Lumpiang Shanghai | Panlasang Pinoy Meaty Recipes (2024)

Lumping shanghai is a fried springroll with meat fillings, an all time favorite finger food or viand among Pinoys. You will never miss this springroll in most Filipino restaurants or fastfood. Making this dish is so simple yet so appetizing specially if you combine it with your favorite dipping sauce. Unlike other kinds of springroll, you can’t increase the thickness of the filling because you are using ground raw meat. It’s because when you fry it, you will burn the wrapper before the meat inside the lumpia is cooked if the filling is too thick. And with regards to the meat used in the filling, you can use beef or chicken if you abstain from eating pork.

Savoring Lumpiang Shanghai

Lumpiang Shanghai, a beloved Filipino dish, is celebrated for its delightful flavors and irresistible crispiness. Whether it graces the table as a finger food or takes center stage as a main course, Lumpiang Shanghai holds a special place in Filipino cuisine. Found in homes, eateries, and restaurants across the Philippines, this delectable spring roll is a harmonious blend of a crisp wrapper and a savory meat filling. This article serves as your guide to crafting this Filipino favorite, offering invaluable insights and tips to elevate your Lumpiang Shanghai to perfection.

Meticulous Mixing:

Commence your Lumpiang Shanghai journey by assembling your ingredients. You’ll need ground pork as the traditional choice, but don’t hesitate to substitute beef or chicken if you prefer non-pork options. Begin by thoroughly blending the ground meat with finely chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and green onions. Mixing by hand is recommended to ensure a consistent distribution of flavors.

Flavor Elevation:

Elevate the taste profile of your filling by gradually introducing key ingredients. Soy sauce imparts a savory depth, while pepper adds a gentle kick. Salt and sugar bring balance to the mixture, heightening its overall flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating grated cheese for a delightful hint of cheesiness.

Wrapper Preparation:

Lay a single lumpia wrapper flat on your workspace, ensuring it’s spacious enough to accommodate the filling comfortably.

Filling Placement:

Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the center of the lumpia wrapper, shaping it into a log-like structure. A crucial tip to remember here is to ensure that the filling doesn’t exceed the thickness of your finger.

Rolling with Precision:

To achieve the perfect Lumpiang Shanghai, it’s essential to master the rolling technique. Start by folding one edge of the wrapper towards the center, creating a half-roll to form a compact log.

Sealing the Deal:

Fold both sides of the wrapper, adjacent to the previous fold, towards the center of the filling. Continue rolling the lumpia until it’s securely sealed. A touch of water along the wrapper’s edge helps ensure a firm seal.

Frying to Culinary Excellence

Oil Heating: In a frying pan, heat an ample amount of cooking oil until it reaches the ideal temperature for quick frying.

Fry to Golden Perfection: Gently place the rolled Lumpiang Shanghai into the hot oil. The goal here is to fry them until they achieve a glorious golden brown hue, guaranteeing a crispy exterior that’s a hallmark of this dish.

Draining and Presentation: After frying, carefully remove the lumpia from the oil and place them on a colander or paper towel. This step serves to eliminate any excess oil, ensuring a delicious and not greasy result.

Pairing with Your Preferred Dip

With your Lumpiang Shanghai expertly prepared, it’s time to enjoy this Filipino culinary gem. The choice of dipping sauce is a personal preference, and you can select from classics like ketchup, sweet and sour sauce, or the zesty spiced vinegar known as sinamak. Whichever you choose, it’s bound to complement the dish’s flavors perfectly.

Wrapping-Up

Lumpiang Shanghai is a culinary treasure in Filipino culture, embraced by people of all ages. Its tantalizing combination of crispy exterior and savory filling makes it a sought-after treat for any occasion. Armed with these simple yet effective steps, you can effortlessly create this beloved dish in your own kitchen. Feel free to experiment with various dipping sauces to discover the ideal accompaniment for your Lumpiang Shanghai. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or a hearty main course, this Filipino favorite is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a delicious journey into the world of homemade Lumpiang Shanghai!