Chicken Lumpia is a tasty and crispy Filipino treat that’s perfect for parties or snacks! It’s filled with seasoned chicken and veggies, all wrapped in a thin, crunchy shell.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but sneak a few before serving! They’re so good that you might want to keep them all to yourself. But sharing is caring—right?
Making Chicken Lumpia is pretty simple. Just fill, roll, and fry! They’re great served with a sweet dipping sauce, and I always make a big batch because they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish, providing protein and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey is a good substitute. For a vegetarian version, consider using finely chopped mushrooms or tempeh.
Cabbage: Finely shredded cabbage adds crunch and moisture. You can swap it for shredded Napa cabbage or even use coleslaw mix if you need something quick. If you’re avoiding cabbage altogether, try shredded zucchini.
Carrots: Grated carrots bring a bit of sweetness and color. If you don’t have carrots on hand, parsnips or bell peppers can work in a pinch. Just ensure they are finely grated for a smooth filling.
Lumpia Wrappers: These wrappers keep everything together. If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, spring roll wrappers are a great alternative. If gluten is a concern, look for rice paper wrappers.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor, but you can skip it if you want a lighter version. A splash of hoisin sauce or even soy sauce can work too if you’re in a bind.
How Do I Seal Lumpia Properly?
Sealing lumpia can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it. The egg works as a glue to keep everything together. Here’s how to get it right:
- Lay out the wrapper in a diamond shape, and place the filling close to one corner.
- After folding the corner over, ensure to fold the sides in neatly; tight rolls help prevent leaks during frying.
- Brush the edge with a little beaten egg before the final roll – it’s key to keeping it sealed.
- Don’t overfill; about 2 tablespoons of filling should do, giving you enough control as you roll.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if the first few don’t look perfect – they’ll still taste great.
Delicious Homemade Chicken Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 egg (for sealing)
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers), about 20 pieces
- Cooking oil, for deep frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-2 sliced chili peppers (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, making it around 30-35 minutes in total. Perfect for a delightful snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well until fully combined. This is the heart of your lumpia!
2. Season the Mixture:
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), salt, and ground black pepper to the chicken mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This will ensure every bite is flavorful!
3. Assemble the Lumpia:
Take a lumpia wrapper and lay it on a flat surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Now, fold the corner over the filling, then bring the left and right corners towards the center. Roll tightly away from you until you reach the end, then brush the edge with beaten egg to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Fry the Lumpia:
In a deep frying pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the lumpia in batches, turning them occasionally for even cooking, until they are golden brown and crisp—this should take about 3-5 minutes per batch. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili peppers (if desired). Mix well and garnish with chopped green onions. This sauce will bring extra flavor to your lumpia!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your chicken lumpia is now ready to be served! Present them hot alongside the dipping sauce for a delightful snack or appetizer. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can use ground pork, beef, or turkey if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, finely chopped mushrooms or a mix of vegetables would work well too. Just ensure the ingredients are cooked thoroughly.
Can I Make Lumpia Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and wrap the lumpia earlier in the day. Store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap to keep them moist. When you’re ready to cook, just fry them straight from the fridge!
What Should I Do if My Wrapper Breaks?
If a wrapper tears while assembling, don’t worry! Simply use a second wrapper to reinforce it. You can layer an additional wrapper on top of the torn one, or seal the tear with a bit of egg wash before rolling.
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them by lightly frying or baking in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, so they stay crisp!