Pork Lumpia is a delicious Filipino spring roll filled with savory pork and crunchy veggies. They’re crispy, tasty, and perfect for sharing—or not! 😋
Making lumpia is a fun kitchen adventure! I love to dip them in sweet chili sauce for that extra kick. Trust me, everyone will want your recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: The star ingredient, ground pork gives your lumpia a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned with soy sauce.
Carrots and Green Beans: These add crunch and color. If you don’t have green beans, try bell peppers or zucchini instead. Shredded cabbage is also a nice addition if you want more veggies!
Water Chestnuts: These provide a delightful crunch but can be omitted if you can’t find them. You can replace them with chopped water chestnut substitutes like jicama for a similar crunch.
Lumpia Wrappers: Look for spring roll or lumpia wrappers in grocery stores. If you can’t find these, you can make your own using thin crepes. Just adjust the cooking method slightly to keep them from tearing.
How Do I Roll the Perfect Lumpia?
Rolling lumpia can be tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll get it right! First, place the wrapper in a diamond shape. This way, the filling is snug and stays inside. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
- Fold the corner over the filling tightly.
- Fold in the sides to secure the filling, and keep rolling upwards.
- Brush the top corner with the beaten egg to seal it closed.
Practice makes perfect! If the first few don’t turn out perfectly, don’t worry — they’ll still be delicious!
How to Make Delicious Pork Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped green beans
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped water chestnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
For Wrapping:
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers), about 20 sheets
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
- Cooking oil, for deep frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes of prep time for cooking and assembling the filling, and about 15 minutes for frying the lumpia. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can enjoy your crispy and savory Pork Lumpia!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onions, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Cook the Pork:
Next, add the ground pork to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue to cook until the pork is fully browned and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, stir in the finely chopped carrots, green beans, and optional water chestnuts. Cook everything together for another 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a nice crunch.
4. Season the Mixture:
Season your mixture with soy sauce, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set the mixture aside to cool completely.
5. Roll Your Lumpia:
Once the filling has cooled, it’s time to prepare the lumpia wrappers. Place one wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you, fold that corner up over the filling, fold in the sides, and then roll tightly towards the top corner. Brush the tip with beaten egg to seal it. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Fry the Lumpia:
For frying, heat enough cooking oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the lumpia in batches—fry them for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan!
7. Serve:
After frying, remove the lumpia from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve them hot with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade Pork Lumpia!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Pork?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to pork. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so you may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
Place any leftover lumpia in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Lumpia Wrappers?
If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, you can use spring roll wrappers or even make your own crepes for a homemade touch. Just ensure they’re thin to keep the lumpia crispy!
Can I Freeze Uncooked Lumpia?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked lumpia by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to fry them, you can cook them directly from frozen; just increase the frying time slightly!