Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)

Lumpia, the beloved Filipino spring rolls, burst with color and flavor that dances on your palate with every bite. These delightful treats have a crispy outer layer that gives way to a savory, fragrant filling, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. Imagine an evening spent with family gathered around a table, each person eagerly reaching for another piece. Fun fact: Lumpia has its roots in Chinese spring rolls, blending cultures and flavors, creating a perfect fusion of textures! If you’re searching for recipes that evoke family bonding and shared joy, this one holds a special place alongside classics like the ever-popular stuffed peppers. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some Lumpia that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

What is Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)?

So, what’s the fuss about this thing called Lumpia? Could the name be a playful nod to those rolling skills we all loved to master during childhood? The mystery of its origins only adds to its charm, doesn’t it? Imagine all the culinary experiments trying to perfect this delicacy! Along the lines of the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” serving Lumpia is bound to win over anyone’s affection. Picture your loved ones gathering around as you pull out a platter full of crispy rolls; the aroma alone can light up any room! Ready to try your hand at making these delightful rolls and find out what all the excitement is about? Let’s do it!

Why You’ll Love This Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)

This delectable dish is not just a wonderful appetizer; it can be the star of any meal. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking at home and creating a dish that not only brings everyone together but also saves you money while doing it! Think about it—catering can be quite an expense, but making Lumpia at home can be fun and budget-friendly. Once you master the perfect crispy wrapper, the flavor possibilities are endless. Try pairing them with sweet chili sauce, or perhaps a zesty garlic dip! Compared to other wraps, like burritos, Lumpia has that unique crunch that elevates your eating experience. So why wait? Let’s dive into the world of Lumpia!

How to Make Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)

Quick Overview

Making Lumpia is a breeze, especially for those just starting their cooking journeys. The beauty lies in the balance of crispy textures and flavorful fillings, bringing warmth and joy to your mealtime. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes, these rolls are perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home!

Key Ingredients for Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)

• Spring roll wrappers (1 package, approximately 20 sheets)
• Ground chicken or beef (1 pound—use Halal-certified)
• Carrots (1 medium-sized, julienned)
• Cabbage (1 cup, finely chopped)
• Green onions (3, chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 medium, diced)
• Soy sauce (3 tablespoons—make sure it’s Halal)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant. Then, add the ground chicken or beef, cooking until thoroughly browned.
2. Flavor It Up: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the julienned carrots, chopped cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Assemble the Lumpia: Take a spring roll wrapper and place it on a flat surface, with one corner facing you (it should look like a diamond). Place a spoonful of the filling near the bottom corner. Fold the corner to cover the filling, roll it tightly until you reach the middle, then fold in the sides and continue rolling to seal.
4. Fry the Lumpia: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the wrapped Lumpia, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious Lumpia fresh out of the fryer with your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

Top Tips for Perfecting Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)

Here are a few pro-tips to elevate your Lumpia game:

• Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the protein! For a meat-free version, try using tofu or a mix of vegetables.
• Timing: Fry them in batches. Overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than crisp up!
• Avoiding Mistakes: Ensure your filling is cooled before wrapping to prevent soggy wrappers—nobody wants that!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Lumpia are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. If you decide to freeze them, lay them flat on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oil crunch!

Lumpia is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together. Ready to take on this culinary adventure? Bon appétit!

Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)

Crispy Filipino spring rolls filled with savory meats and colorful vegetables, perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 20 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Filipino

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 1 pound Ground chicken or beef (Halal-certified) You may substitute with tofu or mixed vegetables for a meat-free version.
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 medium-sized Carrot, julienned
• 3 pieces Green onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce (Halal)
• to taste Salt and pepper

For frying

• 1 package Spring roll wrappers (approximately 20 sheets)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.
2. Add the ground chicken or beef, cooking until thoroughly browned.

Flavoring

1. Once the meat is cooked, stir in the julienned carrots, chopped cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside to cool.

Assembling

1. Take a spring roll wrapper and place it on a flat surface, with one corner facing you (it should look like a diamond).
2. Place a spoonful of the filling near the bottom corner. Fold the corner to cover the filling, roll it tightly until you reach the middle, then fold in the sides and continue rolling to seal.

Cooking

1. In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, carefully add the wrapped Lumpia, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.

Serving

1. Serve your delicious Lumpia fresh out of the fryer with your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

Notes

Tips: Fry them in batches to avoid steaming. Ensure your filling is cooled before wrapping to prevent soggy wrappers. For storage, keep in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months; reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.