Let’s create these fun and flavorful fusion treats:
1. Cook the Cheeseburger Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion over medium-high heat. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onion is softened.
- Carefully drain any and all excess fat from the pan. Return the skillet with the drained meat and onion mixture to low heat.
- Stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and all the ingredients are well incorporated into a cohesive filling.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy or tearing during assembly.
2. Heat Oil for Frying:
- While the filling cools slightly, prepare your oil. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
- Heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on a kitchen thermometer. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain this temperature throughout frying.
3. Assemble and Wrap the Egg Rolls:
- Prepare your beaten egg wash in a small bowl.
- Lay one egg roll wrapper on your work surface in a diamond shape (with one corner pointing towards you).
- Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the cooled cheeseburger filling in the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling.
- Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner up and snugly over the filling. Fold in the left and right side corners tightly towards the center, like an envelope.
- Tightly roll the wrapper up towards the top corner. Before the final seal, brush the edges of the top corner with a little of the beaten egg.
- Press to seal the egg roll securely. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
4. Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Once the oil is at 350°F (175°C), carefully place 2-3 assembled egg rolls into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning them gently with tongs, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy all around. They cook quickly!
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried egg rolls from the oil.
5. Drain and Serve:
- Let the hot egg rolls drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or a creamy “special sauce.” Enjoy the crunch!
Sealing the egg rolls tightly with egg wash is crucial!