lumpia shanghai
ok, i've been browsing everyone's posts and i'm assuming the original question was about lumpia shanghai (the little fried springrolls)? traditionally, they are more like savory little sausages (sorry, that's the only thing i can think of at the moment to compare them to) wrapped in a light crispy wrapper. they are unlike springrolls from other parts of asia in that they don't really contain that many vegetables in them...and most of the recipes posted don't really sound like what i grew up eating.
i'm totally submitting the shortest, most foolproof way to make pretty authentic tasting lumpia shanghai. my mom would kill me if she found out i take the easy way out and resort to buying seasoning packets...but let me tell you, it's much easier than trying to hunt down an exact recipe as most of my relatives are notorious for not using exact measurements.
first of all you'll need a pack of springroll wrappers (i tried this once w/wonton wrappers out of desperation...terrible idea.) don't be tempted to get the small squares b/c they'll only make rolling the lumpia much harder. and definitely no phyllo dough. no no. i usually use this brand of wrappers
but any other will do.
and you'll need the packet of seasoning i swear by:
i've found it at most asian stores (grand mart and super h mart here in the dc area) and one of my friends claims she's seen it at a safeway. ha. anyway, all the ingredients and directions are on the back of the package. basically ground pork, chopped carrots, onion and scallions. i've also tried variations on it...mixing chopped shrimp in w/the pork or throwing in finely chopped water chestnuts...both are nice for a change of pace. i've also substituted chicken and turkey instead of the pork for friends that don't eat pork...it's not bad, but you can definitely taste the difference.
i know it's not exactly the most homemade sounding recipe, but it's SO easy and the results are almost as good as the ones we have at family parties! i absolutely guarantee it. ever since i tested them out on my friends down here, they've been hooked! i think they are best served with a sweet chili dipping sauce...again, found in most asian stores or even at whole foods.
best of luck on your search for the perfect springroll!! i'll see if i can snag my mom's lumpia sariwa (fresh lumpia w/the crepe-like wrapper and brown sauce) recipe and post that too! yum