Pork Lumpia are crispy, golden spring rolls stuffed with tasty pork and veggies. They’re fun to eat and perfect for sharing with friends and family!
If you’re looking for a tasty snack, these are it! I love dipping them in sweet sauce and enjoying every crunchy bite. You might want to make extra—trust me, they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the star of the dish, providing that rich flavor. For a leaner option, you can use ground chicken or turkey. Some people love the meaty taste of beef too, but it will change the overall flavor profile.
Carrots and Cabbage: These add crunch and sweetness. If you’re out of these, zucchini or bell peppers are great alternatives. You could even use a coleslaw mix for added convenience!
Fish Sauce: It gives a distinct umami flavor, but if you want to skip it or avoid seafood, soy sauce works well on its own. Coconut aminos can be a good substitute for a soy-free option.
Lumpia Wrappers: These are essential for the crispy exterior. If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, spring roll or egg roll wrappers can be used. Just remember to adjust cooking time based on their thickness!
Bean Sprouts: They add a nice texture. Feel free to skip them if you don’t have any on hand or just use more cabbage instead!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Rolled Lumpia?
Rolling lumpia might seem tricky, but it’s all about the technique. Here’s a simple way to ensure they hold together beautifully:
- Keep your lumpia wrappers covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent them from drying out.
- When adding the filling, don’t overstuff! A couple of tablespoons is all you need.
- Rolling should be snug but not too tight; this helps them stay together while frying.
- Be sure to seal the edges well with the beaten egg; this keeps the filling inside.
Practice makes perfect—so don’t worry if the first few aren’t perfect!
How to Make Crispy Pork Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup minced onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
For Wrapping and Frying:
- 1 package lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prep and an additional 15-20 minutes for frying. So, you’re looking at around an hour to get those delicious Pork Lumpia ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, green onions, minced onions, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Make sure the flavors are evenly distributed!
2. Adding Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using bean sprouts, gently fold them into the pork mixture now. This adds a nice crunch to your lumpia!
3. Wrapping the Lumpia:
Carefully separate the lumpia wrappers to avoid tearing them. Take one wrapper and lay it on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture near the corner closest to you, shaping the filling into a log that’s about 3-4 inches long.
4. Rolling Them Up:
Fold the corner over the filling, followed by folding in the two sides. Roll it up tightly toward the far corner. Make sure it’s snug but not overly tight which can cause it to burst while frying!
5. Sealing the Wrappers:
Brush a little beaten egg on the last corner of the wrapper to seal it securely. This is important to keep the filling inside while frying.
6. Frying the Lumpia:
Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining filling until everything is wrapped up. Next, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the lumpia in batches. Fry each batch for about 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remember to turn them occasionally to get even frying!
7. Draining and Serving:
Once they’re fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the lumpia and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve them hot with sweet chili sauce or a vinegar dipping sauce for an extra kick!
Enjoy your crispy and savory Pork Lumpia!
Can I Use Different Meats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground pork is traditional, you can substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or even beef if you prefer. Each meat will give a different flavor that can be delicious in its own right!
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
To store leftover lumpia, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Freeze Uncooked Lumpia?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked lumpia! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen without thawing, but add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Lumpia?
Sweet chili sauce is a classic pairing, but you can also try a tangy vinegar dipping sauce with garlic or even a soy sauce and calamansi mix for a zesty contrast. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite!
