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These Filipino Lumpia bring the flavor and festive spirit of the Philippines right to your table. With crispy golden wrappers and a savory pork and vegetable filling, they make any meal or gathering feel extra special. You will find these delicious spring rolls at every Filipino party and now you can make them at home with ease.
I learned this recipe from a close family friend during a summer barbecue and making lumpia together has become one of my most cherished traditions.
Ingredients
- Ground pork: Tender and flavorful base look for freshly ground pork with a bit of fat for juiciness
- Medium onion: Finely minced so it melts into the filling choose sweet yellow onions for best flavor
- Medium carrot: Adds a touch of color and sweetness use a box grater for best texture
- Garlic: Essential for aroma and depth fresh garlic works best
- Water chestnuts: Bring crunch and freshness canned is fine but rinse well
- Black pepper: Provides gentle heat use freshly ground for better pop
- Oyster sauce: Infuses a rich umami depth if unavailable use a good quality soy sauce
- Egg: Helps bind the filling and keeps it moist
- Lumpia wrappers: Classic for that shatteringly crisp shell if you use spring roll wrappers make sure they are thin
- Vegetable oil: Choose one with a high smoke point for frying
- Sweet chili sauce: For dipping adds a tangy sweet finish
Spending a little time to prep all your ingredients finely makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Use a large bowl to combine the pork onion carrot garlic water chestnuts black pepper oyster sauce and egg. Dive in with clean hands to really mix until everything is thoroughly combined. Do not rush this step because an evenly blended filling cooks more evenly.
- Wrap the Lumpias:
- Lay a lumpia wrapper flat on a clean dry surface. Place one and a half to two tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Spread it out into a small log shape but keep the sides clear for neat folding. Dip your fingertips in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper to help seal. Fold the bottom over the filling fold in both sides tightly and roll the wrapper up. Press a little to secure and dab the edge with water to make sure it sticks.
- Fry the Lumpias:
- Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to reach about half an inch deep. Heat it over medium high heat until a small piece of wrapper sizzles right away when dropped in. Carefully fry the lumpias in small batches turning them gently so all sides become evenly golden brown. Each batch needs about four minutes per side. Place the cooked lumpias on a paper towel lined rack to drain away excess oil.
- Serve Hot:
- Transfer lumpias to a serving plate while still warm. Offer with a bowl of sweet chili sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.
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I always use fresh garlic for its aromatic punch in the filling. My family and I would roll and fry lumpias as a group before holidays and feasts so each bite brings back fun memories of laughter at the kitchen table.
Storage Tips
After wrapping but before frying freeze lumpia flat in a single layer then store in an airtight container. Frozen lumpias can go straight into hot oil when you are ready to cook them just watch out for oil splatters.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap oyster sauce with soy sauce if needed. Ground chicken or even firm tofu works if you prefer not to use pork. Try adding green beans or cabbage for extra crunch and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Lumpia tastes best fresh and hot with sweet chili or spicy vinegar for dipping. Serve as an appetizer at parties or alongside rice and noodles as a main dish.
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Recipe FAQs
- → What makes lumpia wrappers ideal for these rolls?
Lumpia wrappers are thin and crisp up beautifully when fried, delivering a delicate crunch that complements the savory filling perfectly.
- → Can I substitute oyster sauce in the filling?
Yes, you can use soy sauce as an alternative to oyster sauce. This still adds a rich, umami depth to the mixture.
- → How can I prevent the rolls from unwrapping during frying?
Ensure the edges of the wrappers are moistened and pressed firmly so the rolls seal tightly. Use a dab of water as a natural adhesive.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with lumpia?
Sweet chili sauce is a popular choice, but you can also serve them with vinegar-based dips or banana ketchup for a tangy kick.
- → Are these spring rolls suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Assemble and freeze the rolls in a single layer, then fry straight from frozen, taking care to avoid oil splatter.