Lumpiang Shanghai Recipe

Lumpia Shanghai: A Delicious Filipino Appetizer

Lumpia Shanghai is a ground pork dish with carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic wrapped in a lumpia wrapper. You surely can’t miss this on your plate.

Learn how to make Lumpia Shanghai, a delicious Filipino dish featuring ground pork, carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic wrapped in a crispy lumpia wrapper. Discover tips and tricks to perfect this popular appetizer that you surely can’t miss on your plate. Perfect for parties and gatherings!

Origin of Lumpiang Shanghai

Lumpiang Shanghai is a famous Filipino deep-fried dish. It is the most popular variety of lumpia that evolved from Chinese spring rolls. Despite its name, this dish does not originate from Shanghai or China. It is a Filipino version of taquito or tacos, a Mexican food dish that consists of small rolled-up tortillas with fillings such as beef, cheese, or chicken. Lumpia is also popular in Indonesia and even migrated to the Netherlands, where it grew larger and became a one-dish meal. They are commonly prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, then deep-fried on the day of an occasion so they can be served hot.

When is Lumpia Typically Served?

Lumpiang Shanghai is one of the most popular and commonly prepared Filipino dishes. It is guaranteed that you can never miss this dish in a Filipino household during special occasions such as fiestas, birthdays, weddings, Christmas, New Year, and other celebrations. It is indeed the go-to dish for Filipinos on all occasions.

This dish is originally served as an appetizer; however, over time, it has also become a snack or a side dish paired with rice or pancit.

Kitchen Utensils You Need When Making Lumpiang Shanghai

In preparing and cooking Lumpiang Shanghai, you will need the following kitchen utensils:

• Chopping board
• Chopping knife
• Frying pan
• Frying tongs
• Bowl
• Plate
• Serving platter
• Saucer
• Strainer or tissue to drain the oil from the food

Lumpiang Shanghai’s Primary Ingredient – Lumpia Wrapper

Lumpiang Shanghai will not be complete without its wrapper – which has been its trademark. Lumpia wrappers, generally known as spring roll wrappers, are thin paper-like skins used to wrap the mixture of ground pork filling. They are soft and very light, so you need to be extra delicate in handling them or rolling them over the filling. Lumpia wrap is a variety of crepes, which are very thin pancakes, but the lumpia wrapper is more elastic, making it strong enough to hold different fillings, whether vegetables, pork, chicken, or more. Unlike crepes, lumpia wrappers are more durable and springy.

Lumpia wraps have truly gained popularity in different parts of the world. Apart from being used for street foods, they are also used to wrap dishes filled with minced vegetables, pork, or chicken, then deep-fried and served hot to guests.

Tips and Tricks for Making Lumpiang Shanghai

• Seal the Lumpia Wrapper: Commonly, beaten eggs are used to seal the edge of the lumpia wrapper to prevent it from rolling back. To save money and time, you can use plain water to seal the lumpia wrapper effectively.
• Frying Technique: The best way to cook Lumpiang Shanghai is to fry them. Wait until they float and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. This ensures they are crispy and golden brown.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure that your oil is hot enough before you deep fry the lumpia. If the oil is not hot enough, the lumpia will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the lumpia on a strainer or tissue to drain the excess oil. This keeps them crispy and less oily.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ground pork and vegetables for the filling. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and texture of the lumpia.
• Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the lumpia ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer without thawing to maintain their shape and crispiness.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve Lumpiang Shanghai with a sweet and sour dipping sauce or a spicy vinegar dip to enhance the flavor.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create the perfect Lumpiang Shanghai that will be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this delicious Filipino appetizer with your family and friends!

Other Variations of Lumpiang Shanghai

Lumpiang Shanghai is very popular and has numerous variants. Other variations include using different vegetables like carrots, bean sprouts, and potatoes. It can also include ground beef or shredded chicken. To make your Lumpiang Shanghai more delicious, you can add other ingredients like raisins, cheese, peppers, ham, bacon, and more. However, as long as the variant still uses ground pork as the main stuffing, it can still be simply referred to as “lumpia.”

Lumpiang Shanghai can become even more delicious when paired with the best sweet and sour sauce. You can also use other dipping sauces such as banana ketchup, chili sauce, or mayonnaise mixed with vinegar, salt, and pepper. However, you can’t just rely on the dipping sauce. You need to make sure that the stuffing inside is flavorful enough to be eaten with or without a sauce.

Because of its simplicity and meaty taste, this dish has captured the appetite of every Filipino and people all over the world. Try this crispy dish on your special occasion, and you will find your guests asking for more!

Summary

Lumpiang Shanghai is more than just a Filipino appetizer; it is a beloved dish that brings people together during special occasions and celebrations. Its crispy exterior and flavorful filling make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. By following the tips and tricks provided, you can ensure that your Lumpiang Shanghai is perfectly cooked, crispy, and delicious every time.

Whether you are preparing Lumpiang Shanghai for a family event, a party, or simply as a snack, using fresh ingredients and proper techniques will elevate your dish. Remember to seal the lumpia wrappers properly, maintain the right oil temperature, and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve the best results. Serving it with a tasty dipping sauce will further enhance the flavors and make your Lumpiang Shanghai an unforgettable treat.

Incorporating these tips into your cooking routine will not only improve your Lumpiang Shanghai but also make the process more enjoyable. Share this delightful Filipino dish with your loved ones and experience the joy of creating a traditional favorite that everyone will love. Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of Lumpiang Shanghai. Happy cooking!