Fried Lumpiang Shanghai with hot sauce

Crispy and Golden Fried Lumpiang Shanghai – A Guide to Cook This Filipino Delight

No matter what nutritionists might say about fried Lumpiang Shanghai or fried food, there’s an undeniable allure that keeps devoted fans coming back for more! One dish that truly captures the hearts (and taste buds) of many is Lumpiang Shanghai, the popular Filipino version of spring rolls. Inspired by Chinese cuisine, these delightful rolls have carved out their own special place in Filipino culture, becoming a beloved choice for appetizers, snacks, or even light meals.

Imagine sinking your teeth into these golden, crispy treats, perfectly crunchy on the outside while bursting with a savory blend of meat and vegetables on the inside. Each bite is a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with your favorite dipping sauce. It’s no wonder these little delights are such a hit at gatherings and celebrations—Lumpiang Shanghai isn’t just food, it’s a delicious experience that brings people together!

Serving SizePrice
10 pieces:₱ 190.00
20 pieces:₱ 380.00
40 pieces:₱ 760.00

Lumpiang Shanghai, commonly referred to as Lumpia, is a renowned dish originating from the Philippines that encompasses spring rolls prepared with a distinctively Filipino culinary approach. This dish has its roots in the culinary traditions of Chinese immigrants from Fujian Province, which accounts for its similarities to Chinese egg rolls. The filling typically consists of ground pork, chicken, or beef, accompanied by vegetables such as carrots. These ingredients are encased in a delicate spring roll wrapper and are either deep-fried in oil or cooked using an air-frying method.

In the Philippines, various types of Lumpia are prepared across different regions. While covering all variants in this article is not feasible, a few notable examples will be discussed.

Lumpiang Ubod :  

Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls) :

Embrace the delight of fresh spring rolls with our flavorful Lumpia, filled with a harmonious blend of pork or shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and crisp lettuce, perfectly complemented by a savory dipping sauce.

Sweet Lumpia :

For those with a sweet tooth, explore the enchanting world of sweet Lumpia. Indulge in Turon, where banana meets caramel, savor the goodness of Kamote Turon with sweet potato, or delight in the rich flavor of ube Turon, made with mashed purple yam. Each bite is a celebration of sweetness for those who appreciate the finer tastes in life.

When it comes to Lumpia, the preparation and cooking methods are quite similar across the board. However, Lumpia Shanghai stands out as a delightful treat perfect for meat lovers, boasting a generous mix of vegetables to keep things balanced and tasty! Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? I’m excited to share the recipe and ingredients for the Lumpia featured on Amber’s menu.

For the Fillings :

  • 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground pork
  • 3/4 cup minced carrot 
  • 3/4 cup minced onion (about half red onion)
  • Half a cup minced Chinese celery
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Half teaspoon sugar

Sauce :

  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of any hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Half teaspoon cornstarch
  • A quarter cup of water

Wrapping :

  • 2 packs of lumpia wrappers or spring roll wrappers
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Oil to fry the rolls

Making the Filling :

Combine all the filling ingredients in a bowl and thoroughly mix them using a spatula. This mixing process may require a considerable amount of time, as the objective is not merely to combine the ingredients, but to achieve a uniform mixture in which all components are cohesively integrated.

Wrapping Instruction :

  • Place the roll wrappers in a plate or bowl and cover them with a damp cloth to maintain humidity. Take one wrapper and position it on the cooking table with the pointed edge facing upward. 
  • Using a tablespoon, place some filling above the lower corner of the wrapper, which is closest to you, and shape the filling into a strip.
  • To begin the folding process, take the lower corner of the wrapper and fold it over the filling. Subsequently, fold the other two sides of the corner inward. 
  • Continue rolling the wrapper until it reaches nearly the top, ensuring that the edges are neatly tucked in and that the filling is securely sealed within the wrapper.
  • Brush the top corner with a bit of egg wash and seal the lumpia securely. Set them aside and repeat this process with the remaining wrappers. 
  • You can store the wrapped lumpia for up to three months, ready to satisfy your cravings for those delicious, crunchy bites. Simply pack them in a ziplock bag, ensuring to squeeze out as much air as possible, and pop them in the freezer. Enjoy fresh lumpia anytime you want!

Cooking :

  • To prepare the dish, begin by placing an appropriate amount of oil in a frying pan and heating it over a high flame until the temperature reaches 360°F (180°C). 
  • Carefully lower several lumpia into the heated oil, utilizing a pair of tweezers to ensure precision, and fry them on each side until a golden brown color is achieved. Each side should take approximately two minutes to cook, resulting in a total cooking time of four minutes for the lumpia. 
  • Once they are cooked to perfection, remove the lumpia from the pan and place them on a plate or tray to allow for cooling.

Sauce :

  • To prepare the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a pot and heat over medium heat. It is important to stir constantly during this process until the sauce reaches your desired thickness or sufficiently coats the back of a spoon. Once ready, transfer the sauce to a serving dish. 
  • This sweet and sour sauce is perfect for dipping alongside cooked Lumpiang Shanghai, enhancing your dining experience with a delightful blend of flavors.

Notes :

  • Cooked lumpia can be stored and subsequently reheated in an oven preheated to 200°C prior to serving. While the texture may not achieve the same level of crispiness as freshly fried lumpia, the flavor remains enjoyable. 
  • For those who prefer the Lumpiang version, it is advisable to select ground pork that contains a higher fat content. 
  • If utilizing an air fryer for cooking lumpia, it is essential to apply an adequate amount of oil to both sides of the wrappers prior to adding the filling. Preheat the air fryer to 198°C for approximately 11 minutes, and then insert the lumpia, cooking each side for 9 minutes to ensure thorough preparation.
  • Serving: 1 serving
  • Calories: 96 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 14.3 g
  • Protein: 4.9 g,
  • Fat: 1.8 g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 13 mg
  • Sodium: 275 mg
  • Potassium: 75 mg
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Sugar: 1.3 g
  • Calcium: 15 mg

Lumpiang Ubod is highlighted in the blog post as a favored vegetarian option. This variation uses heart of palm, known as Ubod, as its primary ingredient, which contributes to its subtly sweet and refreshing flavor profile.

Lumpiang Shanghai is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several different ways. Here are some informative suggestions on how to serve it: 

1. **Appetizer**: Serve Lumpiang Shanghai hot, accompanied by a dipping sauce such as sweet and sour sauce. This combination makes for a delightful starter to any meal.

2. **Snack**: Lumpiang Shanghai can be enjoyed on its own, offering a satisfying and flavorful snack option. 

3. **Light Meal**: For a more substantial option, pair Lumpiang Shanghai with rice and various side dishes. This makes for a light yet delicious meal that is both filling and enjoyable.

This blog post discusses two effective storage methods for lumpia. 

1. **Freezing Uncooked Lumpia**: To preserve uncooked lumpia, wrap them securely and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This method allows them to be stored for up to three months.

2. **Reheating Cooked Lumpia**: If you have cooked lumpia that needs reheating, placing them in an oven preheated to 200°C is a good option. While this method will revive the lumpia, keep in mind that they may not regain the same crispiness they had when freshly fried. 

These tips can help you enjoy lumpia at their best, whether cooking from scratch or reheating leftovers.

Lumpiang Shanghai is a crispy and flavorful Filipino treat that embodies celebration and togetherness. With a little preparation and the helpful recipe provided, you have the opportunity to impress your family and friends by creating this delightful dish at home. Embrace the chance to experience the wonderful taste of Lumpiang Shanghai for yourself!

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