Chilly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: A Spicy Twist on a Classic

Calling all spice lovers! This recipe takes the beloved Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll and adds a fiery kick with chili peppers and spices. Get ready for a flavor explosion with every crispy bite!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (or shredded chicken)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (alter for craved flavor level)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Wrappers:

• 24 egg roll wrappers

For Frying (Choose one option):

• Vegetable oil for frying
• OR
• Cooking spray for air frying

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
• Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet or wok over medium-high warm. Include the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon because it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
• Sautéing the Veggies:
• Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper to the pan with the cooked beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
2. Spicing It Up:
• Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to toast and release their aroma.
3. Flavor Boost:
• Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Freshness Infusion:
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
5. Cheese Time:
• Incorporate the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese into the mixture. Let the cheese melt slightly, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
6. Egg Roll Prep:
• Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a diamond shape facing you. Place a spoonful of the cheesesteak filling in the center of the wrapper.
7. Folding Magic:
• Follow the same folding technique as the classic Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll recipe (fold the bottom corner up, brush edges with water to seal, fold in sides, and roll up tightly).
8. Frying Options:
• Deep Frying: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Deplete on paper towels to expel overabundance oil. 
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray. Fry the egg rolls for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Cooling Down (a little):
1. Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
10. Spicy Dipping Delight:
• Serve your Chilly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with your favorite spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha mayo, chipotle crema, or a classic hot sauce.

Tips:

• Guacamole Twist: Instead of cheese, you can add a dollop of guacamole to the filling for a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra kick and a tangy element, add a few chopped pickled jalapeños to the filling.
• Sweet Heat Balance: If you find the spice level overwhelming, balance it out with a touch of sweetness. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey to the filling while it's simmering.
• Dipping Duos: Alongside your chosen spicy dipping sauce, offer a cooling counterpoint like plain yogurt, sour cream, or ranch dressing for people who prefer to tame the heat.
• Presentation with a Kick: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce or sriracha mayo over the plated egg rolls for a visually appealing and extra fiery presentation.
• Warning Label (Optional): For a fun touch, print out little "Warning: Spicy!" labels to stick on the serving platter, letting your guests know they're in for a heatwave.

With these tips, you can create the perfect batch of Chilly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls – a delicious and fiery twist on a classic appetizer that's sure to leave your taste buds tingling and your guests coming back for more!