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Origins in Filipino Heritage: Musang and its Vibrant Lumpiang Sariwa
Imagine stepping into a warm and inviting space in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, where the vibrant flavors of the Philippines are celebrated with passion and creativity. The story of Musang unfolds as a testament to the power of food to connect cultures and tell stories, with dishes like their Lumpiang Sariwa offering a taste of Filipino culinary heritage.
Musang isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community hub and a celebration of Filipino culture. Founded by chef Melissa Miranda, Musang (meaning “wild cat” in Tagalog) is a reflection of her personal journey and her desire to share the flavors of her heritage with Seattle. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere often features art and music that showcase Filipino culture. The menu is a thoughtful exploration of Filipino cuisine, from traditional family recipes to innovative dishes that highlight the diversity and richness of Filipino flavors.
During my visit to Musang, amidst the vibrant atmosphere and the enticing aromas of Filipino cooking, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing their Lumpiang Sariwa. This wasn’t just a spring roll; it was a vibrant and refreshing expression of Filipino flavors. The soft, crepe-like wrapper, filled with a medley of fresh vegetables, often including jicama, carrots, and green beans, and a savory-sweet peanut sauce, offered a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It was a dish that was both light and deeply satisfying.
Savoring that Lumpiang Sariwa at Musang, I understood that this establishment is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality and a commitment to showcasing the diverse and delicious flavors of Filipino cuisine. It’s about honoring tradition while embracing innovation, and creating dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
If you’re looking for an authentic and exciting taste of the Philippines in Seattle, a place to enjoy vibrant and flavorful dishes in a warm and inviting setting, Musang is a destination that should be high on your list. It’s a place to savor traditional Filipino dishes like the refreshing Lumpiang Sariwa while experiencing the best of Filipino hospitality.
A Celebration of Filipino Freshness: Crafting Your Own Vibrant Lumpiang Sariwa
To capture the refreshing and flavorful essence of Musang’s delightful Lumpiang Sariwa in your own kitchen, begin with fresh, crisp vegetables and soft crepe wrappers, and a touch of authentic Filipino inspiration. This culinary journey celebrates the delightful combination of fresh textures and a rich, savory-sweet peanut sauce, much like the vibrant and heartwarming flavors of Musang.
Embarking on this endeavor is a lesson in appreciating the bright and diverse flavors of fresh vegetables combined in a unique and satisfying way. Focus on preparing the vegetables to highlight their natural crispness and creating a peanut sauce that perfectly balances savory and sweet notes. Start by selecting a variety of fresh vegetables such as jicama, carrots, green beans, and lettuce, along with the ingredients for the delicate crepe wrappers and the rich peanut sauce, the essential elements of this vibrant dish.
Consider incorporating elements that reflect Musang’s commitment to authentic Filipino flavors. Using good quality soy sauce and natural peanut butter forms the base of the flavorful sauce. A touch of brown sugar adds the necessary sweetness, while garlic and perhaps a hint of chili introduce aromatic depth. The key is to create a peanut sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the fresh, crisp vegetables. The crepe wrappers should be thin and tender, providing a delicate and neutral canvas for the vibrant filling.
Pay close attention to preparing the vegetables, ensuring they retain their fresh crunch. The thin crepe wrappers should be cooked until just set and slightly pliable. Assembling the lumpiang sariwa involves carefully wrapping the colorful vegetables in the soft crepe and generously drizzling with the homemade peanut sauce. The fresh aroma of the vegetables and the nutty fragrance of the peanut sauce will bring a vibrant taste of the Philippines to your kitchen.
As you prepare this vibrant dish, you’ll appreciate the ease and satisfaction of creating a refreshing and flavorful Filipino classic at home. It’s a celebration of fresh, colorful ingredients and a delightful combination of textures and tastes, inspired by the authentic and heartwarming culinary artistry of Musang.
Chef’s Notes: Garden Fresh Rolls
• Boost crunch with thinly sliced jicama or bell peppers – Adds a fresh, crisp texture to the filling.
• Pair with pickled cucumber or daikon – A touch of tang balances the rich peanut sauce beautifully.
• Optimize leftovers for meal prep – Freeze extra filling and thaw overnight for easy rolling on demand.
• Customize the nut garnish – Swap peanuts for toasted sesame seeds for a subtler nutty aroma.
• Experiment with herbs – Try Thai basil or mint for a new flavor twist.
• Perfect for entertaining – Prep the wrappers ahead and let guests assemble their own fresh rolls for a fun, hands-on experience.
• Balance flavors based on preference – Adjust the amount of soy sauce or brown sugar for a sweeter or saltier sauce.
• Make it lighter – Use lettuce cups instead of wrappers for a low-carb version.
• Serve with complementary sides – Pair with a light soup or fresh tropical fruit for a complete meal.
• Keep rolls crisp – Chill briefly before serving so they retain their fresh crunch.
