1. Can I freeze Vegan Filipino Spring Rolls before frying?

Yes! These spring rolls freeze exceptionally well. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Fry or air fry directly from frozen until golden and crispy—no need to thaw.

2. Are there gluten-free options for the wrappers?

Absolutely. You can use rice paper wrappers to make these spring rolls gluten-free. Be mindful of the frying technique, as rice paper is delicate and may splatter. For best results, refer to tutorials specific to frying with rice paper.

3. What’s the best plant-based meat for Vegan Lumpia?

Impossible Foods' ground beef-style crumbles are ideal due to their neutral flavor and meaty texture. Beyond Meat works but has a more dominant taste. You can also use other vegan meat alternatives or homemade mushroom-lentil mixtures if preferred.

4. Can I bake these spring rolls instead of frying?

While baking is an option, it won't produce the same crispy texture. If you prefer a lower-oil method, air frying is a much better alternative. Bake or air fry at 360°F, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crunchy.

Vegan Filipino Spring Rolls – Easy Recipe

Name: Vegan Filipino Spring Rolls
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal; 6 tablespoons water; 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained; 1/2 cup green onions, roughly chopped; 1 large carrot, roughly chopped; 1 sheet of nori, torn into small pieces; 4 cloves fresh garlic; 3/4 lb (1 pack) Impossible Foods plant-based ground beef; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Spring roll or lumpia wrappers (about 20 pieces, 5.5-inch squares); Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Description

These Vegan Filipino Spring Rolls, also known as Lumpiang Shanghai, are crispy, savory, and packed with umami-rich vegetables and plant-based meat. A traditional Filipino favorite turned vegan, these spring rolls are perfect as appetizers or snacks, deep-fried or air-fried to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
6 tablespoons water
1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained
1/2 cup green onions, roughly chopped
1 large carrot, roughly chopped
1 sheet of nori, torn into small pieces
4 cloves fresh garlic
3/4 lb (1 pack) Impossible Foods plant-based ground beef
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Spring roll or lumpia wrappers (about 20 pieces, 5.5-inch squares)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

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Instructions

If using frozen wrappers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or per package instructions.
Prepare flax eggs by mixing flaxseed meal and water. Let sit for 15 minutes to thicken.
In a food processor, add water chestnuts, green onions, carrot, nori, and garlic. Process until finely chopped.
Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add plant-based ground beef, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and prepared flax eggs. Mix well.
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C). Use 2–3 inches of oil for deep frying.
Place a wrapper flat on a clean surface. Add 1.5 tablespoons of filling near the bottom edge. Roll tightly like a cigar, sealing the end with water or cornstarch paste.
Cut the roll into 2–3 smaller pieces (approx. 2.75 inches each).
Fry 5–8 rolls at a time for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with dipping sauces like sweet and sour, banana ketchup, or garlic vinegar sauce.

Notes

Use cornstarch glue (2 tbsp cornstarch + 1/3 cup water) if wrappers don’t seal with water alone.
To make gluten-free, substitute spring roll wrappers with rice paper.
For air frying, lightly oil rolls and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 14 minutes, flipping halfway.
Freeze uncooked lumpia for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen until golden and crispy.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Frying or Air Frying
Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 spring rolls
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg