Of course! That’s a brilliant and delicious fusion idea. Combining the crispy, savory shell of an egg roll with the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Here is a detailed recipe and guide for making Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps: making the filling, assembling the rolls, and choosing your cooking method (frying or baking).
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Ingredients:
For the Filling:
· 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
· 1/2 large green bell pepper, finely diced
· 1/2 large onion, finely diced
· 8 oz ribeye steak, very thinly sliced (see Pro Tip #1)
· 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 6 slices Provolone cheese, or 1 cup shredded Cheez Whiz
For Assembly:
· 12 egg roll wrappers (usually found in the produce refrigerated section)
· 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour + 1 tablespoon water (mixed into a paste for sealing)
· Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying
For Serving (Optional):
· Cheez Whiz for dipping
· Creamy garlic sauce or ranch dressing
· Marinara sauce
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
· Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
· Add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize.
· Increase the heat to high and add the thinly sliced ribeye steak. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 2-3 minutes).
· Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet—this is crucial to prevent soggy egg rolls.
· Let the mixture cool completely. This is a critical step. A hot filling will steam and tear the wrappers and make them soggy.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
· Once the filling is cool, lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond orientation.
· Place a slice of Provolone cheese (or a spoonful of Cheez Whiz) in the center. Top with about 2-3 tablespoons of the steak filling.
· Fold the bottom corner up over the filling. Fold the two side corners inward toward the center.
· Roll the bundle down tightly toward the top corner.
· Use your flour-water paste to dab on the top corner and seal the egg roll shut. Press firmly.
· Place the finished egg roll seam-side down on a baking sheet and cover with a damp paper towel while you assemble the rest to prevent them from drying out.
3. Cook the Egg Rolls:
Method 1: Deep Frying (Classic & Crispiest)
· Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, seam-side down first.
· Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
· Remove with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Method 2: Air Frying (Easier & Lighter)
· Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
· Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil on all sides.
· Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
· Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Method 3: Baking
· Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
· Place the egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Generously spray or brush with oil on all sides.
· Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
4. Serve:
· Let the egg rolls cool for a few minutes before serving—the filling will be extremely hot.
· Serve immediately with warm Cheez Whiz, garlic sauce, or marinara for dipping.
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Pro Tips for Success:
1. The Meat: Getting thin slices is key. Pro Tip: Place your steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until it’s firm but not frozen solid. This makes it incredibly easy to slice paper-thin.
2. Dry Filling: Draining the cooked meat and veggie mixture and letting it cool completely is the most important step to prevent soggy, bursting egg rolls.
3. Don’t Overfill: Overfilling makes them difficult to roll and more likely to burst during cooking. 2-3 tablespoons is perfect.
4. Seal Tightly: Ensure the egg roll is sealed well with the flour paste to prevent oil from seeping in and the filling from leaking out.
5. Cheese Choices:
· Provolone: Provides classic, melty cheese pulls.
· Cheez Whiz: The most authentic “Philly” experience, offering that iconic creamy, salty flavor.
· American Cheese: A great melty alternative.
Enjoy your incredible homemade appetizer! They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a fun and different dinner.