Filipino Spring Rolls

Filipino Lumpia Recipe – Authentic Crispy Filipino Spring Rolls

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Introduction

Filipino Lumpia is more than just a snack; it’s a celebration wrapped in a golden, crispy roll. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of savory pork, tender vegetables, and aromatic garlic and onions, encased in a delicate wrapper that crunches satisfyingly. From festive gatherings to weeknight dinners, these Filipino Spring Rolls are irresistible. This recipe will guide you step by step to create authentic Filipino Lumpia, with tips for perfect texture, flavor balance, and even variations for vegetarians. By the end, you’ll have a tray of golden rolls that taste like they came straight from the streets of Manila.

Why You’ll Love This Filipino Lumpia Recipe

  • Crispy Perfection: Golden, crunchy wrappers that hold the juicy filling without sogginess.

  • Flavor Explosion: Balanced seasoning with garlic, onion, soy sauce, and optional oyster sauce.

  • Customizable Filling: Use pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu for vegetarians.

  • Party-Ready: Makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

  • Quick Prep: From filling to frying in under 45 minutes.

  • Kid-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, perfect for picky eaters.

  • Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients for a luxurious taste.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze before frying for busy nights.

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 1 pound ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

  • 1 cup grated carrots

  • 1 cup finely chopped green beans

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Wrapping & Frying:

  • 1 package lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)

  • Oil for frying

  • Dipping sauce: sweet chili or vinegar with garlic

Substitutions & Tips:

  • Meat: Ground beef or turkey can replace pork.

  • Vegetables: Add cabbage, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.

  • Gluten-Free: Use rice paper wrappers.

  • Flavor Boost: A pinch of sesame oil in the filling adds an authentic aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent (3–4 minutes).

  2. Cook the Protein: Add ground pork (or chosen protein) and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spatula (5–7 minutes).

  3. Add Vegetables & Seasoning: Stir in carrots and green beans. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Food Science Tip: Browning the meat creates umami-rich Maillard reactions, enhancing flavor depth in every bite.

Step 2: Wrap the Lumpia

  1. Lay a wrapper with one corner facing you.

  2. Place ~2 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you.

  3. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly and seal with water.

  4. Repeat until all filling is used.

Expert Tip: Keep wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while rolling.

Step 3: Fry the Lumpia

  1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a deep frying pan. Enough oil should allow partial submersion.

  2. Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

  3. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Alternative: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, for a healthier version.

Pro Tips & Tricks

How Do You Make Filipino Lumpia Crispy?

  • Use dry wrappers and room-temperature filling.

  • Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Can I Freeze Lumpia?

  • Yes! Wrap individually and freeze. Fry straight from the freezer—no thawing needed.

What’s the Best Dipping Sauce?

  • Sweet chili sauce works best for parties; vinegar with garlic is traditional and tangy.

Filipino Spring Rolls

Best Ways to Serve Filipino Lumpia

  • As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties or family gatherings.

  • With Rice: Make it a full meal with steamed jasmine rice and a fresh salad.

  • Party Platters: Pair with Filipino barbecue skewers or crispy adobo.

  • Internal Links: Crosslink to recipes like Filipino Chicken Adobo or Crispy Pork Belly.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx.)

  • Calories: 180

  • Protein: 10g

  • Carbs: 15g

  • Fat: 9g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 300mg

Tip: For lighter rolls, bake instead of frying and reduce oil absorption.

Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: 3–4 days in an airtight container.

  • Freeze: Up to 2 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen.

  • Reheat: Oven or air fryer restores crispiness better than microwave.

Filipino Spring Rolls

FAQs

Can I make Filipino Lumpia vegetarian?
Yes! Replace pork with tofu or mushrooms and keep the same vegetables. Add soy sauce for umami.

How do I prevent the wrappers from getting soggy?
Use dry filling, fry immediately after rolling, and avoid overfilling the wrapper.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! Make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and fry when ready.

What are common Filipino Lumpia variations?

  • Meat lumpia with pork or beef

  • Vegetable lumpia with tofu and mushrooms

  • Sweet lumpia with banana or jackfruit

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian: Tofu + cabbage + carrots, baked or fried.

  • Seafood: Shrimp lumpia with bean sprouts.

  • Sweet: Dessert lumpia with banana, jackfruit, or chocolate.

  • Regional Twist: Add coconut milk or fish sauce for unique Filipino flavor.

Conclusion 

Creating Filipino Lumpia is a rewarding culinary adventure. Crispy, savory, and deeply flavorful, these rolls bring a taste of the Philippines to your table. Share your golden creations with friends and family—watch them disappear in minutes! Unlock the full flavor and master the art of Filipino Lumpia today.

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