Crispy Lumpiang Shanghai with Cheesy Twist

A Taste of the Philippines: Lumpiang Shanghai

Lumpiang Shanghai, a signature Filipino dish, combines the savory taste of ground pork with the subtle sweetness of carrots and onions, all wrapped in a delicate, crispy spring roll wrapper. This delightful dish, often served at festive gatherings and family celebrations, is a testament to the diverse and exciting flavors found in Filipino cuisine.

What's in Lumpiang Shanghai?

• 500g ground pork
• 150g carrots, finely diced or grated
• 2 red onions, diced (approximately 200g)
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 150g cheddar cheese, grated
• Large spring roll wrappers

Crafting the Perfect Lumpiang Shanghai

1. Combine the ground pork, finely diced carrots, diced onions, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and grated cheddar cheese until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto a spring roll wrapper. Wet your hands to prevent the meat from sticking, and use water or egg wash to seal the wrapper. Continue until all the meat is used.
3. Cut the rolls into smaller portions, roughly 2-3 inches each, using a pair of kitchen scissors.
4. Heat your oil to 180C or 350F and fry the rolls until they turn a beautiful golden color.
5. Finally, serve your Lumpiang Shanghai with a sweet and sour sauce for a tantalizing contrast of flavors.

Nutritional Facts

For each serving of around 50g, this dish contains approximately:

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrate Content: 10g
• Cholesterol Content: 30mg
• Fat Content: 6g
• Protein Content: 8g
• Saturated Fat Content: 2.5g
• Sodium Content: 250mg
• Sugar Content: 1g
• Trans Fat Content: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 3.5g

Note these values are estimates only and should not be used for medical and dietary requirements.

Substitutes for the Adventurous Cook

If you're having trouble sourcing some ingredients or want to experiment, consider these substitutes:

• Ground Pork: Ground chicken or tofu can be used for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Cheddar Cheese: Try mozzarella or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
• Spring Roll Wrappers: Can't find these? Use phyllo dough or even lettuce for a low-carb option.

Enhance Your Lumpiang Shanghai Experience

Lumpiang Shanghai shines when paired with a bowl of hot steamed rice or pansit, a traditional Filipino noodle dish. You could also add a side of adobo, a soy-vinegar stew, for a hearty meal.

The Secret to a Crispy Lumpiang Shanghai

To ensure a crispy exterior that doesn't get soggy, make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. Too low, and your rolls will absorb too much oil. Too high, and they'll burn before cooking through.

What Are The Secrets In Making The Best Lumpiang Shanghai?

• Choose your ground pork wisely. The fat content will usually make the dish tastier, but if you want a healthier version, go for less fat ground pork.
• Add more carrots, onions and garlic as you prefer. I would add even more garlic if I can.
• The secret ingredient here is the cheddar cheese. Most recipes don't use cheese, but adding cheese makes a world of difference.
• When rolling the meat into the lumpia wrapper, be sure to roll them tight. Use some egg wash to fasten the wrapper together. No need to fold the edges of the wrapper in.
• Before frying the lumpia, cut them into 2-3 inch pieces. This ensures the lumpia will stay crunchy longer as there will be more air circulation around the meat. Feel free to trim off the edges of the wrapper as you prefer.
• When frying, be sure your oil is at 180C or 350F. You can test this by dropping a piece of the lumpia wrapper into the oil. If it starts to bubble briskly, then you're good to go.
• Be sure to fry only until golden brown. Try to not to overcook nor burn them.

What Are The Serving Suggestions For Lumpia?

You can serve Lumpiang Shanghai as a hot appetizer or as a main dish with rice.

Lumpia is also usually served with some sweet chilli dipping sauce.

A lot of people also enjoy eating lumpia as a snack and even as a street food.

FAQs about Lumpiang Shanghai

What does Lumpiang Shanghai mean?

"Lumpiang" refers to the Filipino version of spring rolls, while "Shanghai" suggests a Chinese influence, pointing to the deep cultural connections between the two cuisines.

Can I freeze Lumpiang Shanghai?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before frying for a quick, easy-to-cook treat in the future.

Is Lumpiang Shanghai spicy?

Generally, Lumpiang Shanghai isn't spicy. However, you can easily adjust the heat to your preference by adding chili flakes or a spicy dipping sauce.

What's the difference between Lumpiang Shanghai and other spring rolls?

While many countries have their own version of spring rolls, Lumpiang Shanghai stands out due to its specific filling of ground pork, carrots, onions, and cheese, and its usual pairing with a sweet and sour sauce.

Why is it called Lumpiang Shanghai?

The exact origin of the name is unclear. However, it's believed that the dish was named after Shanghai, symbolizing its Chinese influence.