Authentic lumpia are Filipino spring rolls filled with a delicious mix of ground meat and veggies. They’re crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside—perfect for any occasion!
These little rolls are always a hit at parties. I love serving them with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce that makes them even tastier. Grab a few; I bet you can’t stop at one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the traditional choice for lumpia, but you can easily swap it for ground beef or even ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. I often mix meats for added flavor!
Vegetables: Carrots, green onions, and cabbage add crunch and nutrition. Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms based on what you have in your fridge.
Oyster Sauce: It brings a unique flavor, but it’s fine to omit it if you’re avoiding seafood. You might add a bit more soy sauce or use hoisin sauce as a substitute for a similar sweetness.
Lumpia Wrappers: The key is using thin wrappers. If you can’t find them, spring roll wrappers or even homemade dough (if you’re adventurous) can work well!
How Can I Make Perfectly Rolled Lumpia?
Rolling lumpia can seem tricky, but with a few steps, you’ll get it right every time! Start with your wrapping surface flat, and visualize the process as an envelope. Always keep the filling tight to ensure no spills during frying.
- Place the wrapper so a corner is facing you; this makes rolling easier.
- Don’t overfill—about 2 tablespoons of filling is perfect.
- Fold the bottom up over the filling, tuck the sides in, and roll away from you, squeezing gently.
- Seal the edges with a bit of water to keep them together.
Practice makes perfect! I recommend making a few test ones to find your technique before you fry them all. Happy cooking!
How to Make Authentic Lumpia?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef)
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
For Rolling:
- 1 package lumpia wrappers (about 20-30 sheets)
- Oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sweet chili sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’re looking at about 20 minutes for prep and another 20-30 minutes for frying, depending on how many batches you make. In total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to get everything ready and cooked to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, drizzle a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them until they smell amazing and the onion is soft and transparent—this should take a few minutes. Next, toss in the ground pork (or beef). Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as you go.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
Once your meat is cooked, add the finely chopped carrots, green onions, and shredded cabbage. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the veggies just start to soften. Now sprinkle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix it all up, then take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit.
3. Roll the Lumpia:
Grab a lumpia wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of your delicious filling onto the bottom edge of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold the two sides in (so everything is nice and snug), and then roll it tightly towards the top corner. Use a little dab of water to seal the edge so it stays closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until you have a bunch of lovely lumpia!
4. Fry to Perfection:
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, carefully add a few lumpia at a time, frying them until they’re golden brown and crispy—this will take about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once they’re perfectly browned, let them drain on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your lumpia while they’re hot, paired with sweet chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade authentic lumpia!
Can I Use a Different Meat for Lumpia?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just ensure that the meat is cooked fully before adding any sauces.
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, it’s best to avoid stacking them. You can reheat them in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Freeze Lumpia Before Frying?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked lumpia! Once you’ve rolled them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Sauce Pairs Best with Lumpia?
Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, but you could also serve lumpia with a soy sauce dip, vinegar with minced garlic, or even a spicy mayo for a little kick. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips!
