Philippine Lumpias
Crispy Filipino spring rolls packed with savory ground meat, fresh cabbage, carrots, celery, and potatoes, finished with a savory soy glaze—a crowd‑pleaser for family gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or pork ⓘ
- 1 lb. shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shredded celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic crushed ⓘ
- 1 whole onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. potatoes, chopped to about 1/2 inch x 1 inch or smaller ⓘ
- 1 pkg. frozen French cut green beans ⓘ
- 1/2 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 pkg. of spring roll - wrappers (contains about 35 wrappers) ⓘ
- Vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté garlic and onions in a minimal amount of vegetable oil until onions turn translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned, then stir in soy sauce and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, celery, chopped potatoes, and frozen French cut green beans; simmer for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Drain the mixture and let it cool for about one hour before using as filling for the spring roll wrappers.
Tips & Substitutions
For better texture, make sure to finely chop your vegetables to ensure they cook evenly. If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating some chopped green onions or herbs like cilantro. For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork. Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce for an extra kick!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lumpias with a side of sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed rice. Consider serving them alongside a bowl of Borsch(Ukrainian) to create a delightful fusion meal. These are perfect for parties and gatherings as finger foods!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lumpias in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Alternatively, use an air fryer for about 5 minutes for a similar crispy result. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Philippine Lumpias contains roughly 642 calories, with 14g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (168% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and potassium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1871mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the lumpia filling?
Yes, you can freeze the lumpia filling before wrapping. Place it in an airtight container and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. However, it’s best to wrap them fresh if you plan to fry them; frozen wrapped lumpias can also be cooked directly from frozen.
What can I use instead of spring roll wrappers?
If you can't find spring roll wrappers, you can use rice paper or even homemade dough. Alternatively, try using wonton wrappers, which may yield smaller lumpias but will still be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How do I know when the lumpias are cooked through?
Lumpias are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them to ensure they cook evenly. If baking, look for a similar golden color, and check the internal temperature to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).