Lumpiang Shanghai: A Classic Filipino Dish That Steals the Show (Pork Spring Rolls)
Get ready for a culinary adventure! Today, I want to share the absolute delight of Lumpiang Shanghai, also known as spring rolls. This dish is incredibly dear to my heart, and for good reason. Imagine a delectable deep-fried mixture of ground pork, carrots, onion, and garlic snugly nestled in egg rolls or delicate edible paper made from flour and water. And the highlight? It’s served with a luscious, sweet, sour red sauce that will tantalize your taste buds! This dish is a staple in any simple or grand occasion in the Philippines – from family reunions, birthdays, feasts, and other special occasions.
Make sure you read the whole blog post. I’ll unveil all the secrets behind this simple yet sensational dish that has been a star at countless Filipino gatherings for decades and is now gaining prominence internationally. I’ll delve into its origin, ingredients, variations, preparation, cooking methods, and how to store it in your own home. Get ready for an exciting adventure full of delicious flavors!
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History of Lumpiang Shanghai
Many Filipino dishes are strongly influenced by Chinese cuisine; one prominent example is Lumpiang Shanghai. According to historical accounts, this dish is believed to have origins in the introduction of egg rolls to the Philippines by Chinese traders from the Fujian province. The term “lumpia” is derived from two Hokkien words: “lun,” which means moist, and “pia,” also meaning moist. As for the term “Shanghai,” there are theories that it was added to reference the Chinese people, although there isn’t an officially documented reason for this addition.
Cultural Significance of Lumpiang Shanghai
In Filipino culture, the preparation and sharing of dishes like Lumpiang Shanghai hold a deep significance. It’s not just about nourishment; it’s a shared experience that solidifies family ties. When families come together to prepare and savor this dish, it creates a bond beyond just enjoying a meal. This communal act strengthens familial relationships and fosters meaningful interactions. Additionally, Lumpiang Shanghai isn’t just confined to family gatherings – it’s a staple at festivities and a popular street food, further ingraining its importance in Filipino cuisine.
Reflecting on my experiences growing up in the Philippines and within the Filipino community in the United States, I’ve witnessed how this dish has been a centerpiece of many gatherings, evoking joy and appreciation from Filipino and non-Filipino friends. Its universal appeal, transcending cultural boundaries, has led me to share the joy of Lumpiang Shanghai with others, gifting it to friends. This cultural significance makes Lumpiang Shanghai more than just a dish; it symbolizes Filipino tradition and hospitality.
Traditional Lumpiang Shanghai
The classic Lumpiang Shanghai features a delectable filling primarily composed of ground pork and a medley of flavor-enhancing ingredients. The sauce is a sweet and sour red dip, which you can buy at any Asian store or online store. My go-to brand for the sauce is Pantai Sweetened Chili Sauce For Spring Rolls. Please follow this recipe if you would instead make the sauce from scratch.
Here are the complete ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of ground pork
- 1 onion minced
- 1 whole garlic minced
- 2 carrots minced
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 salt
- 1 tbsp pepper
- 1/cup parsley or cilantro for more flavor
- 2 Eggs
- 50 Lumpia wrapper
Cooking Instructions and Storage
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients from the ground pork to the eggs until everything is well combined.
- Scoop 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and spread it on a spring roll wrapper.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom. Watch this instructional video on how to fold the wrapper.
- Brush the top side of the wrapper with water or beaten egg mixture.
- Deep fry it in medium heat until both sides are golden brown.
- Remove from the pan. Remove excess oil and let it rest in a cooling rack.
- Fry as many as you like, then freeze the rest in an airtight container to cook later.
Tips For Crispy Lumpiang Shanghai Wrapper
Shake off any excess oil after cooking to ensure your Lumpiang Shanghai stays crispy and doesn’t get soggy. Then, allow them to cool in a standing position without stacking on each other to prevent the oil from dripping onto the other Lumpiang Shanghai.
Variations of Lumpia
Over time, Lumpia Shanghai has evolved into different versions. Instead of using pork, some use fish, chicken, beef, or just pure vegetables. Here are the recommended recipes:
1. Lumpiang Gulay (Veggie Spring Rolls)
Try this recipe by Kawaling Pinoy
Ingredients:
- Canola oil
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- ¼ pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 medium camote, peeled and cut into 1-inch lengths of matchsticks
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1-inch lengths of matchsticks
- 1 cup green beans, cut thinly on a bias
- 4 cups bean sprouts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 spring roll wrappers
Follow the cooking instructions here.
2. Lumpiang Isda (Fish Spring Rolls)
Test out this recipe by Panlasang Pinoy
Ingredients:
- 8 pieces lumpia wrapper
- 2 stalks celery minced
- 1 yellow onion minced
- ½ cup carrot minced
- ¼ cup flat leaf parsley chopped
- ¾ cup jicama singkamas, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 cups cooking oil
Follow the cooking instructions here.
