Filipino Lumpia Recipe

Easy Filipino Lumpia Recipe: Crispy Homemade Spring Rolls

Crispy, golden lumpia rolls bring a burst of flavor that dances across your palate with authentic Filipino charm.

Delicate wrappers cradle a savory mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and aromatic spices.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved street food classic in kitchens throughout the Philippines.

Each bite tells a story of culinary tradition and family memories.

Manila’s vibrant food culture shines through these delectable parcels of pure deliciousness.

Wrapping and frying these little treasures requires skill, but the result is worth every careful moment.

Let you embark on a mouthwatering journey that promises to transport you straight to the bustling markets of manila.

Crispy Pork Spring Rolls: Crunchy Highlights

  • Enjoy Quick Preparation: Whip up these spring rolls in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Packed with savory pork, crisp vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, these spring rolls guarantee a taste that will make everyone at the table happy.
  • Master Easy Technique: Learn a straightforward rolling method that turns even novice cooks into confident chefs, with no complicated skills required to achieve restaurant-quality results.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Adapt the filling or dipping sauce to suit personal preferences, making these spring rolls a versatile dish that can be tailored to different taste buds and dietary needs.

Pork Spring Rolls: All the Fixings

Main Ingredients:
  • Pork: A flavorful and protein-rich meat that forms the base of the spring roll filling.
  • Wrappers: Thin, square pastry sheets that create the crispy exterior of the spring rolls.
  • Cabbage: A fresh and crunchy vegetable that adds texture and lightness to the filling.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a zesty and warm flavor to the pork mixture.
  • Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that enhances the overall taste of the filling.
  • Bouillon, Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and subtle spiciness to the spring roll mixture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: A binding agent that helps hold the filling ingredients together and adds richness.
  • Water: Used to seal the edges of the spring roll wrappers during assembly.

Fast Track to Pork Spring Rolls

Step 1: Prep Wrapper Magic

Slice square wrappers into neat rectangles.

Keep wrappers moist by draping a slightly damp kitchen towel over them to prevent drying out.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Combine all filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • Ground pork
  • Finely chopped cabbage
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated fresh ginger
  • Soy sauce
  • Chicken bouillon powder
  • Beaten eggs
  • Cracked black pepper

Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Craft Rolling Technique

Position wrapper with short edge facing you.

Scoop a generous spoonful of filling near the edge closest to you.

Step 4: Perfect Wrapper Sealing

Fold bottom edge over filling.

Tuck sides inward.

Roll upward smoothly.

Moisten final edge with water to create a secure seal.

Continue rolling completely.

Step 5: Prepare Sizzling Oil Bath

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, creating about half-inch depth.

Heat over medium-high temperature until oil shimmers.

Step 6: Golden Frying Process

Carefully slide spring rolls into hot oil.

Fry until exterior turns golden brown and crispy, rotating occasionally.

Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy spring rolls onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Plate alongside sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Pork Roll Tips for Crispy Results

  • Use fresh spring roll wrappers at room temperature for easier handling and prevention of cracking.
  • Drain excess moisture from cabbage to prevent soggy spring rolls and ensure a crispy texture.
  • Maintain consistent 350-375°F oil temperature for perfectly golden and crisp exterior without burning.
  • Press edges firmly with water to create a tight seal that prevents oil from seeping into the filling during frying.
  • Cool completely before refrigerating and reheat in oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding microwave which makes them soggy.

Spring Roll: Fun Fillings to Try

  • Veggie Delight Spring Rolls: Replace pork with tofu, tempeh, or mixed vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts for a vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use rice paper wrappers instead of wheat wrappers and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Chicken Spring Rolls: Swap ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein alternative.
  • Baked Healthier Version: Skip deep-frying and brush rolls with olive oil, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

How to Serve Pork Spring Rolls

  • Party Platter Presentation: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging spring rolls on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions.
  • Casual Gathering Combo: Pair these crispy rolls with a light Asian-inspired coleslaw and chilled cucumber salad for a complete meal that's perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
  • Sauce Adventure Station: Set up a fun dipping sauce bar with multiple options like classic sweet chili sauce, tangy plum sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, and traditional soy-based dipping sauce to let guests customize their flavor experience.
  • Game Night Finger Food: Slice spring rolls into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking during movie marathons, sports events, or game nights, making them a crowd-pleasing finger food option.

Spring Roll Storage Know-How

  • Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual spring rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange spring rolls on baking sheet, bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Flip halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Set air fryer to 375°F. Cook spring rolls for 3-4 minutes, turning once. Enjoy crispy texture without extra oil.

FAQs

  • What's the best type of pork to use for spring rolls?

Ground pork with some fat content works best, as it provides moisture and flavor to the filling.

  • Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the rolls in advance, then refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before frying.

  • How do I prevent spring rolls from getting soggy?

Drain excess moisture from cabbage by salting and squeezing it, and ensure oil is hot enough before frying to create a crispy exterior.

  • Are there any tips for getting a tight, neat roll?

Roll slowly and tightly, tucking in edges as you go, and use water to seal the final edge to prevent unraveling during frying.

Print
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Filipino Lumpia Recipe

Filipino Lumpia Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Crispy Filipino Lumpia rolls deliver a delightful explosion of savory flavors wrapped in golden, paper-thin wrappers. Packed with seasoned ground pork and fresh vegetables, these delectable appetizers bring Philippine street food magic straight to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground pork

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cabbage, thinly sliced

Wrappers and Frying Medium:

  • 1 package (25) lumpia wrappers
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Transform wonton wrappers by slicing them diagonally into triangular shapes, then shield the delicate pieces under a moisture-laden cloth to prevent drying.
  2. Craft a robust filling by thoroughly blending ground pork with finely chopped cabbage, minced garlic, grated ginger, umami-rich soy sauce, savory bouillon, whisked eggs, and cracked black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Position each wrapper with its narrow side facing towards you, then strategically place a generous spoonful of the seasoned mixture near the closest edge, ensuring a compact foundation.
  4. Carefully encase the filling by folding the wrapper’s bottom edge over the mixture, tucking and compressing to create a tight cylinder, leaving a small margin at the top.
  5. Seal the spring roll’s edge by dabbing water along the exposed wrapper, then complete the rolling process, pressing gently to secure the seam and prevent unraveling during cooking.
  6. Prepare a deep skillet with approximately half an inch of vegetable oil, heating to 350°F over medium-high flame until the surface shimmers with consistent warmth.
  7. Gently lower the assembled rolls into the hot oil, maintaining a golden-brown transformation for 3-4 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform crispiness and even coloration.
  8. Transfer the freshly fried spring rolls onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve immediately alongside a vibrant sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use thin rice paper or spring roll wrappers for extra crispiness and lighter texture.
  • Pat cabbage and meat dry to prevent soggy spring rolls and ensure maximum crunchiness.
  • Replace pork with tofu, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables for a plant-based alternative that maintains similar flavor profile.
  • Keep oil consistently around 350-375°F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or absorbing excess oil.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 212
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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