Chinese Fresh Lumpia, often referred to as Spring Rolls in many Western contexts, are a delightful appetizer or snack enjoyed by people worldwide. These crispy, golden-brown treats are filled with a variety of fresh vegetables and meats, wrapped in thin wrappers, and fried to perfection. While traditionally associated with Vietnamese cuisine (where they are known as Cha Gio), the dish has evolved and been adapted by many Chinese communities, making it a beloved fusion food. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to make Chinese Fresh Lumpia from scratch, ensuring you end up with delicious, mouthwatering results.
Ingredients for Chinese Fresh Lumpia
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. For the wrappers, you can either make your own or buy them from a store.
For homemade wrappers, you’ll need:
- 2 cups (240 grams) of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of salt
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of boiling water
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of cold water
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of vegetable oil
For the filling, you’ll need:
- 1/2 pound (225 grams) of ground pork or shrimp (optional)
- 1 cup (150 grams) of finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup (150 grams) of finely shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) of finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup (35 grams) of finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of cornstarch
- 1 egg (optional, for sealing)
For frying, you’ll need:
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Making the Wrappers
Prepare the Dough
Begin by placing the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and pour in the boiling water. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon or chopsticks to combine. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Add the vegetable oil and continue to mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Roll Out the Wrappers
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it slightly with your palm. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin circle about 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) in diameter. Be sure to keep the dough lightly floured to prevent sticking. Stack the wrappers between pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
Preparing the Filling
Cook the Meat (if using)
If you’re using ground pork or shrimp, start by cooking it in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, transfer the cooked meat to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
Combine Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the finely shredded green cabbage, finely shredded carrots, finely chopped green onions, and finely chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl with the cooked meat. Add the minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Thicken the Filling (optional)
If you want your filling to hold together better, you can add the cornstarch to the mixture and mix well. This will help the filling to set and not be too runny when fried.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You want the flavors to be bold and balanced.
Assembling the Lumpia
Prepare the Work Area
Lay out a clean, dry surface for assembling the lumpia. Have a bowl of water or beaten egg (if using) nearby for sealing the wrappers. Place a stack of parchment paper or plastic wrap on the side to hold the assembled lumpia.
Fill and Roll
Take one wrapper and place it on the work surface with one corner pointing towards you, creating a diamond shape. Place about 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 milliliters) of filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Brush a bit of water or egg on the top corner and roll it up tightly to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Seal and Shape
Make sure each lumpia is tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. You can shape the lumpia slightly to make them more even and compact. Place the assembled lumpia on the parchment paper or plastic wrap as you work.
Frying the Lumpia
Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to cover the lumpia completely. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of bread into it; it should turn golden brown in about 30 seconds.
Fry the Lumpia
Carefully place a few lumpia in the hot oil, making sure they don’t stick together or overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or frying basket to remove them from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Serve Hot
Serve the fresh lumpia immediately while they are still hot and crispy. You can garnish them with a sprinkle of salt, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dipping sauce like sweet and sour sauce or chili sauce.
Conclusion
Making Chinese Fresh Lumpia from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but with this guide, you’ll find it’s actually quite straightforward. The key to success lies in preparing the dough and filling properly, and ensuring the lumpia are tightly sealed before frying. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to create delicious, crispy lumpia that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!
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