Why You’ll Love these Crispy Filipino Lumpia
These five reasons will make you fall in love with Filipino lumpia from the very first bite.
First, that impossibly crispy wrapper that shatters with each bite—pure textural heaven.
Second, the savory pork filling, perfectly seasoned and mingling with fresh vegetables.
Third, they’re versatile—serve them as appetizers or make them the star of your meal.
Fourth, those dipping sauces, oh my. Whether you prefer tangy vinegar or sweet-sour sauce, each dip transforms your lumpia experience.
Finally, they freeze beautifully, meaning you can make a big batch now and enjoy homemade lumpia anytime the craving strikes.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Filipino Lumpia?
Filipino lumpia are a treasure of flavor and texture, combining savory ground meat with crisp vegetables all wrapped in thin, crispy shells that shatter with each delightful bite.
These delicious rolls are a staple at Filipino gatherings and celebrations, and now you can make them at home with simple, readily available ingredients. The filling is wonderfully versatile—you can adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand, though the traditional combination creates that authentic flavor profile we all crave.
For the Lumpia:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground lean pork
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 pound green beans, julienned
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 15-20 lumpia wrappers (square or round)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the Vinegar Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
When shopping for your lumpia ingredients, the wrappers might be the trickiest component to find. Look for them at Asian grocery stores in the freezer section, sometimes labeled as “spring roll wrappers” (though these are thinner than egg roll wrappers).
If you can’t find specifically labeled lumpia wrappers, Chinese spring roll wrappers make an excellent substitute. For the freshest flavor, try to use vegetables at their peak—crisp bean sprouts, firm carrots, and vibrant green beans will give you that authentic texture contrast that makes lumpia so irresistible.
How to Make these Crispy Filipino Lumpia
To make these irresistible lumpia, start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced onion, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant—that beautiful aroma filling your kitchen is the first sign you’re on your way to something delicious. Next, add 1 pound of ground lean pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cooking until it’s nicely browned with no pink remaining, about 5-7 minutes.
Once your meat is cooked through, it’s time for the veggies. Add ½ pound of julienned green beans and 2 julienned carrots to the skillet, cooking everything together until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-10 minutes. The key here isn’t to overcook them—we want that signature crunch when you bite into the finished lumpia.
Remove the pan from heat and season with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, then let the mixture cool completely before folding in 1 cup of fresh bean sprouts. This cooling step is essential, trust me—hot filling will make your wrappers soggy and tear before you even start rolling.
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Carefully separate your lumpia wrappers (keeping unused ones covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying). Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the edge closest to you, then roll the edge toward the middle, fold in both sides, and continue rolling until you reach the opposite edge. Moisten that final edge with a bit of water to seal it securely.
For the perfect seafood variation of this recipe, consider investing in a quality seafood cookware set that includes a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution when frying.
Once all your lumpia are rolled, heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot and fry them in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels, and serve hot with either the tangy vinegar dipping sauce or sweet and sour sauce. The perfect crunch of that first bite? Absolutely worth every minute of preparation.
Crispy Filipino Lumpia Substitutions and Variations
Many wonderful substitutions can transform traditional lumpia into something uniquely yours while maintaining that irresistible crunch we all crave.
You can swap ground pork for ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Not a fan of green beans? Try cabbage, bok choy, or whatever veggies are hiding in your crisper drawer.
The wrappers themselves might be labeled as “spring roll wrappers” or “egg roll wrappers” at your grocery store—they’ll work just fine, trust me.
And those dipping sauces? They’re completely customizable with a splash more vinegar or a dash less sugar.
What to Serve with Crispy Filipino Lumpia
What delightful dishes can round out your Filipino feast when serving these crispy, golden lumpia rolls?
I always recommend serving lumpia with its traditional dipping companions—either the tangy vinegar garlic sauce or sweet and sour sauce from the recipe.
For a complete meal, pair with steamed jasmine rice and pancit (Filipino noodles).
Need something green? A simple cucumber salad provides cooling contrast to the fried rolls.
For drinks, try calamansi juice or coconut water.
Trust me, nothing beats biting into that crunchy wrapper while taking sips of something invigorating. These combinations create a balanced spread that’ll transport you straight to Manila.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve explored perfect pairings, let me share my final thoughts on these wonderful Filipino lumpia.
These crispy rolls truly represent the heart of Filipino hospitality—shareable, flavorful, and impossible to eat just one.
The beauty of lumpia lies in its versatility.
Make a double batch and freeze some for later, because trust me, you’ll want them on hand for unexpected guests or midnight cravings.
Why not customize the filling to your taste? A little more garlic, perhaps?
For a rich flavor variation, try marinating your meat filling with curry powder and soy sauce before cooking, similar to how lamb is prepared in savory curry dishes.
For a hearty alternative dinner option, consider trying a classic ground beef recipe that combines vegetables and savory seasonings like our lumpia does, but in loaf form.
