The Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a fun twist on the iconic Philly Cheesesteak, a beloved sandwich that traces back to the streets of Philadelphia in the 1930s. Combining the flavours of juicy steak, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms wrapped in a crispy, golden shell, these egg rolls turn the classic into a convenient, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or an appetizer for your next party, these addictive egg rolls, with their cheesy perfection, offer a tasty way to enjoy the flavours of Philadelphia in a whole new way.
These egg rolls are super simple to make. Just sauté your favourite fillings, stuff them in egg roll wrappers, and fry or bake for crispy perfection. For the juiciest steak, I recommend using ribeye or sirloin, which provide a nice balance of tenderness and flavour. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal that’s ready to devour. You can even freeze them for later, making them a convenient option for busy days. Once you try them, you’ll be chowing down on these delicious rolls every chance you get!
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Ingredients
To make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, you need a combination of flavorful ingredients that come together for a delicious bite-sized treat:
- Rib-eye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain for the best texture and flavour. For extra depth, marinate it in a mix of Worcestershire sauce, Italian dressing, and a dash of garlic salt and pepper.
- Green bell peppers, onion, and garlic, finely chopped, provide a savoury base that complements the steak. You can also add mushrooms for an earthy flavour (optional but highly recommended!).
- Jalapeños, finely sliced and deseeded, bring a slight kick to balance the rich flavours. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Shredded provolone cheese(or a mix of shredded provolone and sharp cheddar) melts perfectly inside the egg rolls, giving them that signature gooey, cheesy texture.
- Egg roll wrappers, which you can find in the refrigerated produce section of your grocery store, are essential for wrapping up the tasty filling.
- Butter and vegetable oil or olive oil for frying the egg rolls, ensuring they come out crispy and golden brown on the outside.
By using these fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll that’s crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and full of flavour.
What Kind of Meat is Best for Philly Cheesesteaks?
For the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll, rib-eye steak is the classic choice because it’s tender and flavorful, making it ideal for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. You can also use flank steak as a more economical substitute, but be sure to marinate it with Worcestershire sauce, zesty Italian dressing, and a pinch of garlic, onions, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for added flavour.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls combine the classic flavours of a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich into a crispy, golden-brown bite-sized treat. Filled with marinated steak, onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and cheese, these egg rolls are a perfect snack or appetizer. The best part? They’re easy to make, and you can bake or fry them for a satisfying crunch. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Marinate Steak
Start by marinating your steak. In a bowl, mix Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper, then whisk the ingredients together. Thinly slice the beef and marinate for at least one hour for a flavorful result—longer marinating makes the meat even more tender and delicious.
Step 2: Cook Steak and Peppers
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook on one side without disturbing, it until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, use a fine-hole strainer to remove any excess liquid to avoid soggy wrappers. Carefully fold and cook the steak until tender, ensuring it’s not overcooked.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Next, heat olive oil in the empty skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, sautéing until they turn golden, then set them aside on a paper towel. In the same skillet, cook onions, green pepper, and jalapeno until they’re soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Chop Filling
For the easiest and quickest egg roll filling, I use a food processor. This shortcut works wonders, chopping everything in seconds to create the perfect texture—whether you’re making Traditional Egg Rolls, Southwest Egg Rolls, Sesame Chicken Egg Rolls, or Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls. If you don’t have a food processor, you can still chop by hand, but it will take a bit longer to achieve the right texture.
Step 5 – Prepare Surface
Start by clearing a clean surface, such as your counter or a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps keep the rolled egg rolls from sticking. If you’re baking them, lightly coat the sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Keep your egg roll wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out or cracking.
Step 6 – Add Filling
Lay one egg roll wrapper flat with a point facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cheese and ¼ cup of the steak mixture in the centre, leaving space around the edges for easy folding.
Step 7 – Fold
Begin by folding the bottom corner over the filling. Then, fold in the sides towards the centre, ensuring the excess air is pushed out. Roll tightly but not too tight, so the filling stays in place, preventing any potential leaks of the filling or oil during cooking.
Step 8 – Seal
To seal the egg roll, moisten the top corner with water or an egg wash and press it firmly down. This will keep everything secure and properly sealed. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling to ensure all your egg rolls are leak-free and ready for frying or baking.
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for beef in your Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Just thinly slice the chicken and marinate it with similar seasonings as you would for steaks—such as Worcestershire sauce and your favourite spices—for a delicious twist on the classic.
Tips for Making Homemade Egg Rolls
- Cover wrappers with plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag when not in use to prevent them from drying out or tearing.
- Don’t overfill the egg roll wrappers; ¼ cup of filling is the ideal This makes it easier to seal and roll without the filling spilling out.
- Wrap tightly, pushing out any excess air. This will help prevent the filling from leaking and reduce the chance of the wrapper cracking during frying.
How Long Do You Need To Marinate The Steak?
For full flavour, marinate your steak pieces for at least 30 minutes, but up to an hour for an even richer taste. If you’re too hungry to wait, 30 minutes will still give great results.
What Am I Doing Wrong If My Egg Roll Wrappers Aren’t Staying Sealed?
If your egg roll wrappers aren’t staying closed, the issue may be too much moisture near the outer edge. Ensure the edges are wet enough to seal properly. You’ll quickly learn the right technique as you make more of these delicious appetizers and play around with your recipe.
