PHILLY CHEESESTEAK EGG ROLLS
A perfect fusion appetizer combining the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy crunch of an egg roll wrapper. Irresistibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
· 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for frying
· 1 lb (450g) ribeye steak, very thinly sliced (or shaved steak)
· 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
· 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
· 1 cup (100g) sliced mushrooms (optional, classic Philly style)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· ½ tsp black pepper
· ½ tsp smoked paprika
· Salt to taste
· 1 ½ cups (170g) Cheez Whiz or provolone cheese slices (about 6-8 slices)
For Assembly:
· 12-15 egg roll wrappers (standard size, about 6″x6″)
· 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (sealing paste)
· Optional for baking: Cooking spray or olive oil
For Serving:
· Cheez Whiz, warmed (for dipping)
· OR homemade cheese sauce
· OR garlic aioli, ranch, or marinara
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
· If your steak isn’t pre-shaved, freeze it for 30-45 minutes to make slicing paper-thin easier.
· Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
· Add the thinly sliced steak in a single layer and sear for about 1 minute per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove to a plate.
· In the same skillet, add onions, peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Cook over medium-high heat until softened and slightly caramelized (5-7 minutes).
· Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 more minute.
· Return the steak and any juices to the skillet. Stir to combine. Taste and season with salt (Cheez Whiz is salty, so be cautious). Let the mixture cool completely. (Pro tip: Spread on a plate to cool faster.)
· Once cool, stir in Cheez Whiz (for maximum classic flavor) or set aside provolone slices for assembly.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls
· Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you (diamond shape).
· Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling (or a slice of provolone topped with filling) just below the center.
· Brush the outer edges of the wrapper with the cornstarch-water paste.
· Fold like a burrito:
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tucking it tightly.
- Fold in the left and right corners.
- Roll it up snugly toward the top corner.
- Press firmly to seal. The paste will act as glue.
· Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out while you assemble the rest. - Cook (Choose Your Method)
Deep Fry (Classic Crispiness):
· Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
· Fry 3-4 egg rolls at a time for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
· Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Air Fry (Healthier Option):
· Lightly brush or spray rolls with oil.
· Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Bake (Easier Cleanup):
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
· Brush or spray rolls generously with oil.
· Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Serve
· Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving (filling is molten hot!).
· Serve immediately with warm Cheez Whiz or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro-Tips for Success
· Cool Filling: A hot filling will make wrappers soggy and cause them to burst during frying.
· Seal Tightly: Ensure no filling is poking out and edges are sealed to prevent oil from seeping in.
· Oil Temperature: Maintain 350°F. Too low = greasy. Too high = burnt outside, cold inside.
· Cheese Choice: Cheez Whiz is the authentic, melty choice, but provolone, American, or white American cheese work well too.
· Make Ahead: Assemble uncooked egg rolls and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a bag. Fry from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
· Classic Cheese Sauce: Melt 1 cup Cheez Whiz with 2 tbsp milk.
· Spicy Mayo: ½ cup mayo + 1 tbsp sriracha + 1 tsp lime juice.
· Garlic Horseradish Sauce: ½ cup sour cream, 2 tbsp prepared horseradish, 1 minced garlic clove, salt & pepper.
· Pepperoncini Mayo: Mix mayo with finely chopped pepperoncini and a splash of its brine.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, meat-packed delights—they’re always the first appetizer to disappear!