Tastiest Lumpiang Shanghai (Spring Rolls)

Lumpia is a Filipino dish that consists of savory spring rolls filled with various ingredients such as ground meat (often pork or chicken), vegetables (like carrots, cabbage, and sometimes chayote), and occasionally shrimp or tofu. These ingredients are seasoned and then wrapped in a thin crepe-like wrapper made of flour and water. Lumpia can be served fresh or fried, and it’s commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or snack in Filipino cuisine.

The recipe itself is simple, but mastering the art of wrapping lumpia (spring rolls) was the real challenge. Ensuring the filling stays intact during frying requires careful wrapping and sealing. I learned this skill from my aunts, who always made lumpia for special occasions. In my family, preparing meals, especially lumpia, is a team effort filled with laughter and friendly teasing. Watching my aunts wrap lumpia, playfully critiquing each other’s creations, taught me everything I know. It’s a tradition I cherish and continue to pass on.

Ingredients you’ll need

Lumpia wrappers: These hold the filling and turn crispy when fried.

Ground chicken: This is the main meat in the filling, making it tasty.

Salt and pepper: These spices make the filling flavorful.

Oyster sauce: This sauce adds a savory taste to the filling.

Cooking oil: This is for frying the lumpia until they are golden and crispy.

Onion (minced): This adds a sweet and tasty flavor to the filling.

Garlic (minced): This gives a strong, savory flavor to the filling.

Mix of carrot, Chinese cabbage, and chayote (strip-sliced): These vegetables add crunch and freshness to the filling.

Why would you love this recipe

This easy-to-follow recipe brings the authentic flavors of Filipino cuisine to your kitchen, making every bite a delightful experience. Perfect for gatherings or a simple meal at home, these lumpia will quickly become a favorite, adding a touch of tradition and joy to your dining table. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on the irresistible taste and satisfying crunch!

How to wrap Lumpiang Shanghai (spring rolls)

• Prepare the Wrappers: Place two lumpia wrappers on a flat surface, one on top of the other for extra strength.
• Add the Filling: Put a spoonful of the vegetable filling about 2 inches away from the bottom edge of the wrapper.
• Fold the Bottom: Hold the bottom edge of the wrappers and gently fold it over the filling, covering it.
• Fold the Sides: Fold the right and left sides of the wrappers towards the center, ensuring they are snug against the filling. This will form the sides of the spring roll.
• Roll Up the Wrapper: Starting from the bottom, roll the wrapper tightly but gently upwards until you have about an inch of wrapper left at the top.
• Seal the Wrapper: Moisten the remaining inch of the wrapper with a little water to help it stick, then finish rolling to seal the spring roll completely.

Lumpiang Shanghai

5.0 from 3 votes

Course: AppetizersCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Medium

Pieces

30

Pieces

Prep time

40

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

These are all the healthy ingredients you need for a fantastic meal.

Ingredients

• 60 pieces 60 Lumpia wrapper

• 240 grams 240 ground chicken

• 2 teaspoon 2 salt and pepper (each)

• 2 tablespoon 2 oyster sauce

• 1/2 kilo 1/2 cooking oil

• 1 piece 1 onion (minced)

• 3 cloves 3 garlic (minced)

• 1/2 kilo 1/2 mix of carrot, Chinese cabbage, and chayote (strip-sliced)

• Sauce

• 3 tablespoon 3 Ketchup

Directions

• Prepare the spring rolls by detaching each roll from the rest. Set aside.
• In a hot pan, put cooking oil and sauté the garlic and onion.
• Add the ground chicken. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

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• After 2 minutes add and half cook the vegetables, add also the oyster sauce, season with salt and pepper if needed. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not overcook.

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• When done add the spring onion and mix. Next is to drain the sauce.

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• To wrap the vegetables, place two wrappers on a flat surface. Put a spoonful of vegetables 2 inches away from the bottom of the wrapper. Hold the bottom part and slowly cover the filling. Then, fold the right and left sides of the wrapper to your desired size and roll it up from the bottom. Left an inch and moist it to seal the wrapper.

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• Next, add enough cooking oil to deep fry the lumpia (spring rolls). Ensure the oil is very hot before you start frying ( 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C). Once the oil is ready, add the spring rolls and then slowly reduce the heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

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• Fry until the spring rolls are golden brown. Remove them from the oil, garnish with spring onions, and serve

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Equipment

• Non-stick potCheck out this link!

Notes

• Make sure the cooking oil is very very hot before putting the lumpia.
• Instead of chicken you may use pork, shrimp, or whatever filling you want.
• If you are vegetarian, feel free to remove the meat out of the ingredients.
• No not overcook the vegetables, since it will be fried or else it will get so saggy.
• You can make up your own sauce with this, as for me I prefer ketchup only.