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Golden veggie lumpia wraps a bunch of fresh veggies in a crunchy shell This Filipino go-to for parties is always a hit—my crew makes dozens ahead so they’re ready to toss in the fryer last minute Don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes
The first time I made these for a get-together everyone was asking for more That snap and flavor just can’t be beat
Crunchy Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: You'll need this for frying Pick a neutral oil like canola or peanut
- Spring roll wrappers: Make sure they’re flexible not dry so you get a shatteringly crisp bite
- Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth at the end
- Salt: Needed to highlight all the veggie flavors
- Soy sauce: For a savory kick Use the low salt kind if you like things lighter
- Garlic: Fresh chopped garlic makes all the difference Look for firm cloves—no sprouts
- Bell pepper: Gives a blast of sweetness and some color Pick red or yellow for extra pop
- Green onions: Adds a zippy freshness Stick to those with crisp green tops
- Bean sprouts: They make the filling juicy and crisp Go for the crunchiest ones
- Grated carrots: Tosses in a touch of color sweetness and a healthy boost Grab carrots that are firm with smooth skins
- Shredded cabbage: Makes the mix sweet and tender Get a dense green head
Simple Steps
- Serve 'em up hot:
- Move your hot freshly fried lumpia onto a plate They’re perfect with a bowl of sweet chili or plain soy sauce for dipping Enjoy 'em right away so you get that crunch
- Get frying:
- Use tongs to lay a handful of wrapped lumpia in your hot oil Fry until they’re crisp and deep golden—about three to four minutes on each side Space them out so they cook evenly Take out and blot on paper towels to keep them extra crispy
- Heat your oil:
- Pour in about two inches of oil in a pan set to medium heat Wait for it to hit 350 F—throw in a wrapper scrap and look for quick bubbling
- Wrap it up:
- Lay a single wrapper like a diamond on your counter Add two big spoonfuls of filling just above the nearest corner Tug that corner over the veggies then fold in both sides Roll up tightly Dampen the tip with water and press it shut Repeat with the rest
- Mix up the filling:
- Combine cabbage carrots bean sprouts green onions bell pepper and garlic in a large bowl Season with soy sauce salt and pepper Toss until everything’s shiny and mixed up so every bite gives you a bit of everything
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Bean sprouts are my absolute favorite here—nothing else has that watery crunch That said, rolling lumpia with family gets everyone laughing and the kitchen a total happy mess
Keeping Them Fresh
Pop any leftover lumpia in an airtight box in the fridge for up to three days If you want them crunchy again, blast in a hot oven or air fryer Freezing? Lay them out flat on a tray, freeze, then stash in a bag Fry straight from frozen later
Easy Swaps
Zucchini or mushrooms can stand in for bean sprouts if you want to switch things up You can also add some cooked ground chicken or tofu to pack in protein And for gluten-free folks, there are wrappers made just for you
Tasty Pairings
Crispy lumpia go great with dishes of soy sauce vinegar with chopped garlic or sweet chili sauce For get-togethers, have cucumber slices and a herby salad on the side They’re awesome next to fried rice or cold noodle dishes too
Background
Lumpia came out of Chinese spring rolls and is now at the center of Filipino family meals It’s on every party table and shows how food brings everyone together Filipino grandmas will whip up piles for celebrations That’s pure love right there
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep lumpia wrappers from tearing?
Lay a damp cloth over the wrappers so they don't dry out. Be gentle and don't pack them too full when rolling up.
- → What dipping sauce goes best with crispy lumpia?
Sweet chili's a favorite, but soy sauce mixed with a little garlic or vinegar is great too.
- → Can I prepare vegetable lumpia ahead of time?
Sure—roll them up early and stash in the fridge with a covering. Fry them right before you plan to eat for crunch.
- → Are there alternative vegetables that work well in the filling?
Mushrooms, zucchini, or even chopped celery add nice texture and a different taste.
- → How do I ensure the lumpia stays crispy after frying?
Set them on some paper towels as soon as they're fried and don't stack them. Eat while they're still hot.