SHOULD I BAKE OR FRY Philly Cheesesteak EGG ROLLS?
When making Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, you can either bake or fry them based on your texture preference. Fried egg rolls offer a crispy, shatteringly delicious crunch, while baked versions are lighter, with a crispy-ish exterior and a tender, flavorful filling.
How to Fry Egg Rolls
Frying gives the egg rolls their golden-brown, crispy texture, and here’s how to do it:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep stock pot or Dutch oven to 350°F.
- Add egg rolls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot for even cooking.
- Fry until they turn a golden brown colour, turning them occasionally for an even crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and repeat with the remaining egg rolls.
- Dig in and savour every crispy, cheesy bite!
How to Bake Egg Rolls
For a healthier option, bake your egg rolls at 425°F. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the egg roll on the sheet, seam side down, making sure they aren’t touching each other.
- Lightly spray the egg rolls with nonstick cooking spray for an extra crispy finish.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, broil for a minute at the end to get that perfect crunch!
What Dip Should I Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
Pair your crispy egg rolls with a creamy dip like cheese sauce or queso blanco. For extra flavour, try barbecue sauce, Asian chilli sauce, ranch dressing, chipotle dressing, or sour cream. Fresh salsa also works for a refreshing contrast.
How Do I Store Cooked Egg Rolls?
Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, or freeze them in a freezer-proof bag for longer storage. Reheat and enjoy the crispy goodness!
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prep Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls in advance by marinating the steak and chopping the veggies. You can also freeze cooked rolls or refrigerate assembled ones, but ensure they’re stored properly to prevent soggy wrappers. For best results, avoid preparing them too far ahead to maintain crispness.
How to Reheat Steak Egg Rolls (4 Points)
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F for optimal reheating.
- Place the egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
- Once reheated, enjoy with family and friends, perfect for sharing as a tasty appetizer.
Perfect Pairings for Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Pair them with Traditional Egg Rolls, Southwest Egg Rolls, or Sesame Chicken Egg Rolls for a full appetizer spread that is sure to spark great conversation. These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls also pair wonderfully with Chicken Puff Pastry for an even more delightful spread!
FAQs
- What roles do they use in Philly for cheesesteaks?
Philly cheesesteaks are traditionally served on hoagie rolls or Italian rolls. - What’s the difference between a cheesesteak and a Philly cheesesteak?
A Philly cheesesteak specifically refers to the version made in Philadelphia. It is usually made with rib-eye steak, and cheese (like Provolone or Cheez Whiz), and served on a soft hoagie roll. - Who makes Philly cheesesteak egg rolls?
Many restaurants, food trucks, and home cooks create Philly cheesesteak egg rolls as a fun twist on the classic sandwich. - Are cheesesteak egg rolls healthy?
While cheesesteak egg rolls are delicious, they are generally not considered healthy due to their fried nature and high-calorie content. However, you can bake them for a lighter option.
philly cheesesteak egg rolls
Equipment
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer – For frying the egg rolls to a crispy, golden-brown texture.
- Skillet or Saute Pan – For cooking the steak, onions, and other fillings.
- Cutting Board and Knife – To chop vegetables, steak, and other ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl – Cmbine the cheese, steak, and seasonings.
- Rolling Mat or Clean Surface – For rolling the egg rolls tightly and securely.
- Tongs – For safely handling and turning egg rolls while frying.
- Serving Plate – For presenting the finished egg rolls with dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 11-14 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 quart canola or vegetable oil (for frying)
Steak Marinade
- 1 pound top sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced across the grain
- ⅓ cup zesty Italian Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1/4-1/2 red pepper flakes
Filling
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced optional
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 green pepper sliced
- 1-2 jalapenos deveined, seeded and sliced
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a glass bowl or freezer bag. Add steak, turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. .
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until smoking. Pat excess marinade off steak and add to skillet. Cook undisturbed for 1 minute then continue to cook while stirring just until no longer pink, 1-2 minutes, Transfer meat to a fine hole strainer/sieve to remove any excess liquid by pressing down on the meat. Set aside.
- Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat in the now empty skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until golden. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
- To the now empty skillet, heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Add peppers, onions and jalapenos; cook 6-8 minutes or until softened.
- Add bell peppers, onions jalapenos, mushrooms (if using) and steak to a food processor and pulse a few times until roughly chopped. Alternatively, you can chop by hand.
- Position an egg roll wrapper with one point towards you. Line the center with 3 tablespoons cheese and top with ¼ cup steak mixture. Fold bottom corner over filling then continue to roll up, firmly folding sides toward center over filling as you roll. Seal edges with egg wash. (Refer to your egg roll wrapper for a diagram).
- Place finished egg roll on a nonstick surface (parchment paper/nonstick mat) and cover with a damp towel so it doesn’t dry out. Repeat process with the remaining rolls. Start to heat the oil as you near completion.
- To fry (recommended for extra crispiness): Heat oil in a stock pot or deep-fat fryer to 350F degrees or medium high heat. Fry egg rolls, in batches, 3- 4 at a time until golden brown, turning egg rolls a few times while frying. Drain on paper towels.
- To bake: Lightly spray a baking rack and place it onto a baking sheet. Line egg rolls on baking rack and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden at 425F degrees.
- Serve with your favorite cheese sauce such as queso blanco.