Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: A Crispy, Cheesy Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re a fan of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, then get ready for a mouthwatering twist Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls! This recipe takes all the best flavors of a Philly cheesesteak tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone cheese and wraps them inside a crispy, golden egg roll shell. It’s a fun, portable way to enjoy this beloved sandwich with a satisfying crunch.
Whether you’re throwing a party, hosting game day, or just craving something delicious and different, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are sure to impress. They combine comfort food flavors with an irresistible crispy texture that’s impossible to resist.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to make these egg rolls, share tips to get them perfectly crispy, and suggest tasty serving ideas and dipping sauces. Let’s dive into this Philly cheesesteak makeover!
Why Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
Philly cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich loved for its juicy steak and melted cheese combo. But sometimes, you want to shake things up and that’s where egg rolls come in.
Wrapping the ingredients in egg roll wrappers creates a crispy shell that contrasts beautifully with the tender, savory filling. Plus, egg rolls are easy to share and make for fantastic finger food, perfect for gatherings.
This recipe is quick to make, customizable, and bakes or fries up crispy every time. It’s a perfect appetizer or snack with a nod to one of the most iconic sandwiches in the country.
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced ribeye steak or sirloin (you can also use ground beef if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
For Assembly and Frying:
- 12-15 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Spicy mustard or horseradish sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Ketchup or Sriracha mayo
- Ranch dressing
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Paper towels for draining
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions for Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add the thinly sliced steak in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned but still tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the steak and stir to combine. Let the filling cool slightly. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese, reserving the rest for topping later.
Step 4: Prepare Egg Roll Wrappers
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center.
Step 5: Roll and Seal Egg Rolls
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners tightly. Roll the wrapper upward, leaving the top corner free. Brush a little beaten egg on the top corner to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 6: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3-4 egg rolls at a time for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Remove the egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Making the Best Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- Use thinly sliced steak. The key to a tender filling is thin slices that cook quickly without drying out.
- Don’t overfill. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper to prevent tearing.
- Keep wrappers covered. Egg roll wrappers dry out fast, so cover unused ones with a damp towel.
- Maintain oil temperature. Keep oil around 350°F for perfect crispiness.
- Let filling cool before rolling. Hot filling can make wrappers soggy and hard to seal.
- Customize cheese. Provolone is classic, but mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar work great.
- Oven-bake option. For a lighter version, bake egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Variations to Try
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use ground beef or even shredded chicken for different protein options.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra veggies.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack for heat or Swiss for nuttiness.
Storing and Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the crunch.
Uncooked egg rolls can be frozen on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these egg rolls with dipping sauces like spicy mustard, horseradish sauce, or garlic aioli. Pair them with a crisp salad or seasoned fries for a hearty meal.
They’re perfect finger foods for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight treat.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a fantastic fusion of two favorite foods — the iconic Philly cheesesteak and crispy egg rolls. With tender steak, sautéed veggies, and gooey cheese all wrapped up in a crunchy shell, they deliver a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
This recipe is simple to prepare, easy to customize, and a definite crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a delicious snack, these egg rolls will not disappoint.
Give this recipe a try and bring a little Philly flavor to your kitchen in a fun and crispy new way. Enjoy!