Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls With Jalapeño Cheese Ribbon

Get ready to experience a flavor explosion! We’re taking the iconic Philly Cheesesteak and giving it a fun, crispy, and totally addictive makeover. These aren’t your average egg rolls – we’re talking tender, marinated beef, sautéed veggies, a generous blend of melted cheeses, and a fiery jalapeño cheese ribbon that will leave you craving more. Perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, or even a unique dinner, these Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this unforgettable fusion dish!

Ingredients for Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

• 300g (10.5oz) thinly sliced halal beef sirloin: We’re using halal beef sirloin for its tenderness and rich flavor. Thinly slicing is crucial for quick cooking and ensuring the beef integrates seamlessly into the egg roll filling. Sirloin provides a good balance of flavor and affordability.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the beef, enhancing its savory profile. Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
• 1 tsp (5ml) vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: This adds depth and complexity to the marinade, mimicking the traditional Worcestershire flavor without using anchovies.
• 1 tsp (5ml) smoked paprika: Provides a smoky aroma and a subtle warmth that complements the beef and cheese.
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and adding a touch of spice. Freshly ground pepper offers a more robust flavor.
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Yellow or white onions work well here. Thinly slicing ensures they cook evenly and become beautifully caramelized.
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. Feel free to substitute with red or yellow bell pepper for a different color and flavor profile.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent aroma and savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
• 150g (5.3oz) provolone cheese, shredded (halal-certified): Provolone offers a mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting properties, creating a gooey and delicious base for the cheese filling. Ensure it’s halal-certified for dietary requirements.
• 100g (3.5oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded (halal-certified): Mozzarella adds a classic cheesy stretch and a creamy texture. Again, opt for a halal-certified variety.
• 2 Tbsp (30g) cream cheese, softened (halal-certified): Provides a creamy base for the jalapeño cheese ribbon, helping it to bind together and spread easily. Softening the cream cheese is essential for a smooth consistency.
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced: Adds a kick of heat to the cheese ribbon. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder spice level.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) fresh lime juice: Brightens up the flavors of the cheese ribbon and balances the richness of the cheese.
• 1 tsp (5ml) honey (optional): A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spice of the jalapeño and the savory flavors of the cheesesteak.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) olive oil for sautéing: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
• 12 egg-roll wrappers (check halal certification): These are the vessel for our delicious filling! Ensure they are halal-certified if needed.
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying, enough to fill a pot 2cm deep (≈1L / 4 cup): We need a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for deep-frying. Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are all good options.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Beef Sirloin: Ribeye or flank steak can be used as alternatives, though they may have slightly different textures.
• Provolone & Mozzarella: A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar can work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will be different.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: If you can’t find vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, you can omit it, but it does add a unique depth of flavor.

Let’s Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Perfection

1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef sirloin with soy sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Allow this to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This marination is crucial; the soy sauce adds umami, the Worcestershire sauce depth, and the paprika a smoky backbone that complements the cheesesteak flavors.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to prevent burning. Don’t rush this step – properly softened vegetables contribute significantly to the overall texture and flavor.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the beef is browned but still tender. Avoid overcooking the beef, as it will become tough. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls.
4. Prepare the Jalapeño Cheese Ribbon: While the beef is cooling, create the signature jalapeño cheese ribbon. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced jalapeño, lime juice, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the amount of jalapeño or honey to your preference. This ribbon is the surprise element, adding a creamy, spicy kick.
5. Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef and pepper mixture in the center of the wrapper. Sprinkle a pinch of shredded provolone cheese over the beef. Drizzle a thin line of the jalapeño cheese mixture across the filling.
6. Roll and Seal: Fold the sides of the egg roll wrapper over the filling. Starting from the bottom, roll the wrapper tightly to form an egg roll. Moisten the final edge of the wrapper with a dab of water to seal it securely. A tight roll prevents oil from entering during frying and ensures a crispy texture.
7. Repeat and Rest: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling. As you assemble the egg rolls, keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
8. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot to 180°C (350°F). Carefully lower 2-3 egg rolls at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls.
9. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

The Secret to a Truly Crispy Exterior

Achieving that perfect crunch isn’t just about frying temperature. It’s about moisture control. Ensuring the beef and vegetable mixture is cooled before filling the egg rolls prevents steam from building up during frying, which can lead to a soggy exterior. Also, don’t skip the damp towel – it keeps the wrappers pliable and prevents cracking.

Why Philly Cheesesteak in an Egg Roll? A Fusion Story

This recipe isn’t just about novelty; it’s about celebrating flavor combinations. The classic Philly Cheesesteak, with its savory beef, melted cheese, and soft onions, is a beloved comfort food. Encasing those flavors in a crispy egg roll wrapper provides a delightful textural contrast and a fun, portable way to enjoy this iconic dish. The jalapeño cheese ribbon adds a modern twist, elevating the experience with a creamy, spicy kick.

Halal Considerations & Ingredient Sourcing

This recipe is designed with halal cooking in mind, utilizing halal-certified beef sirloin, provolone, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Always double-check the certification of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary requirements. Sourcing high-quality ingredients, especially the beef, will significantly impact the final flavor of the egg rolls.

Serving Suggestions & Dipping Sauces

While these Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are delicious on their own, consider serving them with a complementary dipping sauce. A spicy aioli, a creamy horseradish sauce, or even a simple sriracha mayo would all pair beautifully. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or coleslaw.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving for the best results.
• Can I bake these instead of frying? While baking is possible, it won’t achieve the same level of crispiness as frying. If you prefer to bake, brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• What if I can’t find halal Worcestershire sauce? You can substitute with a combination of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.

These Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with Jalapeño Cheese Ribbon are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily make them again and again. Enjoy!

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