Crispy Golden Lumpia Recipe: A Filipino Delight Worth Sharing

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, this authentic lumpia recipe brings the vibrant street food of the Philippines straight to your kitchen.

Filipino spring rolls dance with a delightful blend of savory meat and fresh vegetables wrapped in delicate, thin wrappers.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that tells a story of culinary tradition and passion.

The filling comes together quickly, promising a delectable appetizer or snack that will impress everyone at the table.

Carefully crafted techniques ensure your lumpia turn out perfectly crisp and irresistible every single time.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, and now you can create a dish that connects you to the heart of Filipino cuisine.

Serve these delicious rolls hot and watch as they disappear in moments, leaving everyone asking for more.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in traditional Lumpia?

Ground meat (usually pork), carrots, water chestnuts, green onions, soy sauce, and garlic are the core ingredients that create the classic Lumpia filling.

• Is Lumpia a specific type of cuisine?

Lumpia originates from Indonesian and Filipino cuisine, commonly served as a popular appetizer or snack in Southeast Asian cooking.

• Can I make Lumpia ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Lumpia in advance and freeze them uncooked, which allows for convenient meal preparation and quick cooking later.

• How do I prevent Lumpia from becoming soggy?

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (medium-high heat) and drain the fried Lumpia on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain a crispy texture.

Lumpia Top Reasons To Make This Recipe

• Customize with Ease: Swap meat for tofu or extra veggies, making this recipe adaptable for vegetarians and picky eaters who love personalized meals.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: These crispy rolls pack a punch of flavor that kids and adults will devour, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Prep-Ahead Convenience: Assemble Lumpia in advance and freeze, allowing you to have a ready-to-fry appetizer or main course whenever hunger strikes.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward rolling technique make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring delicious results every time.

Must-Have Ingredients For Tasty Lumpia Rolls

• Ground Meat: A flavorful protein that forms the core of the Lumpia filling.

• Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
• Water Chestnuts: Provides a crisp and crunchy element to the mixture.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh and mild onion flavor to the filling.
• Tofu: A vegetarian protein alternative that can replace ground meat.

• Soy Sauce: Brings a rich, savory umami taste to the Lumpia.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the ingredients.
• Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Lumpia Wrapper: A thin pastry used to encase the filling.
• Oil: Used for frying the Lumpia to achieve a golden brown color.
• Water: Used to seal the edges of the Lumpia wrapper.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil after frying.

Lumpia Recipe Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Mix Savory Filling

Combine ground meat, grated carrots, chopped water chestnuts, sliced green onions, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl.

Blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.

Step 2: Wrap Delicious Parcels

Take a lumpia wrapper and place a spoonful of the prepared filling near one edge.

Carefully fold the wrapper, tucking in the sides and rolling tightly.

Use a small amount of water to seal the final edge, creating a secure, compact roll.

Step 3: Crisp Golden Frying

Heat cooking oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high temperature.

Gently place lumpia rolls into the hot oil, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.

Fry until the exterior becomes a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy texture.

Step 4: Drain and Rest

Remove fried lumpia from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs.

Place on a layer of paper towels to absorb excess oil and allow the rolls to cool slightly.

This step helps maintain the crispy exterior.

Step 5: Vegetarian Adaptation

• Crumbled firm tofu
• Additional chopped vegetables
• Mushroom mixture
• Plant-based meat substitutes

Step 6: Freezing for Later

To preserve lumpia for future enjoyment, arrange uncooked rolls on a baking sheet.

Freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag.

They can be directly fried from frozen, extending meal preparation convenience.

Pro Tips For Perfect Homemade Lumpia Rolls

• Use water as glue to prevent filling from spilling during frying, ensuring a crispy and intact Lumpia.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the wrapper or undercooking the filling.
• Batch-make and freeze uncooked Lumpia for quick, ready-to-fry meals anytime.
• Chop water chestnuts and carrots finely to distribute crunch evenly throughout the filling.
• Place fried Lumpia on paper towels to absorb oil and maintain crispy texture.

Flavor Variations For Authentic Lumpia Recipe

• Vegetarian Lumpia: Replace ground meat with crumbled firm tofu, diced mushrooms, and additional julienned vegetables like bell peppers and cabbage for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Seafood Lumpia: Swap ground meat with chopped shrimp or crab meat, adding minced ginger and a splash of sesame oil for enhanced maritime flavors.
• Gluten-Free Lumpia: Use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional wheat wrappers, and replace soy sauce with tamari to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Baked Lumpia: Skip deep-frying and brush lumpia with olive oil, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy for a healthier cooking method.

How To Serve Lumpia As Appetizer

• Dipping Delight: Serve these crispy Lumpia with sweet chili sauce, banana ketchup, or tangy vinegar dip for an explosion of flavor that complements the savory filling.
• Party Platter Perfect: Arrange Lumpia on a large platter with colorful garnishes like fresh herbs, sliced green onions, and lime wedges to create an eye-catching appetizer spread.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Lumpia in advance and freeze uncooked rolls, making them ideal for quick entertaining or unexpected guests who'll love a spontaneous Filipino-inspired snack.
• Meal Companion: Serve alongside steamed rice, create a complete meal by pairing with a light Asian-inspired salad or as part of a larger buffet-style dinner with multiple small dishes.

Lumpia Storage For Fresh And Crispy Rolls

• Store cooked Lumpia in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Arrange raw, rolled Lumpia on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 2 months.
• Preheat to 375°F, place Lumpia on a wire rack, bake 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning halfway for even warming.
• Cook at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket midway to ensure even crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Lumpia Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Filipino Lumpia rolls create a crispy, flavor-packed journey through traditional street food magic. Delicate wrappers embrace savory ground pork, vegetables, and aromatic spices, delivering a perfect handheld snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork or ground beef

Vegetables:

• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Lumpia wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Mix ground meat with finely chopped carrots, diced water chestnuts, minced green onions, crushed garlic, and soy sauce, creating a harmonious filling with balanced seasoning.
2. Lay out lumpia wrapper, positioning filling diagonally across the wrapper’s center, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Fold bottom corner over filling, tightly compress sides inward, then roll upward, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
4. Seal the wrapper’s edge using a small amount of water, pressing gently to secure the closure and prevent unraveling during cooking.
5. Prepare a deep skillet with oil heated to 350°F, ensuring consistent temperature for even browning.
6. Carefully lower lumpia into hot oil, frying until exterior turns golden and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
7. Remove lumpia using tongs, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels, which helps maintain crispness.
8. For vegetarian variation, replace ground meat with crumbled tofu or additional mixed vegetables, maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
9. To preserve for future use, arrange uncooked lumpia on a lined baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer-safe container for storage up to one month.

Notes

• Use cold ingredients for better wrapper adhesion and prevent tearing during rolling.
• Work on a clean, flat surface to ensure tight, uniform Lumpia rolls that won’t unravel while frying.
• Pat ground meat and vegetables dry to reduce excess moisture and achieve crispier texture when frying.
• Try dipping sauces like sweet chili or vinegar-based condiments to enhance flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg