These crunchy lumpia are a tasty treat from the Philippines! Wrapped in a crispy shell, they’re filled with a mix of veggies and meat that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, I can’t stop munching on them! They’re perfect for snacks or parties. Pair them with some sweet dipping sauce, and you’re in for a fun flavor ride!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork or Chicken: Both options are classy, but I lean towards ground pork for its juicy flavor. If you want a leaner choice, ground turkey works well too. You can also try tofu for a vegetarian version!
Shrimp: This is optional, but it adds a nice touch. If you’re not a seafood fan, you can just omit it or substitute it with chopped mushrooms for a similar texture.
Carrots and Cabbage: Freshness is key here! If you don’t have carrots or cabbage, you can use bell peppers or zucchini instead. Just keep the 1-cup measurement in mind.
Green Onions: These add a fresh flavor. If you can’t find them, chives or shallots can be good alternatives. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
Lumpia Wrappers: If you’re unable to find lumpia wrappers, spring roll wrappers work too. Just make sure to slightly dampen them before rolling since they’re thinner.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch When Frying Lumpia?
Frying lumpia to a perfect crunch takes some care, but it’s worth it! Here are my tips for achieving crispy golden goodness:
- Heat your oil to the right temperature—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal. A drop of water should sizzle when it hits the oil.
- Add the lumpia in small batches to avoid crowding. This helps them cook evenly and get that crunch.
- Make sure to flip them halfway through for even browning. Goldens on both sides is what you’re aiming for!
- Drain cooked lumpia on paper towels to remove excess oil. This makes all the difference in keeping them crispy.
How to Make Delicious Crunchy Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork or chicken
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Wrapping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- 1 package lumpia wrappers (around 20-25 wrappers)
For Frying:
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sweet chili sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-30 minutes to cook. You’ll be able to enjoy your crunchy lumpia in about 45 minutes total, including frying time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these until the onion is translucent and soft. Next, add the ground pork or chicken, cooking until it is browned. If you’re using shrimp, toss it in at this point and cook until it turns pink. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add in the finely chopped carrots, cabbage, and green onions to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are nice and tender. When they’re ready, remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool a bit.
3. Wrap the Lumpia:
Now, let’s get to wrapping! Take a lumpia wrapper and lay it on a clean surface so that one corner is facing you, creating a diamond shape. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled filling near the bottom of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly. Roll the wrapper up towards the top corner, and seal it by brushing a little beaten egg on the top corner. It’s just like a little envelope of deliciousness! Repeat this step until all the filling is wrapped up.
4. Fry the Lumpia:
In a deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Carefully add the lumpia in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious crunchy lumpia while they’re hot. They go perfectly with some sweet chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground pork or chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as some meats may need longer to cook through. If using tofu, mash it up for a similar texture to ground meat.
Can I Prepare Lumpia Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can definitely make the filling ahead of time! Simply prepare and cook the filling as directed, then allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before wrapping.
How to Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy. You can also re-fry them in a pan for extra crunchiness!
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the lumpia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
