Homemade Crispy Lumpia Recipe: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfect Filipino Spring Rolls
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly golden, incredibly crispy lumpia. These delightful Asian spring rolls, particularly beloved in Filipino cuisine, are a staple at celebrations, potlucks, and family dinners. Their irresistible crunch combined with a flavorful filling makes them an instant favorite. If you’ve ever dreamt of mastering the art of homemade lumpia, you’ve come to the right place. Our detailed recipe, complete with an easy-to-follow video guide, simplifies the process, ensuring you achieve that coveted crispiness every single time.
This recipe focuses on creating a mouth-watering filling packed with savory minced meat, tender chicken, and vibrant, crisp vegetables. It’s a balanced blend that delivers both texture and taste in every bite. Whether you’re planning an elaborate party spread or simply craving a delicious snack, these spring rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to impress your guests and your taste buds with truly exceptional homemade lumpia!
Why You’ll Love This Lumpia Recipe
Our recipe stands out for its simplicity and the foolproof results it delivers. We’ve honed every step to make the process enjoyable and the outcome spectacular. Here’s what makes this recipe a must-try:
- **Unmatched Crispiness:** We reveal the secrets to achieving that perfect golden-brown, shatteringly crisp exterior that is characteristic of authentic lumpia.
- **Flavorful & Versatile Filling:** A hearty mix of minced meat, chicken, and fresh vegetables ensures a filling that’s both satisfying and adaptable. You can easily adjust the vegetables to your preference or dietary needs.
- **Easy-to-Follow Video Guide:** The rolling technique, often seen as the trickiest part, is demystified with our step-by-step video, allowing you to visually learn and replicate the process with confidence.
- **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These lumpia are equally at home as a sophisticated appetizer at a dinner party, a crowd-pleasing snack for game night, or a delightful component of a buffet.
- **Make Ahead & Freezer Friendly:** Save time and stress by preparing these in advance. They freeze beautifully, making them ideal for quick future meals or unexpected guests.
Essential Tips for Perfect Lumpia
Achieving lumpia perfection involves a few key techniques. These tips will help you navigate the process like a seasoned pro:
- **Sealing the Wrappers:** To ensure your lumpia stay tightly rolled and don’t unravel during frying, always brush a little water along the edges of the wrapper before making your final fold. This creates a secure seal.
- **Keeping Wrappers Pliable:** Lumpia wrappers, especially if you’re working with a large batch, can dry out surprisingly fast. To prevent this, keep any unused wrappers covered with a damp (not soaking wet) towel. This maintains their flexibility, making them easier to handle and less prone to tearing.
- **Dipping Sauce Essentials:** Lumpia truly shine when paired with the right dipping sauce. Classic choices include a sweet chili sauce for a touch of heat and tang, or a savory soy sauce for a more traditional Asian flavor. Experiment with homemade garlic-vinegar dips or even a spicy sriracha mayo to find your favorite combination.
- **Vegetarian Adaptation:** For those seeking a delicious meat-free option, substituting the chicken and pork with finely chopped Shiitake mushrooms creates an incredibly flavorful and satisfying vegetarian lumpia. You can also add other finely diced vegetables like cabbage, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts for added texture and nutrition.
- **Mastering the Roll with Our Video:** Don’t be intimidated by the rolling process! While it might seem intricate at first, it’s quite straightforward once you see it in action. We’ve included a clear video demonstration within this recipe to guide you through each fold, ensuring neat, compact rolls every time.
Preparation and Storing for Convenience
One of the many benefits of this lumpia recipe is its fantastic make-ahead potential. Whether you’re planning a party or just stocking your freezer with delicious snacks, these tips will ensure your lumpia are ready whenever you are.
- **Advance Preparation:** You can easily prepare these crisp lumpia up to two days in advance. After rolling, arrange them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet, then cover them tightly with plastic foil to prevent them from drying out. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry.
- **Freezing for Later:** For longer storage, lumpia freeze exceptionally well. Arrange the uncooked, rolled lumpia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored for approximately 3 months in the freezer. There’s no need to defrost them before frying; simply add an extra minute or two to the initial frying step when cooking them from frozen, ensuring they cook through evenly and become golden and crisp.
Having a batch of homemade lumpia ready in your freezer is a game-changer for spontaneous entertaining or satisfying sudden cravings. They cook up quickly from frozen, offering a delightful treat with minimal effort.
Explore More Asian & Appetizer Delights
If you’ve enjoyed making these crispy lumpia, you might be interested in exploring other delicious recipes from my kitchen. From savory appetizers to unique culinary creations, there’s always something new to discover. Below are a few related recipes that share similar flavors or are perfect for your next gathering. Click on any image to dive into the full recipe!
- Chicken Lumpia
- Rye Bread Sandwiches
- Cauliflower and cheese spring rolls
- Cucumber with ham mousse
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📖 Recipe
VIDEO
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 grams vermicelli
- 1 onion , finely chopped
- 2 carrots , grated
- 3 scallions , thinly sliced
- 2 eggs, size L
- 2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, fresh grounded
- 250 grams chicken breast
- 250 gram ground pork
- 30 sheets lumpia sheets , 8 square fresh or frozen and thawed
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Preparation
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Place the vermicelli in a large bowl. Cover with hot water and soak for 5 minutes. Then drain in a colander. Cut the vermicelli into small pieces.
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Chop the onion, slice the scallions and mince the garlic. Grate the carrots.
Prepare the filling
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Add the onions, carrots, and scallions to the vermicelli.
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In a second bowl whisk together the eggs, fish sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Ground the chicken in the blender and add the chicken and the pork to the second bowl.
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Then add the noodle mixture and mix until just combined.
Roll the lumpia
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Take one wrapper and, with the point facing you, and place it on a clean surface.
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Place 1½ tablespoons of filling 1 inch (2 cm) from the edge.
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Fold the end over the filling and turn the filling once.
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Fold the right and left sides over the filling.
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Then roll further until you get a cylinder.
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Brush the end on top (about 1 inch (2 cm)) with water, and then roll the final turn.
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Repeat, using all wrappers and filling. (see the video above for the rolling).
Fry your lumpia
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Preheat the frying pan to 355 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius.)
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Place a spring roll in the fat and bake for 2 minutes.
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Get out of the frying pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
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Then again put the lumpia back in the frying pan and bake for another 2 minutes.
Notes
- To ensure a tight seal and prevent your lumpia from unfolding during frying, always brush a small amount of water on the wrapper edges before making your final roll. This acts as a natural adhesive.
- Lumpia wrappers can dry out quickly when exposed to air. To keep them pliable and easy to work with, place any unused wrappers under a slightly damp towel.
- For the best serving experience, arrange your freshly fried lumpia on a platter. Offer a selection of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or traditional soy sauce to cater to different tastes.
- Craving a vegetarian option? Simply substitute the chicken and pork with finely chopped Shiitake mushrooms. You can also add other vegetables like shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or bamboo shoots for extra texture and flavor.
- The rolling technique is crucial for a perfectly shaped lumpia. While it’s not overly difficult, watching it performed can be incredibly helpful. Be sure to check out the video provided in this recipe for a visual guide to mastering the roll.
Nutrition
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