Best Filipino Lumpia Recipe

The first time I had the best Filipino lumpia, I was at a neighbor’s potluck, completely unaware that something so small could carry so much flavor. One bite in, I was hooked—crisp on the outside, savory and tender on the inside. Naturally, I had to ask for the recipe. Over time, I’ve adapted it to fit our family’s weeknight routine. Now, lumpia is one of those dishes my kids cheer for when they see it on the table. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and brings a fun, hands-on vibe to dinnertime. The best Filipino lumpia isn’t just food—it’s a celebration..

Why You’ll Love This :

This best Filipino lumpia recipe is everything you want in a savory snack or appetizer—crispy, golden, and packed with well-seasoned filling that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a potluck with friends, or just want something fun to nibble on, these rolls never disappoint. They’re surprisingly simple to make, freeze beautifully, and fry up in minutes. What makes this recipe truly stand out is how customizable it is—you can go classic with ground pork or switch it up with veggies, chicken, or even tofu. The best part? Everyone loves them.

Filipino lumpia isn’t just delicious; it’s a great way to bring people together. Rolling them is easy and even fun to do with kids. Plus, you can make a huge batch ahead of time, freeze them, and pull them out whenever you need something quick and tasty. With each bite, you get the perfect crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness. Once you make this best Filipino lumpia recipe, it’ll become a regular part of your menu rotation.

Ingredients :

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef or chicken)
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 egg (for binding)
• 25–30 lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour + 2 tbsp water (for sealing)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Substitutions & Variations for the Best Filipino Lumpia

This best Filipino lumpia recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some simple swaps and twists you can try:

• Protein Options: Not a fan of pork? Use ground chicken, beef, turkey, or tofu for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and double up on veggies like mushrooms, shredded zucchini, or bean sprouts.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of fish sauce or a dash of sesame oil for extra depth.
• Wrapper Options: If you can’t find traditional lumpia wrappers, use spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough in a pinch.
• Baking Instead of Frying: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

These variations let you tailor the best Filipino lumpia to your taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Making the best Filipino lumpia is easier than it looks. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, carrots, cabbage, green onions, garlic, onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
2. Prep Your Wrappers: Lay a lumpia wrapper flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape).
3. Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture near the bottom corner of the wrapper. Spread it into a thin log shape, about 3 inches long.
4. Roll It Up: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the sides inward. Roll tightly, sealing the top edge with a dab of flour-water paste.
5. Repeat: Continue filling and rolling until all the filling is used.
6. Fry the Lumpia: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the lumpia in batches, turning occasionally, for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain: Place on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
8. Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips :

• Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the filling for 20–30 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to handle and roll tightly.
• Seal Tightly: Use just enough flour-water paste to seal each roll. Loose rolls may open while frying.
• Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers oil temperature and results in soggy lumpia. Work in small batches.
• Use a Thermometer: Keep oil between 350–375°F for even, golden crispiness.
• Test One First: Fry a test lumpia to check for seasoning and adjust your filling before finishing the batch.

Storage & Reheating Tips for the Best Filipino Lumpia

Make-Ahead:
You can roll lumpia ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

To Cook from Frozen:
No need to thaw—just fry them straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the cook time.

Leftovers:
Store cooked lumpia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat Options:

• Oven: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes works beautifully.
• Avoid the Microwave: It makes lumpia soggy and limp.

What to Serve With the Best Filipino Lumpia

The best Filipino lumpia is flavorful on its own, but it really shines when paired with the right sides and sauces. Traditional Filipino dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup are crowd favorites. For a more savory twist, try a mix of vinegar, soy sauce, and crushed garlic—it cuts through the richness and adds a tangy punch.

Lumpia also pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic fried rice – a perfect base for a complete meal
• Pancit – classic Filipino stir-fried noodles
• Fresh lumpia (lumpiang sariwa) – for a contrast in textures
• Ensaladang Mangga – green mango salad with shrimp paste
• Atchara – sweet pickled papaya that balances the richness of fried lumpia

And don’t forget a refreshing drink! Iced calamansi juice or mango smoothie brings a tropical vibe to the table.

FAQs About the Best Filipino Lumpia

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for each serving of 2 pieces:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	2g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g
Protein	8g
Sodium	320mg
Cholesterol	35mg
Trans Fat	0g

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