Lumpia is a Filipino spring roll that’s a staple at parties, celebrations, and family dinners. This versatile dish has countless variations depending on the region and the cook.
With the rise of veganism and plant-based diets, many people are looking for ways to enjoy their favorite dishes without meat or animal products. That’s where vegan lumpia comes in!
This article is your comprehensive guide to making delicious vegetarian lumpia. We’ll explore different recipes, tips, and techniques to help you create the perfect plant-based version of this classic Filipino dish. We’ll cover ingredient substitutions, cooking methods, and serving suggestions, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
What is lumpia?
Lumpia is a Filipino spring roll: a thin crepe-like pastry called “lumpia wrapper” filled with savory ingredients.
There are many different kinds of lumpia. Some of the most popular include:
- Lumpiang Shanghai: Small, fried lumpia typically filled with ground meat or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Lumpiang Gulay: A vegetarian version filled with mixed vegetables.
- Lumpiang Sariwa: A fresh, unfried version often served with a sweet sauce.
Key Ingredients in Vegetarian or Vegan Lumpia
Here are some of the most important ingredients when you’re making lumpia without meat:
- Lumpia Wrappers: Make sure you use lumpia wrappers, not spring roll wrappers. Fresh wrappers are more pliable and easier to roll and seal.
- Vegetables: Carrots, onions, green beans, cabbage, jicama, and bean sprouts are all common ingredients. How you cut the veggies – cubing, julienning, or shredding – affects the texture of the finished lumpia.
- Protein Alternatives: Plant-based ground meat (like Beyond Meat, Impossible, or Gardein), crumbled tofu, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) are all good options.
Vegan Lumpia Recipe: Classic Shanghai Style
Here’s a simple recipe for making vegan lumpia in the classic Shanghai style.
Ingredients
- Plant-based ground meat (like Impossible or Beyond Meat) – 1 pound
- Onion, minced – 1 cup
- Carrot, grated – 1 cup
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Chives, minced – 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce (low sodium) – 2 tablespoons
- Vegan fish sauce (optional) – 1 tablespoon
- Hoisin sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Vegan egg replacer – 1
- Cornstarch – 3 tablespoons
- Water – 3 tablespoons
- Vegan lumpia wrappers – 20
- Vegetable oil for frying – 2 cups
Instructions
- Make the filling: Sauté the onions and garlic in a pan until they’re softened, then add the plant-based ground meat and cook until it’s browned. Add the carrots, chives, soy sauce, vegan fish sauce (if you’re using it), and hoisin sauce. Stir to combine.
- Make the slurry: In a small bowl, combine the vegan egg replacer, cornstarch, and water. Mix well. This will act as your “glue” for sealing the wrappers.
- Assemble the lumpia: Place a small spoonful of the filling on a lumpia wrapper. Fold the sides inward, then roll the wrapper tightly from the bottom up. Seal the edge with a dab of the cornstarch slurry.
- Fry the lumpia: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350-360°F. Carefully place the lumpia in the hot oil and fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove the fried lumpia from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Vegan Lumpia: So Many Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with different flavors and fillings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Lumpiang Gulay (Vegetable Lumpia)
This version puts the spotlight on fresh veggies like green beans, cabbage, and jicama. You can chop the vegetables into small cubes, julienne them, or shred them – whatever you prefer. For a protein boost, consider adding some crumbled or cubed tofu to the mix.
Spicy Vegan Lumpia
If you like a little heat, try adding chili flakes, sriracha, or finely chopped jalapeños to your lumpia filling. A spoonful of gochujang or chili garlic sauce can also kick things up a notch.
Sweet and Savory Vegan Lumpia
For a unique twist, add a touch of sweetness to your lumpia. A drizzle of brown sugar or maple syrup can do the trick. You can also incorporate naturally sweet ingredients like sweet potato or butternut squash for a more complex flavor profile.
Frying vs. air frying
You can cook lumpia in several different ways, but the two most common are deep frying and air frying.
Deep frying
Traditionally, lumpia are deep fried in vegetable oil. If you choose to deep fry, make sure you maintain a consistent oil temperature of between 350 and 375°F.
To get the crispiest results, don’t overcrowd the pan, and be sure to drain the cooked lumpia on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
Air frying
If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, air frying is the way to go.
To air fry lumpia, preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400°F. Cook them for 7 or 8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking process.
Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying, and it also makes cleanup easier.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vegan Lumpia
Here are some suggestions to help you master your vegetarian lumpia:
- Wrapper Handling: Lumpia wrappers can dry out quickly, so keep them covered with a damp cloth while you’re working. Using fresh wrappers will also give you better results.
- Filling Consistency: Too much moisture in the filling will make your lumpia soggy. Drain the cooked vegetables well, and let the filling cool completely before you start wrapping.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the lumpia firmly, but gently, so you don’t create air bubbles or tear the wrapper. Don’t overfill them! Seal the edges with a little cornstarch slurry or even just plain water.
- Frying Temperature: The oil temperature is key to getting that crispy, golden-brown exterior. Use a thermometer to keep the oil consistent. You can also test the oil by dropping in a tiny piece of wrapper; it should sizzle immediately.
- Freezing Lumpia: You can absolutely freeze uncooked lumpia for future frying! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Serving Suggestions
Lumpia are perfect for parties and gatherings. They’re also a great side dish with other Filipino recipes. And, of course, they make a delicious anytime snack!
Here are some popular dipping sauces to try:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Spicy vinegar sauce (often called “suka”)
- Banana ketchup
- Sweet and sour sauce
Experiment and find your favorite!
To Conclude
This easy, versatile recipe shows how simple it can be to make delicious vegetarian lumpia that everyone can enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and cooking methods to discover your own favorite version. Now, go ahead and enjoy your homemade lumpia!