Vegetable Lumpiang Shanghai is a delicious and crunchy spring rolls (Lumpia) that are the perfect appetizers for parties. There are so many different variations out there, but here’s my take on it! And guess what, it’s vegan too!

freshly fried vegetable lumpiang shanghai with a slice of mango on a white plate

When I tell non-Filipinos I’m Filipino, they always ask me if I can make Filipino Egg Rolls. Is this true for you too? 🙋🏻‍♀️

Anyways, growing up I always assisted my grandma whenever she made vegetable lumpiang shanghai, back then I called it lumpia because I didn’t know the difference. As a kid, it was a tedious process because I had to make the lumpia look uniformed and if I didn’t, I would have to do it again.

As an adult, I try to make uniformed lumpia whenever I make it, but if it doesn’t look nice or it’s falling apart after I fry it, I keep it for myself. 🙂

I also love biting into fresh-made lumpia after dipping and soaking it in spicy vinegar dip, which is so unhealthy but oh so good. Also, keep in mind that Lumpia is best served fresh and warm off the pan with a side of chili sauce, banana ketchup or spicy vinegar dip.

What are the differences between Vegetable Lumpia, Lumpiang Shanghai, Eggrolls & Spring Roll?

A vegetable lumpia is a denser type of Filipino spring roll filled with different kinds of vegetables. Filipinos usually make the vegetable lumpia filling with chayote or water chestnuts, carrots, onions, and garlic. Some also add raisins for a sweeter flavor in every bite.
Lumpiang Shanghai is more likely similar to the vegetable lumpia but made with ground meat like beef, pork, or chicken. Some even use fish like tuna for the pescetarian lumpia lovers.
Eggrolls are also wrapped, delicious dish but the wrapper is slightly different. It is made of wheat and eggs, thus making it harder and thicker. The filling is usually also ground meat with spices.
Spring rolls are the generic name for all wanton-wrapped dishes. While the egg rolls’ wrapper is thicker, spring rolls have thinner, translucent wrappers that are made with flour and seasoned with a bit of salt.

Tips and Procedures:

To prevent the lumpia or wanton wrapper to break when wrapping the cooked vegetables, use two pieces of wrapper for each lumpia.
Do not overcook the vegetables in the process of sauteing. The vegetables will still be cooked when you fry the wrapped vegetable lumpiang shanghai.
If you love a sweeter variant of vegetable lumpiang shanghai, you can add in some raisins after sauteing the vegetables and mix it with the cooked vegetables.
To replace ground beef you can use TVP or veggie burger.

How to Make this Vegetable Lumpiang Shanghai Recipe:

Gather the ingredients for this Vegetable Lumpiang Shanghai and once the ingredients are all ready, let’s begin!

coconut oil or vegetable oil
red shallot
garlic cloves
sweet potato
potato
carrot
chayote
mung bean sprouts
soy sauce
salt
pepper
lumpia or spring roll wrapper
vegetable oil for frying

ingredients for the vegetable lumpiang shanghai recipe

Heat a nonstick pan or wok over medium heat and add oil. Add the shallots, garlic and saute for 1 minute or until it becomes translucent:

sauteing the onion and garlic for the vegetable lumpiang shanghai

sauteing the sweet potato with the onion and garlic

Add, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and cover with a lid for about 3 minutes:

Add the carrots:

Followed by the chayote:

adding in the chayote for the vegetable lumpiang shanhai

Now add in the mung bean sprouts:

adding the mung bean sprouts for the vegetable lumpiang shanghai

Mix them just enough to get the vegetables well-incorporated:

mixing all the vegetables for the vegetable lumpiang shanghai recipe

Add the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes:

seasoning the vegetables with salt and pepper

Adjust seasoning by adding more salt to taste:

To make the Lumpiang Shanghai:

On a large plate place the wrapper, and add about 1-2 tablespoons of the stir fry vegetable on the wrapper:

placing the cooked vegetables in the middle of the wanton wrapper

Roll the corner with the filling (spreading it a little) towards the middle. Fold the sides inward to seal, then continue to roll until you have about 2 inches left of the wrapper:

wrapping the vegetables with a wanton wrapper

Using your finger, brush the edges with a little water then seal completely. It must be tightly secured:

Place the finished roll on a platter with the sealed side downwards. Repeat until all the filling is gone:

ready to fry vegetable lumpiang shanghai on a blue plate

Frying the Lumpiang Shanghai:

Preheat a deep pan on med heat and add the 1 cup of oil. Add lumpia, but do not overfill the pan:

frying the vegetable lumpiang shanghai on a frying pan

Deep fry lumpia until it turns a golden color:

turning the golden brown vegetable lumpiang shanghai with a chopstick

Remove from frying and allow the oil to drain by placing the Lumpiang Shanghai on a plate covered with a paper towel. Best served with sweet chili sauce or the authentic a spicy vinegar sauce. Enjoy immediately!

freshly cooked vegetable lumpiang shanghai on a white plate

Frequently Asked Questions for the Vegetable Lumpiang Shanghai Recipe:

Q: Can the vegetable lumpiang shanghai be baked instead of fried?

A: Vegetable lumpiang shanghai is usually deep-fried and I have not tried baking it, but you can try to use an air fryer if you want a healthier version of the deep-fried vegetable lumpiang shanghai.

Q: Can you make vegetable lumpiang shanghai ahead of time?

A: yes, for sure! Many people including me have frozen lumpia in my freezer, plus it saves a lot of time. Just make sure to keep in an airtight container and remove from the freezer, and defrost then fry.

Q: How many vegetable lumpiang shanghai does this recipe make?

A: This recipe makes up to 25 pieces of vegetable lumpiang shanghai.

Q: Where can we buy the wanton/eggroll wrappers?

A: They are usually available in Asian grocery stores and even in regular grocery stores.

Q: What other fillings can I use?

A: Green beans, shredded cabbage, noodles are some ingredients I’ve used.

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Vegetable Lumpiang Shanghai