Lumpiang Shanghai comes down to seasoned ground pork and a paper-thin wrapper, so a fatty pork blend and fresh wrappers are what keep them crisp rather than greasy. Roll each one tight and no thicker than your finger. That thinness lets the pork cook through before the wrapper scorches.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep40 min
Cook15 min
Makes24 rolls
CuisineFilipino
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for24rolls
Ground pork
A blend with some fat keeps the filling juicy; lean pork fries up dry and crumbly.
Mix fillingCombine pork, soy, minced carrot, onion, garlic, and scallion. Fry a pinch to taste and adjust salt before you roll the whole batch.
Roll tightLay a wrapper as a diamond, spoon a thin log of filling near the bottom, fold sides in, and roll tight. Seal the edge with a dab of water.
FryHeat oil to 350F and fry in batches 3 to 4 minutes until deep gold and the filling reads 160F. Crowding drops the oil and makes them soggy.
Drain and dipRest on a rack, not paper towels, so steam escapes and they stay crisp. Serve hot with cane vinegar cut with minced garlic and a crack of pepper.
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Lumpia? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Lumpia ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Lumpia gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
Is Lumpia vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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