Are you a fan of crispy, savory spring rolls? Then you’re in for a treat because in this article, we’re going to explore the world of lumpia, a popular Filipino dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. From its origin and ingredients to its wrapper and dipping sauce, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make traditional lumpia at home. So, let’s get started!
Lumpia is a type of spring roll that’s commonly found in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It consists of a thin pastry shell that’s filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood, then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Lumpia is usually served with a dipping sauce made of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, which complements its salty and umami flavors.
The ingredients used to make lumpia may vary depending on the recipe and the region, but here are some of the common ones:
Wrapper
The wrapper is a thin, crepe-like pastry that’s made of flour, water, and sometimes eggs. It’s similar to other types of spring roll wrappers but has a slightly different texture and taste.
Filling
The filling of lumpia usually consists of a combination of vegetables and protein, such as carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, tofu, shrimp, and ground pork or beef. The vegetables are usually chopped into small pieces and sautéed with garlic and onions before being mixed with the protein.
Dipping Sauce
The dipping sauce is usually made of a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. Some recipes may include other ingredients such as chili peppers, ginger, or lime juice.
One of the challenges of making traditional lumpia recipe is keeping it crispy, even after it’s been sitting for a while. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve that:
Use a dry filling: Make sure your filling is dry and not too watery, as this can make the wrapper soggy.
Use the right wrapper: Use a thin, high-quality wrapper that’s specifically made for lumpia. Don’t use egg roll wrappers, as they’re too thick and may not crisp up as well.
Fry at the right temperature: Fry your lumpia in hot oil (around 375°F) for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on paper towels: Drain your lumpia on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
Is Lumpia Healthy or Unhealthy?
As with many fried foods, lumpia is not considered a healthy option due to its high fat and calorie content. However, there are ways to make lumpia healthier by using alternative fillings and cooking methods. For example, you can use leaner proteins such as chicken or turkey instead of ground pork or beef, or bake the lumpia instead of frying it. Additionally, the fresh lumpia version, Lumpiang Sariwa, is a healthier option as it’s not fried and has a higher proportion of vegetables in the filling.
Filipino Traditional Lumpia Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground pork
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 package (25-count) lumpia wrappers
Vegetable oil, for frying
Water, for sealing wrappers
Procedure:
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Mix well.
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
Take one lumpia wrapper and place it on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you.
Spoon a small amount of the pork mixture onto the wrapper, about 1-2 tablespoons.
Roll the wrapper away from you, tucking in the sides as you go, until it’s rolled up tightly.
Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water to seal it shut.
Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining wrappers and filling until all the lumpia are assembled.
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the lumpia to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the lumpia for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the lumpia from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve the lumpia hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or vinegar with chopped garlic.
Enjoy your delicious homemade traditional lumpia recipe!
