Crispy, Melty, and Bursting with Classic Philly Flavor
Imagine all the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—tender steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melty cheese—rolled into a crispy, golden egg roll wrapper. Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are the ultimate appetizer or party food: handheld, crunchy, and oozing with cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.
They’re a fun twist on a classic sandwich, perfect for game day, potlucks, or anytime you want comfort food with an elevated presentation. Best of all, they’re customizable—you can make them with provolone, American, or even a bold white cheddar, and add peppers, mushrooms, or hot peppers to taste.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced ribeye steak, beef tenderloin, or top sirloin
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 4 oz (115 g) provolone or American cheese, shredded or sliced thinly
For the Egg Rolls:
- 8–10 egg roll wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
- 1–2 tablespoons water or beaten egg (for sealing wrappers)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Spicy mustard
- Garlic aioli
- Cheese sauce
- Ketchup or Sriracha mayo
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the vegetables: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers and sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer vegetables to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the steak: Using the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and increase heat to medium-high. Add the thinly sliced steak in a single layer. Cook quickly, stirring occasionally, until browned but still tender, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Combine filling: Remove from heat and mix the cooked vegetables with the steak. Allow to cool slightly (this makes it easier to wrap without tearing the egg roll wrappers). Add cheese last so it will melt slightly into the warm filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Prepare wrappers: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape (one point facing you).
- Add filling: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Fold and seal:
- Fold the bottom point over the filling.
- Fold in the left and right sides.
- Roll tightly toward the top point.
- Seal with water or beaten egg.
- Repeat: Assemble all remaining egg rolls. Try not to overfill, as it may cause the wrapper to tear during frying.
Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
Deep Fry Method:
- Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place 2–3 egg rolls in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd.
- Fry for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Alternative: Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly brush or spray egg rolls with oil.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Pair with dipping sauces like spicy mustard, Sriracha mayo, or cheese sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- Use thinly sliced steak: Ribeye or top sirloin works best. Freeze slightly before slicing for easier thin cuts.
- Do not overfill: Egg rolls should be full but not bursting. Overfilling can cause tearing during frying.
- Sear vegetables separately: This prevents soggy wrappers and ensures even caramelization.
- Serve hot: Egg rolls lose their crunch quickly as they cool, so enjoy immediately.
- Cheese variety: Provolone, American, or smoked mozzarella all melt well. You can also layer cheese inside the wrapper for extra gooeyness.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Philly: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Mushroom Lovers: Sauté ½ cup mushrooms with the peppers and onions.
- Cheesesteak Quesadilla Style: Use shredded cheese only and serve with melted cheese dipping sauce.
- Mini Egg Rolls: Use small wrappers for bite-sized appetizers.
Why These Egg Rolls Are a Crowd-Pleaser
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls combine classic, comforting flavors with a fun, handheld presentation. They are crispy, savory, cheesy, and satisfying, perfect for sharing. They also bridge cultural comfort foods: the Philly sandwich meets Asian-inspired egg rolls, creating something unique yet instantly familiar.
