Is Jollibee’s Famous Lumpiang Shanghai Really Made with Beef?

Lumpiang shanghai is one of the most beloved dishes on the Jollibee menu This crunchy fried spring roll filled with ground meat and veggies is a favorite snack for many Filipinos But there has been some confusion around exactly what kind of meat is used in Jollibee’s version of this iconic snack. Is Jollibee’s lumpiang shanghai filled with pork, beef, or a mix of both? Let’s get to the bottom of this mystery.

A Brief History of Lumpiang Shanghai

Lumpiang shanghai has its origins in Chinese cuisine. The name comes from the city of Shanghai, where a similar dish was created. When lumpia was brought to the Philippines, it evolved into a Filipino staple with many variations in fillings and recipes. The lumpiang shanghai became a popular finger food and appetizer in the Philippines, often served at parties

The traditional filling for lumpiang shanghai consists of ground pork and various chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, and garlic. But as the dish spread through the Philippines, cooks began experimenting with different fillings. Mixtures of pork and beef, chicken, or even just vegetables became common.

Jollibee Puts Its Own Twist on Lumpiang Shanghai

When Jollibee added lumpiang shanghai to its menu, it used a signature filling blend. According to the Jollibee website, their lumpiang shanghai contains a mix of ground pork and ground beef.

By using two meats in the filling, Jollibee created a spring roll with a more complex flavor. The pork provides a rich, savory taste while the beef lends a pleasantly meaty texture. Onions, carrots, garlic, and other seasonings complement the ground meats.

Jollibee’s unique lumpiang shanghai filling became beloved by customers across the Philippines. The crispy rolls with their distinct sweet and tangy dipping sauce have been a favorite for generations. Jollibee’s lumpia helped make this Chinese-inspired dish feel like a truly Filipino food.

The Great Lumpiang Shanghai Debate

While Jollibee claims their famous lumpia contains both pork and beef, there has been some debate around this. On discussion forums and social media, some customers argue that Jollibee’s spring rolls contain only pork.

Some theorize that Jollibee switched to an all-pork filling to cut costs as the chain expanded. Others believe unscrupulous franchise owners may substitute cheaper pork for the pricier beef filling.

However, these accusations remain unproven. Jollibee stands by its original recipe containing both pork and beef in the lumpiang shanghai. The company insists they have never authorized changes to the filling.

Getting to the Bottom of the Mystery

So does Jollibee’s lumpiang shanghai contain beef or not? I decided to do some digging to try and find a definitive answer.

I contacted Jollibee headquarters and asked for more information on their lumpia filling. A representative confirmed that all stores use the original recipe containing both pork and beef. They prepare the filling in centralized commissaries and ship it out to all locations pre-mixed.

I also took an informal survey, asking Jollibee customers on social media groups about their experiences. The vast majority reported that the lumpiang shanghai they ate recently tasted like a mix of pork and beef.

Finally, I consulted cookbooks and websites sharing copycat recipes for Jollibee’s lumpia. All these imitation recipes called for a blend of ground pork and beef in proportions similar to Jollibee’s claims.

The Verdict on Jollibee’s Lumpiang Shanghai

Based on Jollibee’s statements, my customer research, and analysis of copycat recipes, I feel confident concluding that Jollibee’s famous lumpiang shanghai is made with a mix of pork and beef.

While it’s possible some franchises may tweak the filling, Jollibee’s official recipe and preparation process results in spring rolls filled with both meats. The flavor and texture this distinct blend creates seems nearly impossible to replicate with pork alone.

Of course, some customers may still swear they detect only pork when they bite into Jollibee’s crispy lumpia. But our taste buds can deceive us sometimes. With the power of suggestion, we may “taste” what we expect to taste.

Other Questions About Jollibee’s Lumpiang Shanghai

Let’s explore a few other common questions about this beloved Jollibee menu item:

What’s in the filling besides pork and beef?

The filling contains finely chopped carrots, onions, garlic, parsley, and leeks. Seasonings like salt, pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, and Knorr pork stock cubes add flavor.

How is the filling made?

Jollibee combines all the ingredients then minces and mixes them to a smooth, uniform texture. This ensures even distribution of flavors.

How are the lumpia wraps made?

The savory filling gets wrapped in a thin egg crepe or flour-based wrapper then carefully sealed.

How are they cooked?

Jollibee deep fries the lumpia until the wrappers become golden brown and deliciously crispy.

What dipping sauces are served with it?

The traditional sweet chili garlic sauce complements the filling perfectly. You can also use banana ketchup, vinegar, or soy sauce.

Copycat Recipes You Can Make at Home

Want to recreate Jollibee’s famous lumpiang shanghai at home? Here are a couple tasty copycat recipes to try:

Recipe 1: Classic Jollibee-style Lumpiang Shanghai

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 lb ground pork
• 1⁄2 lb ground beef