Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make snack or appetizer that's both satisfying and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai! These crispy, savory rolls are a beloved Filipino classic, and this recipe makes them surprisingly simple to prepare, even for home cooks. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a special occasion, these lumpiang shanghai will quickly become a favorite in your household. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this delightful recipe.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious meal.
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- Lumpia wrappers (found in most Asian grocery stores)
- Cooking oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Lumpia Shanghai
Let’s get cooking! These simple steps will guide you through the process of creating these tasty treats.
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, onion, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, pepper, salt, and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Cooking the Filling
Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken mixture and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has evaporated. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the lumpia.
Step 3: Assembling the Lumpia
Lay a lumpia wrapper on a clean surface, diamond-shaped point facing up. Place a spoonful of the cooled chicken filling in the center of the wrapper, about 1-2 inches from the bottom edge.
Step 4: Rolling the Lumpia
Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling. Then, fold in the side edges and tightly roll the wrapper upwards into a cigar shape. Slightly dampen the top edge of the wrapper with water to seal it completely.
Step 5: Frying the Lumpia
Heat about 2 inches of cooking oil in a large pan or wok to medium-high heat. Carefully place the lumpia into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Draining and Serving
Remove the lumpia from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a vinegar-based dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Lumpia Shanghai
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy lumpia.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent results. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
- For extra crispy lumpia, you can double-fry them. Fry once until lightly golden, then remove and fry again until crispy.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients! You can add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size. A general estimate is roughly 200-250 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai! These easy recipes are a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can be incredibly satisfying and delicious. They’re a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Let us know how yours turned out!