How to Make the Perfect Crispy Pork Lumpia Shanghai
Filipino · Medium · 50 min · 6 servings
Lumpia Shanghai are bite-sized Filipino spring rolls filled with a savory and juicy mixture of seasoned ground pork and vegetables, then fried to a shatteringly crispy golden shell. They are the ultimate crowd-pleasing party food that disappears from the table in minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Pork Lumpia Shanghai recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 0.5 cup finely minced carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 25 pieces lumpia or spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups neutral oil for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced carrots, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly incorporated. Taste a small pinch of the raw mixture after microwaving it for 10 seconds to check seasoning before rolling.
Step 2: Roll the Lumpia
Lay a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface at a diagonal. Place about one heaping tablespoon of filling in a thin log shape near the bottom corner. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and roll firmly upward. Seal the top edge with a dab of water to keep it closed.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat the neutral oil in a deep pan or wok to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the lumpia in batches of 6 to 8 pieces for 4 to 5 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and completely crispy all over. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Transfer the fried lumpia to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy alongside sweet chili sauce or a vinegar-garlic dipping sauce. They can also be served cut in half diagonally for easier eating.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground pork → ground chicken or turkey for a lighter filling
- lumpia wrappers → Vietnamese spring roll wrappers for a slightly thinner crunch
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Rolling the lumpia too loosely, which causes them to unravel or burst open in the hot oil during frying
- Frying at too low a temperature, which makes the wrappers absorb excess oil and turn greasy instead of crispy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 22g protein, 28g carbs, 20g fat, 2g fiber.
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