Garden Fresh Rolls
Get ready to roll into flavor town with these vibrant Garden Fresh Rolls! Bursting with crisp veggies, tender pork, juicy shrimp, and creamy tofu, each bite is a celebration of textures and tastes. Drizzled in a rich, caramelized peanut garlic sauce, this Filipino-inspired appetizer turns any weeknight into a festive feast. Whip them up in under an hour—your friends and family will think you’ve been to culinary school!
4
rolls15
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Ingredients
- Roll Batter
1½ cups whole milk or water
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs lightly beaten
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
½ tsp kosher salt
- Vegetable Protein Filling
2 cups sweet potato peeled and cubed
1 lb pork loin thinly sliced
8 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
10 oz extra-firm tofu cut into ½” strips
1 cup shredded cabbage
1½ cups carrots cut into matchsticks
15 green beans trimmed and chopped
1 small yellow onion minced
3 cloves garlic finely minced
½ cup cilantro leaves roughly chopped
6 butter lettuce leaves
2 Tbsp fish sauce
½ cup water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil for sautéing
- Sauce
1½ cups water
6 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp beef bouillon powder
1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 Tbsp water
Pinch of salt
- Garnish
½ cup roasted peanuts crushed
- Alternative Ingredients
Fish sauce: replace with equal part soy sauce or tamari gluten-free.
Pork: swap for boneless chicken breast or ground turkey.
Shrimp: omit or use sliced king oyster mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Milk: use water almond milk, or coconut milk to make dairy-free.
All-purpose flour: trade for a gluten-free flour blend.
Brown sugar: substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Beef bouillon: swap with vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option.
Peanuts: use sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for nut-allergy friendly.
Directions
- Prep Filling – Start by washing and chopping all produce and proteins. On a cutting board, cube sweet potatoes, slice pork into ½ pieces, peel and devein shrimp, and slice tofu into sticks. Rinse lettuce leaves and cilantro; pat everything dry. (Prep time: ~10 minutes)
- Sauté Ingredients – Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion, stirring until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Toss in pork, cooking until it just loses its pink hue (3–4 minutes), then pour in ½ cup water. Cover and simmer until pork is tender (6–8 minutes). Optionally drain excess liquid for a firmer filling.
- Add Veg Protein – Remove pan lid and stir in shrimp and sweet potato cubes. Cook 4–5 minutes until potatoes begin to soften. Add tofu strips next, gently folding to heat through (2 minutes), then toss in cabbage, carrots, green beans, cilantro, and fish sauce. Stir constantly until vegetables are crisp-tender (5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Wrappers – In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs until foamy. Stream in milk (or water) while whisking. Add flour, salt, and 2 Tbsp oil; mix until smooth. Warm a nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly grease. Pour ¼ cup batter, tilting pan to spread thin. Cook until edges lift and top is set (1½–2 minutes). Slide onto a plate; repeat to make 6–8 crepes. (Total ~15 minutes)
- Prepare Sauce – Bring 1½ cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and bouillon until dissolved. Season with soy sauce and a pinch of salt. Whisk in cornstarch slurry, cooking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Assemble Rolls – Lay a wrapper on a clean surface. Place one lettuce leaf in center, spoon ½ cup filling over it, and top with crushed peanuts. Fold bottom edge up, then roll sides inward to enclose filling. Repeat for remaining wrappers. Serve immediately drizzled with warm sauce.
Equipment
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Silicone Spatula
- Colander
Notes
- • For extra crunch, add thinly sliced jicama or bell peppers to the filling.
• Serve these rolls with pickled cucumber or daikon on the side for tang.
• Leftover filling freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.
• Swap peanuts for toasted sesame seeds if you prefer a subtler nut flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1g
- Calories: 650kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 8000IU
- Vitamin C: 40mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQs: Garden Fresh Rolls
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the wrappers and swap soy sauce for tamari.
How long do these rolls stay fresh?
Best eaten immediately, but stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Can I substitute shrimp or pork?
Of course! Use shredded chicken, mushrooms, or just tofu for variety.
What’s a good dipping sauce alternative?
Try hoisin sauce or a light vinegar dressing for a different twist.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the filling and sauce in advance, then assemble fresh.
How do I prevent rolls from breaking?
Ensure the wrappers are slightly warm and pliable before rolling.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap milk for water or plant-based milk.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the filling separate from the wrappers and refrigerate for up to three days.
What’s a good drink pairing?
Refreshing iced tea or coconut water complements the flavors well.
Can I bake or pan-fry these instead?
Absolutely! Crisp them up in a pan with light oil for a golden texture.
More Lumpia Recipes
Savory Shanghai Lumpia
Cooks in 80 minutesDive into the irresistible world of Shanghai Lumpia with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside and richly savory on the inside, these delightful spring rolls are a favorite for gatherings and snack time. Whether you’re serving them with sweet and sour sauce or classic banana ketchup, these lumpia are sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to master a Filipino staple that’s both versatile and utterly delicious!
