Description: These Filipino-style spring rolls, filled with savory ground pork and crisp vegetables, are deep-fried to golden perfection. Learn how to make these addictive appetizers at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ½ cup green beans, finely chopped
- ½ cup cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sweet chili sauce, for dipping (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pork: In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground pork over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked pork. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the grated carrot, chopped green beans, and chopped cabbage. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. This step adds essential texture and nutrients to your lumpia filling.
Step 4: Season the Filling: Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the flavors meld together. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and coat the filling evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the lumpia. This prevents the wrappers from becoming soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the Lumpia: Place a lumpia wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing towards you (diamond shape). This orientation makes it easier to roll. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling, as this can cause the lumpia to burst during frying.
Step 6: Roll the Lumpia: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, creating a tight seal. Then, fold in the left and right corners towards the center. This helps to enclose the filling securely. Roll the lumpia away from you, tucking in the sides as you go, until you reach the top corner of the wrapper.
Step 7: Seal the Lumpia: Dab a little water on the top corner of the wrapper to seal the lumpia. This acts as a natural glue, preventing the lumpia from unraveling during frying.
Step 8: Fry the Lumpia: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of wrapper sizzles and browns quickly when dropped in. Carefully add the lumpia in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Monitor the heat to prevent burning.
Step 9: Drain the Lumpia: Remove the fried lumpia from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on paper towels. This helps to remove excess oil, resulting in crispier lumpia.
Step 10: Serve: Serve hot and crispy with sweet chili sauce for dipping, if desired. Lumpia is best enjoyed immediately after frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This lumpia recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of savory pork, fresh vegetables, and crispy wrappers is simply irresistible. Plus, they are relatively easy to make at home. The recipe can also be easily customized with different vegetables or protein.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer for parties or gatherings.
- Pair with other Filipino dishes like pancit or adobo for a complete meal.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, vinegar, or soy sauce with calamansi.
Tips:
- Don’t overfill the lumpia wrappers, or they may burst during frying.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, or the lumpia will absorb too much oil.
- Fry the lumpia in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.
- To keep the fried lumpia warm, place them in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
- Prepare the lumpia ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion:
Homemade lumpia is a delicious and rewarding experience. This recipe provides a clear and easy-to-follow guide to creating this Filipino favorite. With a little practice, you’ll be making batches of these crispy spring rolls for every occasion!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork?
- A: Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for ground pork. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Q: Can I make the lumpia ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can assemble the lumpia ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Q: Can I freeze the lumpia?
- A: Yes, you can freeze the lumpia. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Fry them from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Q: What is fish sauce?
- A: Fish sauce is a liquid condiment made from fish that has been coated in salt and fermented. It adds a savory and umami flavor to dishes. You can find it in most Asian grocery stores.
I hope you enjoy this detailed lumpia recipe! Let me know if you have any other requests.
