Filipino Lumpia Recipe

If you haven’t had Filipino Lumpia before, you’re in for a seriously delicious treat. These irresistible bite-sized spring rolls are filled with savory pork, veggies, and a hit of garlic, all wrapped up crispy and golden. They’re fast to prepare, simple to master, and the kind of dish that instantly draws a crowd—perfect for any busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering. Just a few pantry staples, a skillet, and a bit of rolling, and you’ll realize why Lumpia is one of the most beloved Filipino snacks out there.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Pork: Brings a juicy, savory base to the filling. Chicken, turkey, or even plant-based grounds can be swapped in easily.
• Onion: Adds classic flavor depth and sweetness once sautéed. Finely chopped is key here for even cooking.
• Carrots: A touch of sweetness and color. Chop them very fine for the best texture.
• Minced Garlic: Delivers that unmistakable savory punch.
• Green Onions: A gentle oniony kick and freshness—don’t skip these!
• Soy Sauce: For saltiness and umami; a splash goes a long way.
• Shredded Cabbage: Adds crunch and lightness to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: A little extra garlic flavor—no such thing as too much.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste—don’t be shy!
• Egg Roll or Spring Roll Wrappers: The crispy vehicle for your filling. Look for the thin kind for maximum crunch.
• Oil for Frying: Neutral oil with a high smoke point works best. Think vegetable or canola oil.

Variations

There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on lumpia:

• Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Veggie Packed: Add bell peppers, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or even chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch.
• Cheese it Up: A little shredded cheese inside (like cheddar) makes for a delightful twist.
• Spicy: For heat, add some chopped chilies or a pinch of chili flakes right to the filling.
• Wrapper Choices: If you want gluten-free, seek out rice paper wrappers—just soften them before rolling.

How to Make Filipino Lumpia

Step 1: Sauté the Filling

Start by simmering ground pork, onions, and carrots together in a skillet over medium-high heat. You’re looking for the pork to be browned all the way through and for those vegetables to get a little soft. It should smell amazing already.

Step 2: Season and Finish

Turn the heat down a bit and stir in your minced garlic, garlic powder, soy sauce, green onions, cabbage, plus a generous hit each of salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes — just enough for everything to mingle.

Step 3: Cool the Filling

Let your filling sit and cool slightly. This makes wrapping way easier and helps prevent soggy wrappers.

Step 4: Roll the Lumpia

Lay a wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon a small line of filling close to one edge. Fold the sides in, then tightly roll it up all the way, sealing the edge with a dab of water. They should look like little cigars.

Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat a few inches of oil in a deep-sided skillet until it hits 350°F. Fry 4–5 lumpia at a time; don’t crowd the pan! Turn them occasionally so each side gets golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels when done.

Step 6: Serve Up

You’re ready to serve as soon as they’re cool enough to handle—crispy, steaming, and ready to dunk.

How to Serve

Lumpia is perfect with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce (like banana ketchup or a sweet chili sauce), but they also shine on their own. Pile them high as a fun appetizer, pair with jasmine rice for a meal, or serve them picnic-style with skewered barbecue and fresh cucumber salad. For an extra treat, add a little side of vinegar with chopped garlic and chili for a Filipino-style dip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let cooked lumpia cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay crisp if you reheat them properly!

Freezing

Lumpia is perfect for making ahead. Lay assembled (but uncooked) rolls on a tray and freeze until solid, then pile into bags. No need to thaw—just fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Reheating

Reheat in a 400°F oven or toaster oven for 8–10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crunchy. Avoid the microwave if you want them crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bringing lumpia to your table is a surefire way to spark smiles and satisfy your cravings for something seriously crispy and flavorful. These Filipino spring rolls are a backyard barbecue staple, a party superstar, and a snack no one can resist. Dive in, get rolling, and make them your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy lumpia. Try the recipe soon, and you’ll wonder how you ever went without them!

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