Learn how to cook lumpia shanghai using ingredients you can find in Shanghai. A crispy, savory Filipino spring roll recipe tailored for China-based home cooks.
Introduction
Craving lumpia in Shanghai but can’t find a nearby Filipino restaurant? No worries! This guide walks you through how to make lumpia shanghai—Filipino-style spring rolls—right at home, using ingredients available in local Chinese supermarkets. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll enjoy homemade lumpia that tastes just like the ones back home.
Ingredients
- 500g ground pork (五花肉末)
- 1 medium carrot (胡萝卜), grated
- 1 onion (洋葱), minced
- 2 cloves garlic (大蒜), minced
- 1 egg (鸡蛋)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (生抽)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Spring roll wrappers (春卷皮)
- Oil for deep frying (油)
Optional:
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (蚝油) for deeper umami flavor
- A few chopped water chestnuts or jicama (豆薯) for crunch
Instructions
1. Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, grated carrots, minced onion, garlic, egg, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, add oyster sauce for extra flavor. Mix everything thoroughly with clean hands or a spoon until well incorporated.
2. Wrap the Lumpia
Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean flat surface in a diamond shape (corner facing you). Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling near the bottom corner. Shape it into a log, fold the bottom over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Seal the top corner with a dab of water to close the roll. Repeat until all filling is used.
3. Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Test with a small piece of wrapper—if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully add lumpia rolls in batches, turning occasionally, and fry until golden brown and crispy—about 3–5 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Drain and Serve
Place fried lumpia on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with traditional dipping sauces such as:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Banana ketchup (available online or in international stores)
- Vinegar with crushed garlic and a bit of chili
Shopping Tips in Shanghai
- Spring roll wrappers (春卷皮): Available at Hema (盒马), Carrefour, and local wet markets.
- Ground pork (五花肉末): Easily found at any Chinese butcher or supermarket.
- Banana ketchup: Look at City Shop or international aisles, or order online via Taobao or Pinduoduo.
- Dipping sauces: Sweet chili sauce and vinegar are widely available; for banana ketchup, consider brands like UFC or Jufran.
Pro Tip: Want to make it vegetarian or halal-friendly? Swap pork with minced shrimp, firm tofu, or a mushroom-carrot mix.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To store: Place uncooked lumpia in a sealed container and freeze. They can be fried directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
- To reheat cooked lumpia: Use an oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 180°C to retain crispiness.
Conclusion
Now you can bring the delicious taste of the Philippines right into your Shanghai kitchen! This homemade lumpia recipe is perfect for parties, comfort food cravings, or even introducing your Chinese friends to Filipino cuisine. Once you master this, try other Filipino favorites like pancit or adobo. Happy cooking—masarap!