Lumpia Recipe (Filipino spring rolls)
Lumpia, a traditional Filipino spring roll, combines a flavorful ground meat filling with crispy fried wrappers for an irresistible dish. With 2 cooking options, this lumpia shanghai recipe is easy to make. It’s even better with a side of sweet chili dipping sauce!
Try my Shrimp Spring Rolls, Birria Egg Rolls, and Cheesecake Factory Egg Rolls next for more delicious roll recipes.
Authentic Lumpia Recipe
This homemade lumpia recipe is one of my most requested appetizers from family and friends, and for good reason! These crunchy, fried Filipino spring rolls are packed with a savory ground beef mixture, wrapped tightly in lumpia wrappers, and served golden brown.
I owe a lot to my Filipino friends for teaching me how to make these—they showed me that the key is getting that perfect balance of crispy exterior and flavorful filling. They’re the best finger food, whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer. And trust me, you can’t have just one!
What is Lumpia?
Lumpia, a Filipino fried spring roll, combines a savory filling of ground meat (usually ground pork) and vegetables wrapped tightly in thin wrappers. People often call it lumpia shanghai or lumpiang shanghai, which refers to a smaller, meatier version of the traditional dish.
Types of Lumpia
There are a variety of Filipino spring rolls. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
- Lumpiang Sariwa: Also known as “fresh lumpia”, this spring roll is wrapped with thin crepes instead of lumpia wrappers.
- Lumpiang Hubad: Also known as “naked lumpia” or “naked spring rolls” does not have a wrapper. Instead, it’s a bowl of lumpia filling, usually served with white rice.
- Banana Lumpia: Also known as lumpiang saging or banana turon, this dessert features bananas wrapped in a thin wrapper and deep fried to perfection.
- Lumpiang Gulay: This is a vegetable spring roll made without meat.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These are very delicate, thin wrappers, but are strong enough to hold the lumpia filling.
- Diced veggies: This recipe calls for carrots, celery, and onion. You can also shred the veggie for a finer texture.
- Ground beef and/ or ground pork: A lot of people combine the two, or use either or.
- A small bowl of water: Water helps seal the edges when rolling.
- Vegetable oil: For frying.
- Seasoning: Combine black pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How to Make Lumpia
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Make Filling
I begin by combining ground beef, and all of the vegetables and seasoning in a large mixing bowl. I mix well so the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Cut and Separate Lumpia Wrappers
Then I cut spring roll wrappers in half (diagonally), using a pizza cutter or a very sharp knife for this step. Once halved, I separate each sheet and set them to the side.
This makes them easier to grab once we start rolling the lumpia. I place damp paper towels over the top of the wrappers to prevent them from drying out.
How to Roll Lumpia
Method #1:
For the first method, simply cut the spring roll wrappers down the middle diagonally so that you get equal triangles.
On a clean work surface, separate the spring roll wrappers by pulling them apart and layering them in a crisscross fashion so that they are easy to grab (see pic below). Pinch off a little piece of the meat mixture, and place it on the bottom edge of the wrapper.
Fold the wrapper just over the edge of the meat, enough to cover it up. This will take approximately one full roll going upward.
Then fold each side toward the middle. It is okay if the pieces overlap a bit.
Continue rolling upward until there is only about an inch of the wrapper left at the top. Some recipes use beaten egg to seal the edge but water works just fine. Wet your fingers with the water, and continue rolling to seal the roll.
Method #2:
The video in the recipe card shows you exactly how to achieve the alternative rolling method. Some prefer this method because it requires less handling of the meat, and it can be a bit faster!
Fry the Lumpia
Whichever method you use, deep fry them in hot oil over medium-high heat until you achieve that beautiful golden-brown appearance. I find that 5 minutes per side is usually perfect.
Fry lumpia shanghai in batches so that you do not overcrowd the skillet or air fryer. Overcrowding when frying will cause them to steam and they won’t be as crispy.
How to Air Fry Lumpia
Cooking lumpia in an air fryer is super easy and a healthier alternative to fried lumpia. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F then place the pre-rolled, uncooked, lumpia in the basket, ensuring they aren’t touching.
Cook for 5 minutes on one side before flipping and cook for 5 minutes on the other.
Pro Tips
- Cut the wrappers carefully. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the spring roll wrappers in half diagonally for consistent shapes and easier wrapping.
- Keep wrappers from drying out. Cover the stack of wrappers with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent cracking while you work.
- Mix the filling thoroughly. Ensure the ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings are well combined for an even distribution of flavors in each lumpia.
- Roll tightly but gently. Wrap the filling snugly without tearing the wrapper to create neat, secure rolls that fry evenly.
