Lumpia are crunchy, tasty rolls filled with veggies and sometimes meat. They make a perfect snack or appetizer that’s fun to share with friends and family!
When I make lumpia, I love crispy, golden bites fresh from the pan. Dipping them in sweet sauce makes them even better—just try not to eat them all at once! 🤭
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork or Chicken: Both options work great, but I often lean towards ground pork for a richer flavor. If you’re trying to keep it leaner, ground turkey or diced tofu are excellent substitutes.
Vegetables: The mix of carrots, green beans, and cabbage adds color and crunch. If you don’t have green beans, try bell peppers or zucchini. Feel free to get creative based on what you have!
Lumpia Wrappers: These are thin and perfect for crispy rolls. If you can’t find them, spring roll wrappers or even thin crepes can be an alternative, although they may require different handling.
Oil for Frying: I like using vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil if you prefer. Just avoid olive oil for frying as it doesn’t handle heat well.
How Do You Wrap Lumpia Properly?
Wrapping lumpia can be tricky at first, but practice makes perfect! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you wrap them like a pro:
- Start with the wrapper oriented like a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of the filling toward the center, but don’t overstuff!
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it slightly as you wrap.
- Fold in the sides to seal in the filling, then roll upwards gently but tightly until you reach the top.
- Seal the edge with water or a little flour paste to keep it from opening during frying.
Remember, the tighter you roll, the better they will hold their shape when cooking. Enjoy the process; it gets easier with each lumpia you wrap!
How to Make Filipino Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken
- 1 cup carrots, finely shredded
- 1 cup green beans, finely chopped
- 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup onions, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
For Wrapping:
- 1 package lumpia wrappers (50-100 pieces)
- Oil for frying
For Serving:
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Sweet and sour sauce or dipping sauce of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe of Filipino Lumpia will take about 30 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for frying, totaling around 50 minutes. You’ll be mixing the filling, wrapping the lumpia, and frying them to golden perfection. So get ready for some deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or chicken with the finely shredded carrots, chopped green beans, shredded cabbage, minced onions, and minced garlic. Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This filling is what makes the lumpia tasty!
2. Assemble the Lumpia:
Take one lumpia wrapper and lay it on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you, like a diamond. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll the wrapper tightly upwards to cover the filling completely and seal the edge with a little water or flour paste. Repeat this step with the remaining wrappers and filling until you’re all done!
3. Fry the Lumpia:
In a deep pan or frying pot, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the lumpia in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side until they are golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. After frying, remove the lumpia from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the hot lumpia on a plate with fresh lettuce leaves on the side. Pair them with sweet and sour sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every crunchy bite! Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Protein Instead of Pork or Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground pork or chicken with turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure the tofu is firm and pressed to remove any excess moisture before mixing it with the vegetables.
What Can I Use Instead of Lumpia Wrappers?
If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, egg roll wrappers or spring roll skins can work as alternatives. Just be mindful that they may create a slightly thicker texture. For a gluten-free option, look for rice paper wraps at Asian markets!
How to Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, you can reheat them in an air fryer or a hot pan instead of the microwave.
Can I Freeze Lumpia for Later?
Yes, you can freeze lumpia! It’s best to freeze them before frying. Arrange the wrapped lumpia in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Fry them directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
