Pork lumpia are tasty Filipino spring rolls filled with seasoned pork and veggies. They’re crispy on the outside and oh-so-delicious inside, making them perfect for snacks or parties!
Who can resist a crunchy roll stuffed with goodness? I love to dip mine in sweet chili sauce for that extra kick! They’re a fun treat that never lasts long at my gatherings! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is your main protein. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great as substitutes. I often use ground turkey for a lighter touch without losing flavor.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, green beans, and mushrooms are key for flavor and texture. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them or add more carrots! For added crunch, sub water chestnuts with chopped bell peppers or celery.
Wrapper: Lumpia wrappers are thin and perfect for frying, but if they’re hard to find, spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough can work too. Just keep in mind that phyllo will be a bit flakier.
Oyster Sauce: While oyster sauce adds depth, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option or skip it entirely if needed.
How Do I Properly Roll and Seal Lumpia?
Rolling lumpia can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it! Start by placing the wrapper in a diamond shape and spooning the filling near the bottom corner. Then, fold the corner over the filling.
- Fold the side corners toward the center to keep the filling secure.
- Roll tightly up towards the top corner, brushing the edge with egg to seal it securely.
- If a wrapper tears, don’t fret! Just use an extra piece to patch it up, or use less filling to prevent breakage.
Make sure to not overfill, as this can lead to bursting while frying. A little practice will help you achieve that perfect roll every time!
How to Make Delicious Pork Lumpia!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped green beans
- ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional)
- ½ cup finely chopped water chestnuts (optional for crunch)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Wrappers:
- 1 package lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
For Frying and Garnish:
- Cooking oil, for deep frying
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for frying. Remember, you will want to give the lumpia some time to cool before serving, so plan for about 40-45 minutes total to have everything ready for your delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing them until they become fragrant and translucent—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the ground pork to the skillet and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to avoid big lumps.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
Once the pork is nicely browned, stir in the shredded carrots, chopped green beans, mushrooms, and water chestnuts (if using). Cook this mixture for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Then, season everything with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes before taking it off the heat. Allow the filling to cool for a few minutes.
3. Wrap the Lumpia:
Carefully separate the lumpia wrappers and lay one on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you in a diamond shape. Spoon around 2 tablespoons of the cooled pork filling near the bottom corner. Fold the corner over the filling, then bring the side corners toward the center to tuck everything in. Roll it tightly toward the top corner, brushing the tip with beaten egg to seal it. Repeat this with the remaining filling and wrappers.
4. Fry the Lumpia:
Now it’s time to fry! Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the lumpia in batches, frying them until they turn golden brown and crispy—about 3-4 minutes each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy pork lumpia hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like sweet chili sauce. You can also sprinkle them with chopped parsley or green onions for an extra touch!
Enjoy your flavorful pork lumpia! They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground pork and will give you a similarly delicious flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
To store leftover lumpia, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before frying; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Thaw in the fridge before frying when ready to eat!
Can I Oven-Bake the Lumpia Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the prepared lumpia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with oil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
What Should I Serve with Lumpia?
Lumpia pairs wonderfully with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a homemade dipping sauce like vinegar mixed with soy sauce and garlic. They can also be served as an appetizer alongside fresh salads or noodles for a complete meal!