For the caramelized onions, heat the oil in a large non-stick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and season with the salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low then cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are golden-brown and caramelized, making sure to give it a stir every few minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the burger sauce. Place the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Set aside.

Once the onions are caramelized, increase the heat to medium, and add the vegan ground to the pan, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula or the back of a wooden spoon. Season it with the mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the vegan ground is heated through, 6 to 8 minutes.

Off the heat, stir in the vegan cheese shreds and continue to mix until the residual heat melts most of the cheese. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool at room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes.

To roll the spring rolls, place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface – in the shape of a diamond, not a square. Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the cheeseburger filling onto the bottom half of the wrapper and roll up towards the top, folding in the sides as you roll up. Secure the edges with a bit of water and place the egg rolls on a parchment paper lined tray seam side down. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.

To fry the spring rolls, heat the vegetable oil in a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, working in batches, carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, seam side down. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and repeat until all the egg rolls are fried.

Let the spring rolls rolls cool at room temperature for about 5 minutes, cut in half, garnish with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles, and serve with the burger sauce an enjoy!