### Introduction
The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American dish, celebrated for its juicy, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and the warm embrace of a toasted hoagie roll.
This beloved sandwich hails from Philadelphia and has become a staple in American cuisine. However, as food trends evolve, creative reinterpretations of classic dishes abound.
One such innovation is the Philly cheesesteak egg roll, a fusion that brings together the essence of the traditional cheesesteak and the fun, portable format of an egg roll.
These tantalizing bites encapsulate all the flavors of the original dish, packed into a crispy wrapper that provides the perfect crunch.
The combination of tender steak, gooey cheese, and sautéed onions wrapped in a golden shell creates an irresistible appetizer or snack that is as delicious as it is crowd-pleasing.
Whether served at a party, game day gathering, or as a solo treat, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are destined to become a favorite.
Making Philly cheesesteak egg rolls not only showcases your culinary skills but also offers a delightful twist on a classic that can spark conversation at any gathering.
They are versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to your liking, whether you prefer extra cheese, peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
As you embark on the journey of creating these delectable treats, you will discover that the process is straightforward yet rewarding.
Let’s delve into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to ensure your Philly cheesesteak egg rolls turn out crispy, flavorful, and utterly delicious!
### Ingredients
1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz for a traditional touch)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil- Salt and pepper to taste- Egg roll wrappers- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)- Optional: sliced green peppers or mushrooms
### Instructions1
. **Sauté the Onions**: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Steak**: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the pan.
Season with salt and pepper.
Cook until the steak is browned and cooked through, roughly 3-5 minutes.
3. **Combine Ingredients**: Once the steak is cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
Stir in the shredded provolone cheese until melted and combined with the beef and onions.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. **Assemble the Egg Rolls**: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, placing a spoonful of the steak and cheese mixture in the center.
To wrap, fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners, and roll until it is completely sealed. Use a drop of water to help seal the edge.
5. **Heat Oil**: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the egg rolls for even cooking.
*Fry the Egg Rolls**: Carefully place the prepared egg rolls into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy
.7. **Drain Excess Oil**: Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8. **Serve**: Allow the egg rolls to cool slightly before serving with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo.
### How to Make1.
**Choose the Right Meat**: The star of the cheesesteak is the meat.
Opt for ribeye or sirloin, which are tender and flavorful. Slice the meat thinly; it’s easier to cut when partially frozen.
2. **Prep Your Filling**: After sautéing the onions, consider adding mushrooms or peppers for added flavor.
Customize the filling based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
**Wrap It Up**: When wrapping the egg rolls, ensure that you don’t overfill them; this makes sealing them easier and prevents filling from escaping during frying.
4. **Seal Properly**: Use water to moisten the edges of the wrapper, ensuring a tight seal and preventing them from bursting in the hot oil.
5. **Maintain Oil Temperature**: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying.
If the oil is too hot, the egg rolls will burn on the outside and remain undercooked on the inside. If it’s too cool, they will soak up excess oil.
6. **Experiment with Dips**: While the egg rolls are delicious on their own, experimenting with various dipping sauces like spicy ketchup, BBQ, or even a cheese sauce can elevate your serving experience.
7. **Bake Instead of Fry**: For a healthier version, consider baking the egg rolls. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
8. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and even assemble the egg rolls, then freeze them before frying.
This allows for quick and easy snacking or entertaining later.
9. **Storage**: Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
### Tips1. **Use a Deep Fryer or Skillet**: If using a deep fryer, maintain the oil temperature for perfect frying. If using a skillet, be prepared to turn the egg rolls for even cooking
2. **Do Not Overcrowd the Pan**: Fry a few egg rolls at a time to maintain optimal oil temperature and ensure an even fry.
3. **Cook in Batches**: Allow enough space in the pan for the egg rolls to float a little; this ensures they get crispy on all sides.
4. **Taste Test the Filling**: Before wrapping, taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed. The flavors should be prominent.
5. **Consider Air Frying**: If you own an air fryer, it’s a great option for making lower-fat versions of these egg rolls.
6. **Keep Wrappers Covered**: As you work, keep unused egg roll wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
7. **Test Your Oil**: Before frying a batch, drop a small piece of wrapper in the oil to see if it sizzles; if it does, the oil is ready.
8. **Pair with Side Dishes**: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
9. **Experiment with Fillings**: Try swapping the meat or cheese for chicken or vegetarian options to cater to your guests’ dietary preferences.
### ConclusionPhilly cheesesteak egg rolls are a delicious and creative twist on the classic sandwich that merges comfort food with crispy, bite-sized fun.
They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack at home, a gathering with friends, or an appetizer at a festive party.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a dish that pays homage to Philadelphia’s culinary heritage while providing a new and exciting way to enjoy familiar flavors.
These egg rolls not only capture the essence of what makes a cheesesteak irresistible but also encourage creativity in the kitchen.
With the ability to customize ingredients and adapt recipes, the possibilities are endless, leading to unique variations that can excite the palate.
Additionally, their versatility allows them to be enjoyed not just as an appetizer, but also as a main course or even a fun lunch option.
Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air-fry your egg rolls, they’ll be met with rave reviews from family and friends.
The combination of flavors and textures is sure to make this dish a hit, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Lastly, the joy of sharing food with loved ones is a wonderful experience, and these Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are perfect for creating memorable moments around the dinner table.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the delicious world of Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Happy cooking!