Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a fantastic fusion of classic Philly cheesesteak flavors wrapped up in a crispy egg roll shell. These delicious treats make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. They’re packed with savory beef, melted provolone cheese, and sautéed onions and green peppers, all fried to golden perfection. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, cooking notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients
For the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound thinly sliced beefsteak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Add the thinly sliced beefsteak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Mix Filling: Combine the cooked beef, onions, and green peppers in a bowl. Let it cool slightly, then stir in the shredded provolone cheese.
- Fill Egg Roll Wrappers: Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, fold the sides in, and roll up tightly. Brush the beaten egg on the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Egg Rolls: Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pot. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes:
- Slicing Beef: For best results, freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut into thin, even slices.
- Vegetable Options: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or red bell peppers for added flavor and variety.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute provolone with other cheeses like mozzarella, American cheese, or cheddar.
Variations:
- Spicy Egg Rolls: Add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Baked Version: For a healthier option, brush the assembled egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegan cheese.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound thinly sliced beefsteak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- For the Egg Roll Wrappers:
- Use low-carb tortillas or large cabbage leaves.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Follow the same steps for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the beef.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Use low-carb tortillas or cabbage leaves instead of egg roll wrappers. For cabbage leaves, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds to soften.
- Bake or Fry: If using low-carb tortillas, you can bake them as described in the baked version. For cabbage leaves, brush with oil and bake until crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What dipping sauces go well with these egg rolls?
A: Ranch, ketchup, spicy aioli, or even a cheese sauce pairs wonderfully with these egg rolls.
Q: How do I prevent the egg rolls from becoming greasy?
A: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying. Fry in small batches to maintain the temperature and avoid overcrowding the pot.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beefsteak?
A: Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute. Just cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before mixing with the vegetables and cheese.
Q: How can I reheat leftover egg rolls?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a delicious and innovative way to enjoy the classic flavors of a cheesesteak in a convenient, crispy package. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course, they’re sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow instructions, variations, and keto-friendly options, you can customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Give these egg rolls a try at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time! Happy cooking!