3. Lumpiang Manok (Chicken Spring Rolls)
Give this recipe by Panlasang Pinoy a try.
Ingredients:
- 30 pieces lumpia wrapper
- 2 cups cooking oil
Lumpia Filling:
- 1 ¼ lbs. ground chicken
- 2 sachet Knorr SavorRich Chicken Liquid Seasoning
- 1 piece minced onion
- ¾ cup carrot minced
- 1 piece egg
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Follow the cooking instructions here.
4. Lumpiang Baka (Beef Spring Rolls)
Give this recipe by Ang Sarap a go.
Ingredients:
- 700 g beef mince, around 20% fat content
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 stalks spring onion, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 40 pcs lumpia wrapper
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Oil
- Sweet chili sauce
Follow the cooking instructions here.
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5. Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls):
Dive into this recipe by Kawaling Pinoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 pound sweet potatoes (camote), peeled and diced
- ¼ pound green beans ends trimmed and cut into ¼ inch thick
- ½ pound bean sprouts
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Wrapper:
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1 ½ cups water
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- non-stick cooking spray or oil
Peanut Sauce:
- 5 ½ cups water
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts, ground
- 1 head garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Assembly:
- 2 heads of green leaf lettuce
Follow the cooking instructions here.
6. Turon (Banana Spring Roll):
Look over this recipe by Ian Kewks.
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe saba bananas, sliced in halves (can be substituted with plantains or regular bananas)
- 1/2 cup jackfruit (langka), cut into thin strips (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 spring roll wrappers
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp cold water)
- Oil for frying
Follow the cooking instructions here.
7. Lumpiang Dynamite (Dynamite Spring Rolls)
Discover this recipe by Ian Kewks.
Ingredients:
- 20 green chili peppers (serrano, jalapeno)
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella), cut into matchsticks
- 20 spring roll wrappers
- 2 tsp cornstarch (dissolved with 2 tsp water) for sealing
Filling:
- 0.5 lbs ground pork
- 35 g onion, minced
- 35 g celery
- 35 g minced carrot
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1⁄2 tsp cornstarch
- 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
Follow the cooking instructions here.
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Global Culinary Impact of Lumpiang Shanghai
Filipino Diaspora
Thanks to the many Filipino immigrants and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) worldwide, Lumpiang Shanghai has been introduced to the global culinary scene. Being the family-oriented and hospitable that we are, wherever we go, we always form our communities. We invite non-Filipino co-workers, neighbors, and friends to our frequent gatherings. They are introduced to Filipino dishes such as Lumpiang Shanghai. Others first taste this delicious food through Filipino restaurants and food trucks.
International Recognition
Lumpiang Shanghai is often featured in cooking shows, food festivals, and international potlucks, especially on social media. It is always admired for its crispiness and tasty filling, which introduces food enthusiasts to distinct flavors of Filipino cuisine, including soy sauce, onion, and garlic.
Fusion and Adaptation
Because of its growing popularity and exposure, people worldwide have adapted and mixed the recipe with their local tastes and flavors, leading to various versions.
Culinary Influence
This dish has become a famous bridge between Filipino and global cuisines, making it multicultural. This popularity led to the appreciation of many Filipino cuisines, pushing them into the international scene and encouraging people to discover more of our fantastic dishes that have never before been seen or tasted.
Popularity Score
Lumpiang Shanghai gained international recognition when Taste Atlas listed it as the best street food worldwide, ranked 2 in 2022 and 45 in 2023. Taste Atlas wrote, “Lumpiang Shanghai is usually sold at numerous street stalls throughout the country, but it is also a staple dish served on special and festive occasions. This delicious and crispy snack is usually served accompanied by sweet and sour dipping sauce.”
Celebrating Lumpiang Shanghai’s Global Journey
Lumpiang Shanghai is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of Filipino culinary identity that has successfully crossed borders and won hearts worldwide. Its crispy exterior and flavorful filling have made it a favorite in Filipino households and a beloved introduction to Filipino cuisine for many across the globe. As Lumpiang Shanghai continues gaining international recognition, it is a testament to Filipino cuisine’s rich and diverse flavors.
Savor the Flavor, Share the Tradition
If you haven’t tried Lumpiang Shanghai yet, now is the perfect time to experience this Filipino classic. Whether you make it at home using traditional recipes or seek it out at a local Filipino restaurant, you are sure to appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural heritage that each roll represents. For those who love Lumpiang Shanghai, why not share it with friends and family or explore different variations to keep the tradition alive? Dive into Filipino cuisine and let Lumpiang Shanghai be your gateway to discovering more delicious Filipino dishes.
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