Justin Rowland's Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Name: Justin Rowland's Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 white onion, chopped; 12.5 ounces shaved ribeye meat; Garlic Powder; Salt & Pepper, to taste; 1 (14 ounce) package large egg roll wrappers; 4 slices white American cheese; 2 eggs, beaten; 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 white onion, chopped
12.5 ounces shaved ribeye meat
Garlic powder, to taste
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (14 ounce) package large egg roll wrappers
4 slices white American cheese, cut in half
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups oil for frying, or as needed
Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup mayonnaise

Directions

Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and chopped onions, cooking them for 4 to 6 minutes. Stir every 2 minutes until the onions are lightly crisp.

Step 2: Once the onions are ready, add the shaved ribeye meat to the skillet. Stir in garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the steak is fully cooked and tender. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond shape. Place half a slice of cheese in the center of the wrapper. Wet the corners of the wrapper with the beaten egg.

Step 4: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold the sides inward, and roll tightly to form a sealed egg roll. Repeat for the remaining egg rolls.

Step 5: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven to 350F (180C). Check the oil temperature using a deep-fry thermometer to ensure it is at the right level.

Step 6: Working in batches, carefully add 2 to 3 egg rolls to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 8: While the egg rolls are draining, prepare the dipping sauce by stirring together ketchup and mayonnaise in a small bowl.

Step 9: Slice the egg rolls diagonally on a cutting board and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	840
Total Fat	46g (59%)
Saturated Fat	14g (69%)
Cholesterol	192mg (64%)
Sodium	1215mg (53%)
Total Carbohydrate	67g (24%)
Dietary Fiber	2g (8%)
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	39g (78%)
Vitamin C	2mg (2%)
Calcium	353mg (27%)
Iron	6mg (35%)
Potassium	514mg (11%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Justin Rowland's Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

The Philly cheesesteak, a quintessential American classic, originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dating back to the 1930s. The original sandwich was created by Pat and Harry Olivieri, who served thinly sliced ribeye on a long hoagie roll with sauted onions. Over the decades, this simple yet flavorful sandwich inspired countless variations, including Justin Rowland's innovative twist: the Philly cheesesteak egg roll. By wrapping the traditional fillings in a crispy egg roll wrapper, Rowland transformed a street-food favorite into a convenient appetizer that combines East Coast flavors with Asian-inspired presentation.

Regional Characteristics

Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are deeply rooted in Philadelphias culinary identity but have gained popularity nationwide. The city itself is known for its dedication to fresh ingredients and quality beef, and these egg rolls retain that authenticity while adapting to a more portable, finger-food style. In Philadelphia, youll often find local diners and modern gastropubs serving them as a bar snack, reflecting the regions love for both casual and inventive comfort foods. The use of American cheese, onions, and shaved ribeye keeps the dish true to its Philly origins, even as it crosses into fusion cuisine territory.

Differences From Similar Dishes

Unlike a traditional egg roll, which typically contains pork, cabbage, and carrots, the Philly cheesesteak version replaces these fillings with savory steak, melted cheese, and onions. It also differs from the classic cheesesteak sandwich in its texture; the crispiness of the fried wrapper provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, cheesy interior. While other fusion snacks might attempt to blend cuisines, the key distinction here is the preservation of the original sandwichs flavor profile while introducing a completely new eating experience.

Typical Serving Context

Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are commonly served as appetizers or bar snacks. They are a popular choice at sports bars, food festivals, and casual gatherings where handheld, easy-to-eat options are favored. Often paired with a simple dipping sauce of ketchup and mayonnaise, they make an appealing starter or party food. Some restaurants also offer them as part of a tapas-style menu, allowing diners to enjoy them alongside other inventive American-Asian fusion dishes.

Interesting Facts

The egg roll adaptation allows the cheesesteak to travel well, making it suitable for takeout and catering.
While American cheese is traditional, some chefs experiment with provolone or Cheez Whiz for a richer flavor.
The combination of two culinary culturesthe classic Philly sandwich and the Asian egg rolldemonstrates the creative potential of fusion cuisine in modern American cooking.
These egg rolls have become a trendy social media favorite due to their golden, crunchy exterior and gooey, melty interior.

Justin Rowlands Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls highlight how classic dishes can evolve while respecting their roots, offering a fun, modern twist on a Philadelphia staple.

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FAQ about Justin Rowland's Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

You can store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Yes, you can freeze the un-fried egg rolls. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can fry them directly from the freezer, but they might need a couple of extra minutes in the oil to cook through.

Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella would all work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

To prevent sogginess, ensure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before adding the egg rolls. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the oil temperature to drop. Also, make sure to drain the fried egg rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the egg rolls in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before frying. If you want to freeze them, follow the instructions in the previous answer. For the best texture, fry them just before serving.

The recipe suggests a simple ketchup and mayonnaise dipping sauce, but you could also try other options like ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a tangy BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.

Yes, you can use other types of meat such as sirloin, flank steak, or even ground beef or chicken. Just ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before wrapping it in the egg roll wrappers.

If you don't have egg roll wrappers, you can use spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough as alternatives. However, the texture and cooking time may vary slightly depending on the wrapper you choose.