- Seal the edges properly. Use a bit of water to moisten the edges before closing the rolls, helping them stay intact during frying.
- Fry at medium heat. Cooking at the right temperature ensures the lumpia are golden brown and crispy without burning or cooking unevenly.
- Freeze leftovers uncooked. Store extra lumpia in a freezer bag for up to a month, and fry them directly from frozen when needed.
Lumpia Filling Variations:
This lumpia recipe with ground beef is delicious but what I love most about lumpia is how versatile it is. You can fill them with whatever meats or veggies you have. Here are some ideas to mix and match.
Meat: Ground pork, ground chicken, minced shrimp. A lot of Filipino lumpia recipes are made with minced pork instead of minced meat.
Vegetables: Green onions, red pepper, cabbage, bean sprouts, sweet potatoes, chili pepper, jalapenos, green beans, cilantro
How to Serve Lumpia
- Side Dish: Lumpia is the perfect side for this Quick and Easy Pepper Steak recipe or Chicken Adobo. Or, try them with these Food Court Style Asian Noodles or Garlic Fried Rice (a Filipino side also known as Sinangag).
- Appetizer: Serve lumpia with your favorite dipping sauces, like sweet chili sauce, sweet-and-sour sauce, or even ketchup. For a more authentic touch, try Filipino banana ketchup, which has a unique sweetness that sets it apart from traditional ketchup.
Storage
Store leftover cooked lumpia in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Leftovers: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
To Freeze/Make Ahead: You do not need to fry all of them at once. Fry enough for one sitting.
The pre-rolled lumpia that you do not fry can be stored in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. You can freeze it for up to two months.
When you are ready to eat them, fry them straight from frozen. There is no need to thaw or defrost them. They are just as delicious as when you first rolled them!
FAQ
What’s the difference between lumpia and spring rolls?
Lumpia and spring rolls are not the same, and their wrappers are a key difference. Lumpia wrappers are found in the freezer section and are thin and delicate. Whereas spring roll wrappers, often sold in the Asian aisle, are dry, “plastic-like,” and need rehydration to become pliable.
What’s the difference between lumpia and egg rolls?
Although both are spring rolls, they are different. Eggs rolls are actually American-inspired Chinese spring rolls. They are wrapped in a thick, crispy fried dough instead of the thin wrapper used to make lumpia.
Why do my lumpia turn out greasy?
This usually happens when the oil is not hot enough. Ensure the oil is heated to medium and fry in small batches to maintain an even temperature.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
After you try this the best Lumpia recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!
Homemade Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef, not cooked
- 1 package Spring roll wrappers
- 1/2 cup Carrot, shredded diced
- 1/2 cup Celery, shredded or diced
- 1/2 medium Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small bowl Water, to help seal lumpia
- 2 cups Vegetable oil, for frying
Seasoning (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
Instructions
- Cut spring roll wrappers in half (diagonally). Use a pizza cutter or a very sharp knife for this step. Once they are halved, separate each sheet and set to the side to make them easier to grab once you start rolling the lumpia.
- Place a damp paper towel over the top of wrappers to prevent them from drying out.
- Combine ground beef, and all of the vegetables and seasoning in a large bowl, mix well so that vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Grab one of the spring roll wraps, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and place it on the very edge of the long side of the wrapper.
- Roll upward toward the pointy edge of the wrap, being sure to roll as tight as possible without tearing the wrap.
- Once half-way up, fold the sides in towards the middle.
- Continue rolling all the way up, once an inch is left at the top, wet your fingers with the water and place it on the wrap to help seal it. close the roll and set to the side.
- Continue rolling until all wrappers and meat have been used.
- If serving right away, heat oil on medium heat, and fry them until golden brown, about 10 minutes- turning frequently to cook them evenly.
- MUST HAVE: this sweet chili dipping sauce, it makes the lumpia much more irresistible!
![ORBLUE Garlic Press [Premium], Stainless Steel Mincer, Crusher & Peeler Set - Professional Grade, Easy Clean, Dishwasher Safe & Rustproof](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IcyJ80w0L._SL500_.jpg)
Can you use filo pastry instead of spring roll wrappers?
You technically can, BUT, you won’t get the exact same results. Filo dough is made with a more flaky like texture, primarily for baking. It also dries out quickly, so it’ll probably make it hard to roll the lumpia. You should be able to order the lumpia wraps online depending on where you’re located! I believe I linked them in my post or recipe card!
Hi there, I have a question. I noticed you had another meat in your bowl? Is it ground pork? And also is there cabbage in your bowl?
You can use ground pork and/or ground beef as well as adding finely shredded cabbage.
Delicious
Best
So good
So good!