If you’re craving something bold and unique, these Korean Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are exactly what you need! Savory bulgogi-inspired steak, melty cheese, and perfectly crisp egg roll wrappers come together for a snack or appetizer that will steal the show. Pair them with a creamy queso dip and let the sweet, savory balance of soy, garlic, and sesame flavors from a Korean BBQ marinade to take this dish to the next level.
Egg Roll Fusion
Take the classic Philly cheesesteak with a Korean-inspired twist! Tender, marinated steak in a rich Korean BBQ sauce brings a savory-sweet kick, perfectly complemented by sautéed veggies and gooey cheese. Wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers, these are the ultimate fusion dish. It’s the kind of combination you didn’t know you needed, but now you can’t imagine living without.
The Secret to Flavor: BBQ Marinade
Korean BBQ Marinade is the key to making this Korean Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll recipe both quick and incredibly flavorful. This marinade infuses the meat with rich, complex flavors. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, it combines soy sauce, garlic, onion, and a hint of fruitiness to capture the essence of traditional Korean BBQ flavors.
Korean Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll Ingredients
- Korean BBQ marinade
- Egg roll wrappers
- steak (thinly sliced and chopped)
- carrots
- onions
- cabbage
- American cheese
- vegetable oil
- sesame oil
- queso dip
- sesame seeds
- cilantro
- green onion
Best Steak Cut for Egg Roll Filling
When making bulgogi-inspired filling for these egg rolls, it's best to use tender cuts of beef that will cook quickly and stay juicy. Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak are great options, as they slice beautifully thin and remain tender after marinating.
Flank steak, in particular, offers great flavor and texture when sliced against the grain. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly to help it cook evenly and absorb the marinade, bringing out all the savory and sweet flavors that make this dish so delicious.
Chopping the Steak Filling
To ensure the steak cooks quickly and evenly, thinly slice it against the grain before chopping. This helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the steak into thin strips about ⅛ inch thick. Once you have your strips, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces for easy wrapping and even distribution in the egg rolls. The smaller pieces will also allow the marinade to soak in more deeply, enhancing the flavor throughout the meat.
Egg Roll Vegetable Filling
While the classic filling includes steak, onions, carrots, and cabbage, the Korean veggie “holy trinity”, you can easily adjust it based on what you have. Swap out the beef for mushrooms to make a vegetarian version, or experiment with other fresh veggies from your fridge. The marinade ties it all together, no matter what you choose.
Put the Cheese in Cheesesteak
No Philly cheesesteak is complete without cheese, and these egg rolls are no exception. Sliced American cheese melts beautifully, delivering that creamy, velvety texture everyone loves. Prefer provolone or another favorite? Feel free to customize!
And while queso for dipping is optional, it’s highly encouraged. Whether you use store-bought or homemade, creamy queso adds a decadent touch that takes these egg rolls to the next level.
Sealing the Egg Roll Wrappers
When sealing egg roll wrappers, you can use a traditional method that ensures the edges stay secure while frying. Simply lay the wrapper flat, then lightly dampen all edges with water. You can use a pastry brush for precision, but your fingertips or even a spoon will work just as well. The moisture acts like glue, allowing the wrapper to seal tightly around the filling.
To make sure the seal is extra secure, slightly overlap the edges as you roll. This step prevents the contents from spilling out during frying, ensuring you get crispy, perfectly sealed egg rolls every time. Keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel as you work to prevent them from drying out.
Note: Be sure to use egg roll wrappers, not spring roll wrappers. Their thicker, sturdier texture makes them perfect for frying and keeps your filling securely wrapped.
Can I Bake or Air Fry These Egg Rolls?
Yes, you can! For baking these Korean Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, brush the egg rolls lightly with oil and bake them in a 375°F oven, turning them halfway through, until they’re golden brown. For the air fryer, follow your air fryer’s instructions, though typically at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While both methods are great alternatives to deep-frying, though keep in mind that the texture may slightly differ. The egg rolls may not be as crispy as when deep-fried, but they’ll still be deliciously crunchy and full of flavor!
Making Ahead & Freezing Egg Rolls
You can make these Korean Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls in advance and freeze them for later use. To freeze, arrange the prepared, un-fried egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.
When you're ready to fry them, there’s no need to thaw them. Fry them straight from the freezer at 350°F, and they’ll turn out crispy and delicious. Just keep in mind that they might need an extra minute or two to cook through compared to ones that are freshly prepared. This is a great option for preparing ahead of time for parties or busy days!
The Perfect Appetizer or Snack
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Korean Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are the perfect addition to any gathering. Serve them sliced alongside a bowl of queso for dipping, or drizzle queso over the top and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or green onions for a plated presentation that will wow your guests.
If you're looking for more crowd-pleasing dishes, check out some of my other favorite recipes that are perfect for parties or serving guests. From bite-sized appetizers to small-plate bar food recipes, there's something here to make your next gathering unforgettable. Take a look and see what catches your eye!
BEST CREAMY GARLIC & BACON STUFFED MUSHROOMS
APPETIZER BITES: BUFFALO CHICKEN CUPS
Adapted from the original recipe by Sara Kennedy.
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Korean Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
- Korean BBQ marinade
- Egg roll wrappers
- Queso dip
- Sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and green onion for garnish (if desired)
Egg Roll Filling
- oil for frying
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 lb steak cut thin and chopped about 2 cups
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup onions diced
- 1 cup cabbage diced
- 6 slices American cheese halved to make 12 pieces
Instructions
Marinate the meat
- Finely chop the meat into small pieces. The cut you select is up to you. Traditionally these would be rib meat but any cut will work.
- For 1 pound of meat, use about ½ cup of Korean BBQ Marinade. One full bottle will marinate 5 pounds of meat.
- For the best flavor, marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight for deeper flavor, otherwise simply mix the chopped steak with the marinade and proceed.
Prepare the filling
- Heat the vegetable and sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat and stir fry until cooked through and caramelized. Use high heat to quickly sear and caramelize the meat.
- Push the meat to one side and add the chopped veggies. Stir to bring the veggies up to temperature, then combine with the meat. Stir fry briefly, about 2-3 minutes, to retain some crunch in the vegetables.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Fill the egg rolls
- On a flat, clean surface, lay out a few egg roll wrappers at a time. Brush all sides with water. This seals the edges when wrapping.
- Place about 3 tablespoons of filling in one corner of the egg roll wrapper, then top with half a slice of American cheese. Roll tightly, folding in the sides and sealing the edges. Place the finished egg rolls on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
Fry the egg rolls
- Heat vegetable oil for frying to 350°F and fry egg rolls until wraps turn golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.
To serve
- Slice the egg rolls diagonally, if desired, and serve with a bowl of queso dip. If desired, top the sliced egg rolls with a few tablespoons of queso and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and/or green onion.
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