If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the delicious world of Filipino cuisine, the Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls) Recipe is a fantastic place to start. These golden, crispy rolls are packed with a savory mix of seasoned ground pork and beef, fresh vegetables, and just the right touch of broth, making each bite a delightful explosion of flavor and texture. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party favorite, this recipe captures the essence of authentic lumpia and will quickly become a cherished dish in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the perfect lumpia. Each element plays a crucial role in layering flavors, enhancing texture, or adding vibrant colors that make these spring rolls truly irresistible.
- Vegetable or olive oil: Used for sautéing and frying to achieve that crispy golden exterior.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant base and depth to the filling.
- Yellow onions, finely diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a tender bite.
- Ground beef and ground pork: The meaty core that offers rich, savory flavor.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight the natural flavors.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the filling with a delicate umami touch.
- Chicken broth: Moistens the filling and intensifies its savory taste.
- Russet potato, peeled and finely diced: Adds comforting texture and subtly absorbs the flavors.
- Carrots, finely diced: Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Johnny’s Seasoning Salt: Adds a special flavorful kick that ties everything together.
- Green beans, thinly sliced: Provides freshness and a slight crispness to the filling.
- Green cabbage, finely chopped: A crunchy and mild contrast that balances the mixture.
- Celery, finely chopped: Offers a unique aromatic crunch and enhances overall texture.
- Lumpia wrappers (35-45 frozen sheets): Wrapping these together into neat rolls creates that wonderfully crispy outer layer.
How to Make Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating your oil in a skillet over medium heat—this is where all the magic begins. Sauté the garlic and onions until they turn translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful foundation. Add the ground beef and pork along with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, cooking everything until the meat is browned evenly. This savory base is key to the authentic taste of your lumpia.
Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables
Once your meat is cooked, drain out any excess oil and pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Introduce the finely diced potatoes and carrots along with Johnny’s Seasoning Salt, then let the filling simmer so the flavors meld beautifully. The potatoes soften and soak up all that savory goodness, while the carrots lend a slight sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Greens
Next, stir in the green beans, cabbage, and celery, allowing the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step is important to keep the vegetables tender yet slightly crisp, providing texture that’s essential to the best lumpia. When finished, remove from heat and drain any excess liquid or fats—letting the filling cool makes handling it so much easier for rolling.
Step 4: Roll the Lumpia
Carefully separate your lumpia wrappers, making sure not to tear them. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling diagonally near one corner of a wrapper, leaving enough space on all sides. Fold the wrapper lengthwise over the filling, tuck in the edges, and roll tightly to seal everything in. Moisten the edge with water to keep your spring rolls from unrolling during cooking. This technique guarantees crisp, clean rolls ready for frying.
Step 5: Fry or Freeze Your Lumpia
At this point, your lumpia are ready for cooking or storage. If frying immediately, cover the rolls to prevent drying and heat at least an inch of oil in a skillet for perfect golden crispiness, frying for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. To freeze, layer lumpia in a freezer bag separated by parchment paper, and enjoy fresh lumpia anytime within two months—no need to thaw before frying!
How to Serve Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls) Recipe
Garnishes
Lumpia tastes fantastic on its own, but garnishes make the experience even better. Consider serving with a side of freshly chopped scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to add a pop of color and extra layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Lumpia pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, spicy vinegar with garlic, or a classic soy-vinegar blend. Add a fresh salad or a simple bowl of garlic fried rice to round out the meal and balance the crunch with something light and fragrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family gathering, arrange your lumpia on a platter with dipping sauces in decorative bowls. Alternatively, cut the lumpia into bite-sized pieces for an elegant appetizer display or serve them skewered with a colorful dipping trio to wow your guests with creativity and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover lumpia, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days, maintaining their flavor and texture when reheated properly. Just remember to crisp them lightly on a skillet or oven rather than using the microwave to keep that delightful crunch.
Freezing
Lumpia freeze amazingly well. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag with parchment or plastic wrap between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen lumpia can be stored for up to 2 months and are a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated lumpia by frying them in hot oil until heated through and crispy again on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes for a healthier reheating option.
FAQs
Can I make Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls) Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with finely diced tofu, mushrooms, or a medley of vegetables to keep it meat-free while maintaining a delicious, hearty filling.
What’s the best dipping sauce for lumpia?
The classic choice is a sweet and sour sauce or a mix of vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic for a tangy kick. Feel free to customize based on your taste preferences.
How long can I store frozen lumpia?
Frozen lumpia keeps best for up to 2 months in the freezer, after which quality may start to decline but they’re still safe to eat if kept frozen continuously.
Can I bake lumpia instead of frying?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, bake lumpia at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Do I need to thaw frozen lumpia before cooking?
No need to thaw! You can fry frozen lumpia straight from the freezer; just adjust frying time slightly to ensure they cook through evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing a warm batch of Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls) Recipe with family or friends. These crispy, flavorful rolls are more than just a dish—they celebrate Filipino culture and comfort in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any occasion. Happy cooking!
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Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 40 servings 1x
Description
Lumpia is a traditional Filipino spring roll filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, and fresh vegetables, wrapped in thin lumpia wrappers and fried to a golden crisp. This recipe yields a large batch, perfect for parties or family gatherings, with a juicy and flavorful filling simmered in chicken broth and seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onions
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) chicken broth (about 2 cups)
- 1 large Russet potato, peeled and finely diced
- 1 cup finely diced carrots
- 3 teaspoons Johnny’s Seasoning Salt
- 1 cup thinly sliced green beans
- 1 cup finely chopped green cabbage
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
For Wrapping and Frying
- 35–45 frozen Lumpia wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for 1 inch deep in skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Meats: Add ground beef and ground pork to the skillet along with kosher salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. Cook, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Drain excess oil from the pan, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and carrots, sprinkle with Johnny’s Seasoning Salt, and reduce heat to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Finish the Filling: Stir in the sliced green beans, chopped cabbage, and celery. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the vegetables are slightly crisp but cooked. Remove from heat and drain off any excess liquid and fat. Let the filling cool to room temperature before assembling.
- Prepare Wrappers: Carefully separate the frozen lumpia wrappers, making sure not to tear them. Keep them covered under a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent drying out as you work.
- Assemble Lumpia: Place one heaping tablespoon of the cooled filling diagonally near one corner of a wrapper, leaving about 1.5 inches of space at the edges. Fold the wrapper side over the filling, tuck in both ends tightly, then roll the wrapper snugly. Moisten the final edge with water to seal the roll completely.
- Fry or Freeze Lumpia: If frying immediately, cover assembled lumpia with plastic wrap or a moist towel. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to a depth of about 1 inch over medium heat and warm for 5 to 10 minutes. Fry lumpia rolls for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning to ensure an even golden browning. Remove and drain on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to catch excess oil.
- Freezing Option: To freeze, place lumpia in a freezer-safe resealable bag with plastic wrap or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, fry directly from frozen without thawing, adjusting fry time as needed to ensure they are heated through and crisp.
Notes
- Lumpia wrappers can dry out quickly; keep them covered with a damp towel while working.
- Johnny’s Seasoning Salt adds a distinct savory flavor; you can substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt if unavailable.
- For a leaner version, use only ground pork or ground turkey instead of both beef and pork.
- Ensure the filling has cooled completely before wrapping to avoid tearing the wrappers.
- Frying oil temperature should be medium heat to avoid burning the wrappers before the filling is cooked.
- If preferred, bake lumpia at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes turning once for a healthier alternative, though frying is traditional.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Filipino
