cuisine. Combining these two dishes is a more recent innovation, blending American and Asian flavors to create a unique and delicious fusion dish.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Beef: Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak is commonly used for a tender and flavorful filling.
- Cheese: Provolone or American cheese is typically used for its melting qualities.
- Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers are sautéed to add sweetness and texture.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin, square wrappers used to encase the filling and create a crispy exterior.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder or paprika for added flavor.
- Oil: For frying the egg rolls to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Sauté thinly sliced onions and bell peppers until softened.
- Add thinly sliced beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and combined with the beef mixture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you.
- Spoon a portion of the beef and cheese mixture onto the wrapper, slightly off-center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Seal the edges with a bit of water.
- Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the egg rolls warm with dipping sauces such as marinara, cheese sauce, or even a spicy mustard.
Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- Use High-Quality Beef: Tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin work best for a flavorful filling.
- Don’t Overstuff: Filling the wrappers too much can lead to bursting during frying. Keep the portions moderate.
- Seal Well: Make sure to seal the egg rolls properly to prevent leaking during frying.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
Variations and Customizations
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavors.
- Add Mushrooms: Include sautéed mushrooms for an additional layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy twist.
- Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, brush the egg rolls with oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are indulgent and rich, making them more suitable for occasional enjoyment rather than daily consumption. They can be high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the beef, cheese, and frying process. To make them slightly healthier, consider using leaner beef cuts, reducing the amount of cheese, or opting for baking instead of frying.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the egg rolls and freeze them before frying. To cook from frozen, fry directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What dipping sauces go well with Philly cheesesteak egg rolls?
A: Classic choices include marinara sauce, cheese sauce, or ranch dressing. You can also try spicy mustard or sriracha mayo for a kick.
Q: How can I ensure my egg rolls stay crispy after frying?
A: Drain the fried egg rolls on paper towels and serve them immediately. If they need to be held for a short period, keep them in a warm oven to maintain their crispiness.
philly cheesesteak egg rolls
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Ribeye Steak, (thinly sliced)
- 1 package Provolone & Mozzarella Blend, (shredded)
- 4 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese, (optional)
- 1 Yellow Onion, (chopped)
- 8 oz Mushrooms, (chopped)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, (chopped)
- 1 package Egg Roll Wrappers
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Egg, (egg wash)
- Neutral Frying Oil
Philly Cheesesteak Marinade
- 1/2 tablespoon Baking Soda
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Crushed Rosemary
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
Marinate Your Steak
- Start by combining all of your marinade ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Give it a good mix.
- Add in your shaved (and chopped) ribeye, and toss the meat until it is fully coated in the sauce. Cover the bowl and let the meat marinade for at least 1 hour.
Sauté Your Steak & Vegetables
- In your sauté pan, add in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and sauté your steak. Cook thoroughly, but do not overcook (should be done in approximately 3-5 minutes over high heat). When finished, remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add in all of your chopped vegetables and sauté them for approximately 3-4 minutes over high heat, or until they start to darken.
- Then, remove the vegetables from the pan & combine all cooked ingredients (meat and vegetables) in your mixing bowl.
Filling & Wrapping Your Egg Rolls
- Take a sheet of egg roll peel and position it in a diamond shape in front of you.
- Apply a dab of egg wash to all sides of the wrapper, to help seal the egg roll.
- Then add in a foundation of your Philly cheesesteak filling, topped with a layer the shredded provolone & mozzarella cheese. (Optional: add in a dab of cream cheese in this step.)
- Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, add in some cream cheese to your filling.
- Start at the bottom corner and roll the egg roll wrapper over your filling until you have rolled your egg roll half way up. Then fold in each corner and then continue to roll up to the end.
- Repeat until you have about 8-10 Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls – and then place them on a parchment paper or butcher paper lined tray.
Deep-Fry Your Egg Rolls
- Prepare a stock pot of neutral oil, heated to 350°F.
- Drop in 2-3 egg rolls into your hot oil – keeping in mind not to over crowd the pot.
- Deep fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown (flip once during the fry), then remove from the oil and let sit on a cooling wire rack for about 5 minutes.
Serving Your Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are served best by themselves or with a rich and spicy sauce like my Cowboy Butter!