Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
- Drain the excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the mixture is well combined and excess moisture has evaporated.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a large plate or shallow bowl. Allow it to cool for approximately 15 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the cooled beef mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
- Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner pointing toward you. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a slightly damp paper towel.
- Place approximately 3 tablespoons of cheeseburger filling across the lower center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner tightly over the filling.
- Fold the left and right corners toward the center, then roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner.
- Brush the top corner with egg wash and press firmly to seal the egg roll.
- Place the finished egg roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely with a damp paper towel and repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Pour 2–3 inches of frying oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, filling it no more than halfway. Heat the oil to 350°F.
- Carefully place 3–4 egg rolls into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wrappers are crisp and evenly golden.
- Remove the egg rolls with a frying spider or slotted spoon. Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Allow the oil to return to 350°F before frying the next batch.
- If making the optional burger sauce, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Allow the egg rolls to cool for several minutes before serving because the filling will be very hot. Serve whole or sliced diagonally.
Notes
Cool the filling: Warm filling can soften the wrappers and make the egg rolls difficult to seal. Allow the beef mixture to cool before adding the cheese and assembling.
Drain the beef thoroughly: Excess grease or moisture can make the egg rolls soggy and may cause them to split during frying.
Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than packaged pre-shredded cheese.
Do not overfill: Too much filling makes the egg rolls difficult to roll and increases the chance that they will burst in the hot oil.
Roll them tightly: Air pockets inside the wrappers can expand during frying. Roll firmly while being careful not to tear the wrappers.
Keep wrappers covered: Egg roll wrappers dry quickly. Keep unused wrappers and finished egg rolls covered with a slightly damp paper towel while working.
Preparing ahead: Assemble the egg rolls up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
Freezing: Arrange uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding approximately 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
Air-fryer option: Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with cooking oil. Air-fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Storing leftovers: Refrigerate cooled egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving because it will soften the wrappers.
Oil safety: Never fill the pot more than halfway with oil, and never leave hot oil unattended.
