Introduction:
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a delicious fusion of two beloved dishes: the classic Philly cheesesteak and crispy egg rolls. These savory appetizers feature tender slices of steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper and served with a side of dipping sauce. Whether served as an appetizer for a party or as a fun twist on game day snacks, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Origin and Cultural Significance:
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century and has since become an iconic dish associated with the city’s culinary culture. Traditionally made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, the Philly cheesesteak has inspired countless variations and adaptations over the years. Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a creative twist on this classic sandwich, combining its signature flavors with the crispy texture of egg roll wrappers. While not a traditional dish in Philadelphia, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls have gained popularity in restaurants and home kitchens across the United States as a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- Thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin)
- Bell peppers, thinly sliced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Provolone cheese, shredded or sliced
- Egg roll wrappers
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Butter (for sautéing)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Optional Additions:
- Mushrooms, thinly sliced
- Jalapeños, thinly sliced
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced pickles
- Hot cherry peppers
Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced steak to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape). Add a small amount of shredded or sliced provolone cheese to the center of the wrapper, followed by a spoonful of the cooked steak and sautéed onions and peppers.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a dab of water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Place the assembled egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush the tops of the egg rolls with olive oil for extra crispiness, if desired.
- Bake the egg rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- While the egg rolls are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, mayonnaise, sriracha or hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Remove the egg rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls hot, with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure to thinly slice the steak, onions, and peppers for even cooking and easy rolling.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as American or cheddar, for variations on the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Use fresh egg roll wrappers for the best texture and crispiness.
- Seal the edges of the egg rolls tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Serve the egg rolls immediately for the crispiest texture, as they may lose their crunchiness over time.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a delicious and fun appetizer that combines the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the crispy texture of egg rolls. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing snack for game day or as a tasty appetizer for a party, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone. Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients and serve them with the homemade dipping sauce for an irresistible flavor combination. With their crispy exterior and savory filling, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a delicious twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to leave everyone craving more.