Cheesesteak egg rolls combine the rich, savory flavors of a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak with the crispy, golden perfection of an egg roll. This irresistible fusion dish has gained popularity in restaurants, food trucks, and home kitchens due to its bold flavors, crispy texture, and cheesy goodness. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish, cheesesteak egg rolls are sure to impress.
The Origin of Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
While traditional Philly cheesesteaks have been a staple in American cuisine since the early 20th century, the innovation of wrapping the steak, cheese, and onions in an egg roll wrapper adds a delicious crispy twist. Inspired by Asian-American fusion cuisine, this dish blends the best of two culinary worlds to create a mouthwatering, crispy, and cheesy delight.
Ingredients Needed for Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
To make the perfect cheesesteak egg rolls, you need quality ingredients that bring out the authentic flavors. Here is a list of essential components:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 cup shredded provolone or American cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Egg roll wrappers (available in most grocery stores)
- 1 egg (for sealing the wrappers)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Dipping Sauce Options:
- Cheese sauce
- Spicy ketchup
- Garlic aioli
- Honey mustard
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheesesteak Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook until browned.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Once the steak is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and mix in shredded cheese while still warm. This allows the cheese to melt and blend with the filling.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the cheesesteak filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
- Brush a small amount of beaten egg on the final edge to seal the roll securely.
- Repeat the process until all egg rolls are assembled.
3. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the cheesesteak egg rolls hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated cheese for extra flair.
Baking or Air-Frying Option
For a healthier alternative, try baking or air-frying the cheesesteak egg rolls:
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place egg rolls on a lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place egg rolls in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for an even crisp.
Why Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Are the Ultimate Appetizer
1. Perfect for Any Occasion
Cheesesteak egg rolls make an excellent appetizer for parties, game nights, and family gatherings. Their handheld size and crispy texture make them an instant crowd-pleaser.
2. Customizable Fillings
You can easily experiment with different fillings to create unique variations:
- Mushroom & Swiss Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- BBQ Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with smoked brisket and BBQ sauce
- Buffalo Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with a hint of hot sauce and blue cheese
3. Easy to Make in Advance
These egg rolls can be prepped ahead of time and frozen before frying. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen for a convenient appetizer.
Pairing Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with the Best Sides
To create a complete meal experience, pair your cheesesteak egg rolls with complementary sides:
- Crispy French Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Loaded Nachos
Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Cheesesteak egg rolls combine the savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the crispy, golden crunch of an egg roll wrapper. Filled with tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, these delicious rolls offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 egg rolls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 cup shredded provolone or American cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Egg roll wrappers (available in most grocery stores)
- 1 egg (for sealing the wrappers)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients. Slice the ribeye or sirloin steak thinly against the grain. If the meat is too thick, place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to make slicing easier. Also, slice the onions thinly and set them aside. If you’re using garlic, mince it now. Grate or slice the cheese as well.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté them for about 7-10 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized. If desired, you can add the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor. Set the caramelized onions aside once they are done.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and raise the heat to medium-high. Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you prefer, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to bring extra flavor to the beef. Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Stir the beef occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
Once the beef is fully cooked, return the caramelized onions to the pan and combine them with the beef mixture. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
Place the egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface, and keep a small bowl of water handy. Take a spoonful of the beef and onion mixture and place it in the center of the egg roll wrapper. Sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper, as this can make it difficult to seal.
To fold the egg roll, first fold in the two sides of the wrapper toward the center. Then, roll the wrapper tightly from the bottom to the top, sealing the edge with a bit of water to help it stick.
In a large pot or deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to around 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.
Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn the egg rolls occasionally for even cooking. Once fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the cheesesteak egg rolls immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 egg rolls per person
Conclusion
Cheesesteak egg rolls are a delectable fusion dish that combines the best elements of a Philly cheesesteak and a crispy egg roll. Their versatility, bold flavor, and perfectly crisp texture make them a must-try dish. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these egg rolls deliver unmatched flavor and crunch in every bite. Try making them at home and impress your guests with this ultimate comfort food!