Lumpia Shanghai
Snacks • Philippines
About Lumpia Shanghai
Crispy fried spring rolls stuffed with ground pork and vegetables
How to Make Lumpia Shanghai (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Lumpia Shanghai is a beloved Filipino snack and appetizer, cherished for its crispy golden exterior and savory filling. This spring roll dish has deep roots in Filipino family celebrations, where it is often the star of festive gatherings and potlucks. Lumpia Shanghai features finely minced meat (often pork or chicken), carrots, onions, and spices, all wrapped in a thin lumpia wrapper and fried until perfectly crisp. The dish is typically served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, adding a delightful contrast to the rich filling. What makes Lumpia Shanghai a favorite in the Philippines is its irresistible crunch and the way it brings people together—no fiesta or birthday party is complete without a platter of these rolls. The taste is both savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the combination of vegetables and aromatic seasonings. For the health-conscious, this version uses lean ground chicken and lots of fresh vegetables, making it a lighter yet still authentic option. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a long-time fan, Lumpia Shanghai offers both tradition and taste in every bite.
Ingredients(for 6 pieces (typical Filipino snack portion))
- 200 grams Ground chicken (lean)
- 1/2 cup Carrot (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Onion (finely minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks Green onions (sliced thinly)
- 1 piece Egg (beaten)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 12 pieces Lumpia wrappers (thin, 6-inch)
- 2 tablespoons Canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine ground chicken, carrots, onion, garlic, and green onions. Mix well.
3 minutes
Use your hands for best mixing to evenly distribute ingredients.
- 2
Add the beaten egg, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
2 minutes
The egg binds the mixture and keeps the filling moist.
- 3
Place a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Shape into a thin log.
3 minutes
Do not overfill to prevent bursting during frying.
- 4
Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling and roll tightly. Moisten the edge with water to seal. Repeat with remaining filling.
5 minutes
A tight roll ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
Why This Dish is Healthy
By choosing lean ground chicken and increasing the vegetable content, this Lumpia Shanghai is lower in calories and saturated fat while maintaining authentic Filipino flavors. Using less oil for shallow frying and draining excess oil ensures a lighter, crispier roll. This recipe fits a balanced diet, offering both the traditional taste and a health-conscious twist that supports weight management and heart health.
This Lumpia Shanghai recipe uses lean ground chicken as the protein base, which is lower in saturated fat compared to traditional pork. Fresh carrots and onions add fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, supporting healthy vision and immunity. The use of minimal oil and paper towel draining helps reduce overall fat content. Each serving provides a balanced profile of protein, carbohydrates from the wrapper, and essential micronutrients from vegetables, making it a nutritious snack or light meal.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Chop vegetables very finely for even texture and quick cooking.
- 💡Tip 2: Roll lumpia tightly to prevent oil from seeping in.
- 💡Tip 3: Use a thermometer to keep oil at 175°C for the crispiest results.
Storage & Serving
Store cooked lumpia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked rolls; fry directly from frozen as needed.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 245.0 kcal |
| Protein | 10.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20.0 g |
| Total Fat | 14.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
