**Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: A Creative Twist on a Classic**
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### **Introduction**
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a delicious fusion dish that takes the classic Philly cheesesteak and wraps it up in a crispy egg roll wrapper. This inventive appetizer combines tender slices of steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, all encased in a crunchy, golden-brown wrapper. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun dinner at home, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls offer a portable, bite-sized version of the beloved sandwich, bursting with flavor in every bite.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
The traditional Philly cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. It was created by Pat Oliviero, the owner of Pat’s King of Steaks, who invented the sandwich with thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, and served on a hoagie roll. Over the decades, the Philly cheesesteak has become an iconic American dish, synonymous with Philadelphia itself.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, while not a traditional version of the sandwich, are a modern twist on this classic. These egg rolls emerged as a popular fusion dish in recent years, combining the savory flavors of the Philly cheesesteak with the crispy exterior of the egg roll. They are often seen as a creative appetizer at sports bars, parties, or trendy restaurants.
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### **Ingredients and Quantities**
To make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
– **For the filling:**
– 1 lb rib-eye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 1 medium green bell pepper (optional), thinly sliced
– 2 cups shredded provolone or American cheese (or a combination)
– 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for cooking
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
– **For the egg rolls:**
– 10-12 egg roll wrappers
– 1-2 tbsp water (for sealing the wrappers)
– Vegetable oil, for frying (or enough for deep frying)
**Optional Additions:**
– Sautéed mushrooms for added umami
– A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor
– Hot sauce for a spicy kick
– Cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese in place of provolone or American cheese
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Slicing the steak:** For the best texture, make sure to slice the steak very thin against the grain. You can freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
– **Cooking the steak:** Don’t overcook the steak; it should still be juicy and tender. You can cook it just until it’s browned and still slightly pink inside, as it will continue cooking when wrapped in the egg roll.
– **Avoid overstuffing:** Be careful not to overfill the egg rolls, as this can make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst open while frying.
– **Sealing the egg rolls:** To prevent the egg rolls from unraveling during cooking, moisten the edges of the wrappers with water to seal them properly.
– **Frying technique:** Fry the egg rolls in batches and make sure the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C) before adding them. This ensures a crisp, golden exterior.
– **Baking option:** For a lighter version, you can bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the filling:** In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Cook the steak:** In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.
3. **Combine:** Add the sautéed onions and bell peppers back into the skillet with the steak. Stir to combine, then let the mixture cool slightly.
4. **Assemble the egg rolls:** Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you. Place a few spoonfuls of the steak mixture in the center, then top with shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the wrapper in over the filling, then roll it up tightly, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
5. **Fry the egg rolls:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the egg rolls and drain on paper towels.
6. **Serve:** Allow the egg rolls to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli.
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### **Description**
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a creative and flavorful appetizer or snack, combining the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak in a crispy, golden egg roll shell. Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of tender steak, sweet onions, and melted cheese, all encased in a crunchy exterior. These egg rolls are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal dinner parties, offering a fun, portable twist on a classic American dish.
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### **Nutritional Information (per egg roll, based on 10 servings)**
– **Calories:** 250-300 kcal
– **Protein:** 15g
– **Carbohydrates:** 25g
– **Fat:** 12g
– **Fiber:** 1g
– **Sugar:** 3g
– **Sodium:** 600mg
– **Cholesterol:** 40mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes used.)
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### **Conclusion**
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a delicious, portable twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. These crispy, golden delights bring together tender steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crunchy shell that’s perfect for dipping. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a fun meal, these egg rolls are a crowd-pleaser that offers the best of both worlds—cheesy, savory goodness and crispy texture.
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### **Recommendation and Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a flavorful indulgence, you can make them a bit healthier by opting for leaner cuts of steak like sirloin or flank steak, and using whole wheat egg roll wrappers. To lighten them up further, try baking instead of frying the egg rolls, or reduce the amount of cheese to keep them lower in fat. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding extra peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling. Enjoy these indulgent treats while making small adjustments to suit your dietary preferences!