How to Make Lumpia

I was recently at a graduation party for a friend of mine, surrounded by a multitude of Filipino cuisine. One of the dishes, Lumpia, is their version of a spring roll found at most social gatherings. After having a bite, I couldn't stop eating them for the rest of the night. This dish is easy to make and the best part is that if you're not ready to fry them, you can put them in the freezer and save them for later!

Step 1: What We Need

Food Needed:

1 (20 count) package of Lumpia wrappers (any brand)

1/2 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

2 cloves crushed garlic

1 cup minced green onion

1 cup minced yellow onion

1 cup julienne carrots

1 cup minced celery

1 egg

4 tablespoons soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup water

3 cups of vegetable oil

Equipment Needed:

1 large mixing bowl

1 large pan

1 deep pot or fryer

1 set of tongs

Mixing spoons

Food processor or fork

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

To make the mixing process easier for us later on, we will start by prepping the vegetables.

The carrots will need to be cut julienne style, which means cutting the items into long thin strips. Do not worry if they are not perfect, the carrots tend to break into smaller pieces during the mixing. The most important part of this is how thin they are cut.

The green onions, yellow onions, garlic, and celery will all be minced.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Pour a teaspoon of the vegetable oil into a pan along with the minced garlic and minced yellow onion. Frequently stir the garlic and onions to avoid burning. When the onions start to become translucent, place the ground beef and pork into the pan, stirring occassionally, and cook until browned. Once the mixture is cooked, place onto a plate to cool.

Step 4: Optional: Chop the Meat Mixture

Once the meat, onion, and garlic mixture has cooled, place it in a food processor or chop up into fine pieces with a fork. We want the meat to be as ground as possible.

This is also a preference thing. I like the garlic, onions, and meat to be more ground up compared to the other vegetables that we will be adding, but this may not be the case for you.

You can do half batches of both for the first time and see which you like best for future reference!

Step 5: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine meat mixture, carrots, celery, green onion, soy sauce, egg, and pepper. Mix until pepper and soy sauce are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 6: Fill the Lumpia Wrappers

Prepare wrappers (by separating) and set aside on a large plate. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.

Step 7: Create a Paste

In a small bowl, mix the flour and water together to create a paste.

This will be used to seal the Lumpia wrapper and avoid leakage during the cooking process.

Step 8: Assemble the Lumpia

Fold the left edge of the Lumpia wrapper over the filling as far as it will go.

Fold the right edge of the wrapper as far as it will go.

Grab the top of the wrapper and bring down to the bottom.

Roll the Lumpia down until the remaining corner is attached to the roll.

Seal the remaining corner with our flour and water mixture.

The end result should resemble a Chinese egg roll when completed properly, only thinner and longer.

It is a lot easier than it sounds, I promise. When the Lumpia is in front of you, it will make more sense.

*Note: At this point, you can freeze your Lumpia for up to 3 months if you are not ready to fry and serve

Step 9: Heat the Oil

Heat the remaining vegetable oil, in either a fryer or a deep pot, to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 10: Fry the Lumpia

Once the oil has been heated, cook the lumpia until golden brown using the tongs to turn them often.

Do not over crowd the fryer/pot, leave a couple centimeters between the rolls to avoid them sticking together.

The cooking process for the lumpia should take approximately 3 minutes (5-7 if frozen).

Drain the cooked product on paper towels.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Once the lumpia has drained any excess oil off on a paper towel, place on a plate and serve.

Lumpia is traditionally served with sweet and sour sauce, some prefer it with soy sauce or even by itself.

However you choose to eat it, I hope you all enjoy!