Traditional Filipino Lumpia (2024)

Did you know you can make restaurant-worthy lumpia in your own home? This lumpia recipe produces perfectly crispy and absolutely irresistible spring rolls every time.

What Is Lumpia?

Lumpia are fried spring rolls that are found in Filipino and Indonesian cuisines. The rolls traditionally feature a thin pastry skin (a.k.a. a lumpia wrapper) and are often stuffed with a savory mixture of ground pork and vegetables.

How to Make Lumpia

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

1. Make the filling: Cook the pork until crumbly and set aside. Drain most (but not all) of the grease. Cook the onion and garlic in the remaining grease. Return the pork to the pan and stir in the veggies, cilantro, and seasonings. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Assemble the lumpia: Place three tablespoons of the filling on the wrapper and follow the instructions to roll and seal the lumpia. Repeat until all the rolls are assembled.
3. Fry the lumpia: Heat oil in a skillet. Fry the lumpia three to four rolls at a time. Turn until all sides are brown. Drain on a paper towel.

How to Serve Lumpia

Lumpia is often served with a sweet chili dipping sauce (this 5-ingredient Hot and Sweet Dipping Sauce is an excellent choice). If you're sensitive to heat, you could try with a classic Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Make it a meal by pairing your lumpia with Garlic Fried Rice or serving it as an appetizer for a traditional Filipino main dish, such as Caldereta.

How to Store Lumpia

Allow the rolls to cool, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Store the lumpia in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can You Freeze Lumpia?

Yes, but it's best to freeze the lumpia before you fry it.

To freeze un-fried lumpia: Arrange the cooled rolls on a baking sheet, then cover with storage wrap. Freeze for a few hours or up to overnight. When the lumpia are frozen solid, transfer the rolls to a zip-top freezer bag (don't forget to squeeze out the excess air) or another freezer-safe container. Wrap in foil for added protection. Lumpia can be frozen for up to three months.

There's no need to thaw — just go ahead and fry the lumpia from frozen.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I had wanted to make these for a long time, but I thought that they would be really hard to make," says misspiggy067. "Boy, was I wrong. They are really easy and they taste wonderful!! My family loves them."

"I am Filipino and have tasted many different Lumpia recipes...this was a great one," raves Baker. "I found you have to be very careful with the temperature of the oil, definitely keep it at medium. If the oil is too hot, the outside cooks too quickly and the inner wrapper doesn't get crispy."

"I almost wish I didn't know how easy and cheap it is to make these in my own kitchen," shesinparties. "Now I find myself standing in my kitchen in the morning wondering how lumpia would go with my coffee. Seriously, these things are so easy and awesome."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Traditional Filipino Lumpia (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional lumpia made of? ›

But what is lumpia, anyway? They're a Filipino version of spring rolls made with lumpia wrappers and typically filled with ground pork, carrots and onions, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The mixture is either sautéed in a skillet for a pre-cook or simply scooped into neat balls of uncooked meat.

What is the difference between spring rolls and lumpia? ›

Although spring rolls and lumpia are similar, they are not the same. Lumpia are usually longer and skinner than spring rolls. Besides the shape, spring rolls from Chinese restaurants are usually vegetarian, while lumpia, lumpian shanghai specifically (this version), is mostly meat.

What is the difference between lumpia and fresh lumpia? ›

The fried lumpia is the most popular and the most well-known to Filipinos, but there is also the fresh lumpia or lumpiang sariwa which is made with a soft, freshly made wrapper instead of one that needs to be fried to a crisp. Lumpia are commonly stuffed with many ingredients.

What is Filipino lumpia wrapper made of? ›

They are made from just four simple ingredients. Flour, cornstarch, Water, and Salt. These ingredients are combined to form an extremely wet and viscous dough.

What is the difference between Shanghai and lumpia? ›

Lumpiang Shanghai is regarded as the most basic type of lumpia in Filipino cuisine, and it is usually smaller and thinner than other lumpia variants.

What is fresh lumpia made of? ›

The ingredients—ground chicken or pork, olive oil, peanuts, and fresh herbs and spices—add flavor. Also, the lumpiang sariwa is served fresh so it has fewer calories than fried lumpiang. Source: Mula sa Pusa, Heart Healthy Traditional Filipino Recipes, American Heart Association, 1999.

What are the two types of lumpia? ›

While there are two main kinds of lumpia—fried and fresh—it's the fried variety that I love most. (And pretty much every other Filipino I know agrees.) Just the thought of the crispy-crackly exterior and the juicy, gingery filling inside of them makes my appetite go wild.

Why do Filipinos eat lumpia? ›

Filipinos love Lumpia because it is a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course or snack. It has a light and crunchy wrapper with savory meat filling inside. It's best eaten fresh out of the pan with soy sauce mixed in, but some people like to eat it cold.

Do you fry lumpia frozen or thawed? ›

No, there is no need to thaw frozen lumpia before frying. Frying frozen lumpia directly helps retain its shape, texture, and prevents the filling from spilling out. This makes it easier and more convenient to fry frozen lumpia.

Is Filipino lumpia healthy? ›

A single serving (around 2-3 pieces) can easily pack in 200-300 calories and a significant amount of fat, depending on the recipe. However, there are some redeeming qualities. The vegetables offer some vitamins and minerals, and the protein content can be good depending on the amount of meat used.

How to keep lumpia crispy for hours? ›

If you are bringing the lumpia to an event, party, etc. make sure the container “breathes” otherwise the moisture will make them soggy. Then serve them in some kind of electric-heated container like a crock pot or something heated with Sterno. Or store them in an oven to keep them heated.

What makes lumpia so special? ›

Filipinos love Lumpia because it is a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course or snack. It has a light and crunchy wrapper with savory meat filling inside. It's best eaten fresh out of the pan with soy sauce mixed in, but some people like to eat it cold.

Are egg roll and lumpia wrappers the same? ›

Both egg rolls and lumpia are variations on spring rolls but there are obvious differences between the two. An egg roll is typically heavily stuffed with cabbage, meat, and/or other veggies and has a thick wrapper made of wheat and eggs. Lumpia, on the other hand, have a thinner and more delicate wrapping.

Is lumpia wrapper made of flour? ›

Lumpia wrappers are the Filipino version of spring roll wrappers. Both are thin and delicate yet sturdy enough to contain a variety of fillings. But a standard lumpia wrapper recipe uses flour instead of rice.

What nationality is lumpia from? ›

Lumpia (zh:潤餅) are various types of spring rolls from China, Indonesia and the Philippines. Lumpia are made of thin paper-like or crepe-like pastry skin called "lumpia wrapper" enveloping savory or sweet fillings. It is often served as an appetizer or snack, and might be served deep-fried or fresh (unfried).

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