Togue lumpia, also known as bean sprout spring rolls, is a popular Filipino snack that is both delicious and easy to make. Lumpia is the Filipino term for spring rolls, and togue refers to the bean sprouts that are used as the main ingredient. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking togue lumpia, from preparing the ingredients to frying the spring rolls to perfection.
Ingredients and Materials Needed
Before we start cooking, let’s first prepare the ingredients and materials needed. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of togue (bean sprouts)
- 1/2 cup of chopped onions
- 1/2 cup of chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup of grated carrots
- 1/4 cup of chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section of Asian markets)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparing the Filling
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start preparing the filling. In a large bowl, combine the togue, chopped onions, chopped garlic, grated carrots, chopped cabbage, and chopped green onions.
Adding Seasonings
Add the salt and black pepper to the bowl and mix well. You can also add other seasonings such as soy sauce or oyster sauce (optional) to give the filling more flavor.
Mixing the Filling
Mix the filling ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the togue to prevent the spring rolls from becoming too soggy.
Assembling the Spring Rolls
Now that the filling is ready, let’s start assembling the spring rolls. To do this, you will need to lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
Folding the Wrapper
Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Repeat this process until all the filling and wrappers are used up.
Sealing the Spring Rolls
To seal the spring rolls, dip your finger in the beaten egg and run it along the edge of the wrapper. This will help the wrapper stick together and prevent the filling from coming out during frying.
Frying the Spring Rolls
Now that the spring rolls are assembled, it’s time to fry them. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few of the spring rolls to the pan (do not overcrowd).
Frying the Spring Rolls to Perfection
Fry the spring rolls until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Repeat this process until all the spring rolls are fried.
Draining Excess Oil
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried spring rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serving and Enjoying Your Togue Lumpia
Your togue lumpia is now ready to be served. You can serve it as a snack or as a side dish to your favorite Filipino dishes. Here are a few dipping sauces you can serve with your togue lumpia:
- Vinegar with chili peppers
- Soy sauce with calamansi (Filipino lime)
- Patis (fish sauce) with chili peppers
Tips for Making the Perfect Togue Lumpia
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect togue lumpia:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the togue and vegetables. This will help ensure that your spring rolls are crunchy and flavorful.
Don’t Overfill the Spring Rolls
Don’t overfill the spring rolls with filling, as this can cause them to burst open during frying. Leave a little room in the center of the wrapper for the filling to expand during cooking.
Use the Right Type of Wrapper
Use the right type of spring roll wrapper, usually found in the frozen food section of Asian markets. These wrappers are specifically designed for frying and will help your spring rolls become crispy and golden brown.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Don’t overcrowd the pan with too many spring rolls, as this can cause them to stick together. Fry them in batches until they are all cooked.
Drain Excess Oil
Drain excess oil from the spring rolls after frying to prevent them from becoming too greasy.
By following these tips and the steps outlined in this article, you can make delicious and crispy togue lumpia that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
What is Crispy Togue Lumpia?
Crispy Togue Lumpia is a popular Filipino snack that consists of deep-fried spring rolls filled with bean sprouts, also known as togue. The filling is typically mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat or shrimp, and then wrapped in a thin lumpia wrapper. The resulting snack is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a favorite among Filipinos and food enthusiasts alike.
The unique combination of textures and flavors in Crispy Togue Lumpia has made it a staple in Filipino cuisine. The crunchy exterior gives way to a soft and savory filling, which is often served with a dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal, Crispy Togue Lumpia is a delicious and satisfying treat that is sure to please.
What is the origin of Crispy Togue Lumpia?
Crispy Togue Lumpia is a variation of the traditional Filipino snack, Lumpia, which has its roots in Chinese cuisine. Lumpia was introduced to the Philippines by Chinese immigrants and has since become a staple in Filipino cuisine. Over time, Filipinos have adapted and modified the recipe to create their own unique versions, including Crispy Togue Lumpia.
The addition of togue, or bean sprouts, to the filling is a distinctly Filipino twist on the traditional recipe. Togue is a common ingredient in Filipino cuisine and is often used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries and soups. The combination of togue with other ingredients, such as vegetables and sometimes meat or shrimp, has resulted in a unique and delicious snack that is quintessentially Filipino.
What are the ingredients used in Crispy Togue Lumpia?
The ingredients used in Crispy Togue Lumpia typically include bean sprouts, vegetables, and sometimes meat or shrimp. The filling is often mixed with onions, garlic, and other seasonings to enhance the flavor. The lumpia wrapper, which is usually made from flour and water, is wrapped around the filling to create the spring roll shape.
Other ingredients that may be used in Crispy Togue Lumpia include cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Some recipes may also include additional seasonings, such as soy sauce or fish sauce, to add depth and complexity to the flavor. The ingredients used may vary depending on the recipe and personal preferences.
How is Crispy Togue Lumpia prepared?
Crispy Togue Lumpia is typically prepared by deep-frying the spring rolls until they are crispy and golden brown. The filling is first mixed together and then wrapped in the lumpia wrapper to create the spring roll shape. The spring rolls are then heated in hot oil until they are crispy and cooked through.
To achieve the perfect crispiness, it’s essential to heat the oil to the right temperature and not overcrowd the pan. The spring rolls should be fried in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, and then drained on paper towels to remove excess oil. Some recipes may also include additional steps, such as steaming or boiling the spring rolls before frying.
What is the best way to serve Crispy Togue Lumpia?
Crispy Togue Lumpia is best served hot and fresh, straight from the fryer. It’s often served as a snack or appetizer, and may be accompanied by a dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. The dipping sauce may be a simple mixture of vinegar and chili peppers, or a more complex sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce and garlic.
Crispy Togue Lumpia may also be served as part of a larger meal, such as a Filipino-style barbecue or buffet. It’s a versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether as a quick snack or as part of a more substantial meal.
Can Crispy Togue Lumpia be made in advance?
While Crispy Togue Lumpia is best served fresh, it can be made in advance and reheated when needed. The spring rolls can be assembled and frozen until ready to fry, or they can be fried and then refrigerated or frozen for later use.
To reheat Crispy Togue Lumpia, simply fry the spring rolls in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, they can be baked in the oven until crispy and heated through. However, it’s worth noting that the texture and flavor may not be as optimal as when served fresh.
Is Crispy Togue Lumpia a healthy snack option?
While Crispy Togue Lumpia can be a delicious and satisfying snack, it’s not necessarily a healthy option. The deep-frying process adds a significant amount of calories and fat to the snack, making it less than ideal for those watching their diet.
However, there are ways to make Crispy Togue Lumpia a healthier option. For example, the spring rolls can be baked instead of fried, or they can be made with a lighter coating to reduce the calorie count. Additionally, the filling can be made with healthier ingredients, such as more vegetables and less meat or shrimp.