Filipino Lumpia

Authentic Filipino Lumpia Recipe - A Taste of the Philippines

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Filipino Lumpia is a popular dish in the Philippines, consisting of a savory filling wrapped in a thin pastry wrapper and deep-fried to crispy perfection. This dish is a favorite among Filipinos and is often served at parties, gatherings, and special occasions.

History

Lumpia is believed to have originated from Chinese spring rolls brought to the Philippines by Chinese immigrants. Over time, the recipe evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, resulting in the delicious Filipino Lumpia we know today.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef or pork
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 medium onion, minced
5 dried mushrooms, soaked and sliced
1 package (10 oz or 283 g) chop suey vegetables
1 package lumpia wrappers
2 stalks green onion, chopped
1.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp shoyu (soy sauce)
1 egg, beaten
oil for deep frying

How to prepare

Brown the ground beef and stir in the garlic, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté slightly.
Fold in the chop suey vegetables and green onions.
Add the seasonings and cook for about 2 minutes.
Drain the mixture and let it cool.
To make the lumpia, place 2 tbsp of the filling on a lumpia wrapper.
Fold the wrapper neatly like an envelope.
Moisten the corners and top with beaten egg to seal.
Deep fry the lumpia until golden brown.
Serve the lumpia with the dipping sauce.

Variations

Substitute pork with ground chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add shrimp or tofu to the filling for a seafood or vegetarian option.
Experiment with different vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, or bell peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the filling well before wrapping it in the lumpia wrapper to prevent the wrapper from becoming soggy.

- Use a deep fryer or a deep pan with enough oil to fully submerge the lumpia for even frying.

- Be careful when frying the lumpia, as the hot oil can splatter. Use a splatter guard if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Filipino Lumpia is best served hot and crispy with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to fully cook the filling before wrapping it in the lumpia wrapper to ensure that the filling is flavorful and cooked through.

- Deep fry the lumpia in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use spring roll wrappers or egg roll wrappers if you cannot find lumpia wrappers.

- Substitute the chop suey vegetables with your favorite stir-fry vegetables.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the lumpia ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also assemble the lumpia and freeze them before frying for a quick and easy appetizer.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Filipino Lumpia on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Filipino Lumpia pairs well with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lumpia in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Filipino Lumpia contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Filipino Lumpia contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Filipino Lumpia contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Filipino Lumpia contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Filipino Lumpia is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Filipino Lumpia contains wheat (from the lumpia wrappers) and soy (from the soy sauce).

Summary

Filipino Lumpia is a delicious and crispy dish that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates. However, it also provides a good amount of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Filipino Lumpia is a delicious and crispy dish that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a snack. With a flavorful filling wrapped in a crispy pastry wrapper, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Filipino Lumpia. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the Philippines. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering. As she laid out the ingredients and began to show me how to make the lumpia, I was captivated by the flavors and techniques she used.

My grandmother learned how to make lumpia from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. She explained to me that lumpia is a traditional Filipino dish that is often served at celebrations and special occasions. It consists of a thin wrapper filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, and seasonings, then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

As my grandmother guided me through the process of making the lumpia, she shared stories of her own childhood and the times she had spent in the kitchen with her grandmother. She told me about the importance of using fresh ingredients, of taking the time to chop and prepare each one with care and attention to detail. She showed me how to season the filling just right, balancing the flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar to create a perfect harmony of tastes.

I watched in awe as she expertly rolled the filling into the wrappers, tucking in the edges and sealing them with a dab of water. She explained that the key to a good lumpia is in the rolling - it must be done with precision and care to ensure that the filling stays inside and the wrapper crisps up evenly when fried.

As we worked together, I began to understand the magic of cooking - the way that simple ingredients could be transformed into something delicious and nourishing with just a little time and effort. I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and to my heritage, as I learned to make this traditional dish that had been passed down through generations.

After we had finished making the lumpia, my grandmother fried them up until they were crisp and golden brown. The scent of garlic and soy sauce filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the lumpia and was transported to a place of pure joy and comfort. The flavors were rich and savory, the wrapper crispy and light - it was a taste of home, of family, of tradition.

From that day on, I knew that Filipino Lumpia would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a recipe that connected me to my past, to my grandmother, and to the vibrant and diverse culture of the Philippines. I vowed to carry on the tradition, to share this recipe with future generations, and to pass down the knowledge and love that had been shared with me.

And so, over the years, I have continued to make lumpia for my own family and friends, always following my grandmother's recipe and techniques. Each time I roll the filling into the wrappers, fry them up until they are golden and crispy, and serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the lessons that my grandmother taught me in that humble kitchen so many years ago.

Filipino Lumpia will always be more than just a dish to me - it is a symbol of love, of tradition, and of the enduring power of food to bring people together. It is a reminder of the bond between generations, of the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, and of the magic that happens when we come together to cook and eat in celebration of life. And for that, I am eternally grateful.