Traditional Filipino Lumpia are crispy spring rolls filled with savory goodies like ground meat, vegetables, and spices. They’re perfect as a snack or appetizer!
Making Lumpia feels like a mini celebration! Roll ’em up and watch everyone enjoy those crunchy bites. I love serving them with a sweet dipping sauce—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is a classic choice for lumpia, offering rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead!
Vegetables: Green beans and carrots add great crunch and sweetness. You can swap in bell peppers or cabbage if you want a different twist.
Water Chestnuts: They’re optional but provide an extra crunch. If you can’t find them, chopped mushrooms can be a good alternative.
Shrimp: Adding shrimp gives a nice depth of flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat and load up on more veggies!
Lumpia Wrappers: These are essential for that crispy texture. If you’re unable to find them, you can use egg roll wrappers, but they may be thicker.
How Do You Make Lumpia Fillings Perfectly Balanced?
Balancing flavors in your filling is key! Start by sautéing garlic and onion, which add depth. As you incorporate vegetables, ensure they’re slightly tender yet crisp; nobody likes mushy lumpia!
- Cook your meat thoroughly before adding veggies to maintain flavor and prevent overcooking.
- Taste your mixture before wrapping! Adjust seasonings if needed—adding a bit more soy sauce or salt can enhance flavors.
- Let the filling cool before wrapping to make it easier to handle and prevent soggy wrappers.
What’s the Best Way to Wrap Lumpia?
Wrapping can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it! Lay the wrapper diamond-shaped, and make sure to leave a little space at the edges for easy sealing.
- Don’t overfill! Keep it to about 2 tablespoons of filling to avoid bursting during frying.
- When rolling, start tightly, and fold in the sides to keep everything secure. A dab of water or flour paste seals the end perfectly.
These tips will help you craft delicious and crispy lumpia that everyone will love! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Traditional Filipino Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef)
- 1 cup green beans, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced (optional for crunch)
- 1/2 cup shrimp, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Lumpia wrappers (around 30 sheets)
- Oil for deep frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bird’s eye chili or red chili, chopped (adjust to taste)
- Water as needed to dilute
- Ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to enjoy these delightful, crispy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they turn fragrant and translucent. Then, add in the ground pork (or beef), cooking until it’s browned and crumbly. Next, stir in the chopped green beans, carrots, diced water chestnuts, and shrimp (if using). Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, just long enough for the veggies to become tender but still have a nice crunch. Finally, mix in the green onions, stir well, and remove from heat to let it cool.
2. Wrap the Lumpia:
Take a lumpia wrapper and place it on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you, creating a diamond shape. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your filling near the bottom corner. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in both sides and roll it tightly to form a nice cylinder. Use a dab of water or a paste of flour and water to seal the edge securely so it doesn’t open up during frying.
3. Frying the Lumpia:
In a deep frying pan or wok, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower your lumpia into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Turn them occasionally and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the lumpia to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped chili, and brown sugar. Taste and adjust with water if you want it milder, and add a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra kick!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy lumpia hot with the delicious dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy each bite bursting with flavor!
Now you have the perfect recipe for authentic Filipino Lumpia—crispy on the outside and packed with savory goodness on the inside. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables as a quick and convenient option! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the filling to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make Lumpia Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and wrap the lumpia ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to fry, you may want to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven (around 375°F/190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness, or heat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I Bake Lumpia Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake lumpia for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the wrapped lumpia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.