Lumpia

Lumpia Recipe - Authentic Filipino Appetizer with Pork, Shrimp, and Vegetables

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Lumpia is a popular Filipino dish that is similar to spring rolls. It is a delicious and crispy appetizer or snack that is enjoyed by many people around the world. This recipe combines a variety of ingredients such as pork, shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings to create a flavorful filling that is wrapped in a thin wrapper and deep-fried to perfection.

History

Lumpia has its origins in Chinese cuisine and was brought to the Philippines by Chinese immigrants. Over time, the recipe has evolved and adapted to local ingredients and flavors, resulting in the delicious dish that we know today. Lumpia is often served at special occasions and celebrations, and is a favorite among Filipino families.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pork shoulder
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh shrimp
1 package bean sprouts
1 lb (454 g) string beans, cut into thin diagonal slices
1 lb (454 g) carrots, cut into thin diagonal slices
1 small cabbage, shredded
0.5 lb (227 g) dried or fresh mushrooms, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp patis or shoyu
75 lumpia or spring roll wrappers
oil for sautéing and deep frying

How to prepare

Boil the shrimp and let it cool.
Cut the pork into very small pieces.
Shell the shrimp and cut it into small pieces.
Saute the garlic and onion in a small amount of oil, then add the pork.
Cook over medium heat until the pork turns light brown.
Stir in the shrimp.
Add the cabbage, carrots, string beans, mushrooms, and bean sprouts in that order, one at a time.
Add the patis.
Drain the mixture in a colander.
Place 2 tbsp of the mixture into a wrapper and wrap it jelly roll style, folding both ends closed.
Deep fry the wrapped mixture in hot oil.

Variations

Vegetarian lumpia: Replace the pork and shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Lumpia Shanghai: Make smaller, bite-sized lumpia rolls for a party or gathering.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the ingredients into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Be careful not to overfill the lumpia wrappers, as this can cause them to burst during frying.

- Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil when deep-frying to ensure that the lumpia cook evenly and become crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Lumpia can be served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce or a spicy vinegar dipping sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying: Deep-frying the lumpia rolls in hot oil ensures that they become crispy and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute chicken or beef for the pork in this recipe.

- Use any combination of vegetables that you prefer in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the lumpia ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and fry the rolls.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the lumpia on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lumpia pairs well with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until crispy and heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lumpia contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lumpia contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lumpia contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of lumpia contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lumpia is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron due to the vegetables and meat used in the recipe.

Alergens

Lumpia contains shellfish (shrimp) and gluten (from the wrappers), so it may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Lumpia is a delicious and crispy appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in fats and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a snack or meal.

Summary

Lumpia is a delicious and crispy Filipino dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling of pork, shrimp, and vegetables wrapped in a thin wrapper and deep-fried to perfection, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this tasty appetizer with a dipping sauce of your choice for a truly satisfying snack or meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Lumpia. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the Philippines. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook herself, had learned this recipe from her own mother and passed it down to me.

I remember watching her in the kitchen, expertly rolling the thin wrapper around the savory filling, her hands moving with precision and grace. The smell of the frying Lumpia filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I begged her to teach me how to make them, and she smiled and nodded, happy to pass on her knowledge to the next generation.

She showed me how to prepare the filling, a delicious mixture of ground pork, minced garlic, onions, carrots, and soy sauce. She taught me how to season it just right, balancing the flavors until it was perfect. Then came the tricky part - rolling the Lumpia. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it, but with my grandmother's patient guidance, I soon mastered the technique.

As the Lumpia sizzled in the hot oil, my grandmother told me stories of how this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family. She explained how each family had their own twist on the traditional dish, adding different ingredients or cooking it in a unique way. It was a way for us to connect with our heritage, to feel a sense of pride in our culinary traditions.

After the Lumpia were cooked to perfection, we sat down to enjoy them together, dipping each crispy roll in a tangy vinegar and soy sauce mixture. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dish. From that day on, Lumpia became a staple in our household, a dish we would make for special occasions and family gatherings.

As I grew older and moved away from home, I continued to make Lumpia for my own family and friends. I would often think back to those days in my grandmother's kitchen, learning the recipe that had been passed down through generations. It was a way for me to stay connected to my roots, to honor the traditions that had shaped me into the cook I had become.

Over the years, I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different fillings and cooking methods. But no matter how much I tweak it, the essence of the dish remains the same - a delicious and comforting taste of home. And every time I make Lumpia, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the grandmother who taught me how to cook, who shared her love of food and family with me.

So now, whenever I make Lumpia for my loved ones, I pass on the story of how I learned to make this dish, how it has been a part of my family for generations. And as we sit down to enjoy the crispy rolls together, I know that the tradition will continue, bridging the past and the present in a delicious and meaningful way.