There’s truly nothing like biting into a golden, crunchy roll filled with a savory and well-seasoned mixture of pork and fresh vegetables, and that is exactly what the Crispy Authentic Filipino Eggrolls Recipe delivers. These eggrolls, known as lumpia in the Philippines, are a beloved appetizer that brings the perfect balance of textures and flavors to your plate. This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients with a heritage of Filipino cooking, resulting in a snack that is not only irresistibly crispy on the outside but juicy and flavorful on the inside. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned fan, you’ll find these eggrolls remarkably satisfying and deeply comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the taste and texture of the eggrolls, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and vibrant colors. The freshness of vegetables and the umami of sauces come together to make these rolls truly authentic and delicious.
- Ground pork: The hearty base for the filling, providing rich flavor and moisture.
- Finely chopped shrimp (optional): Adds a subtle seafood sweetness and extra texture.
- Finely shredded carrots: Brings a hint of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Chopped green onions: Infuses a mild pungency and freshness into the roll.
- Finely chopped water chestnuts or jicama: Adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to the savory filling.
- Minced garlic: Essential for that aromatic depth that Filipino dishes are known for.
- Finely chopped onion: Builds a savory foundation and enhances the overall flavor.
- Soy sauce: Provides salty umami that perfectly seasons the filling.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth boosting the savory notes.
- Ground black pepper: Brings warmth and mild heat to balance flavors.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder for the filling and also used for sealing the wrappers.
- Lumpia wrappers: The crisp, thin exterior that wraps all the goodness—keep them covered to prevent drying.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Used for deep frying to achieve that perfect golden crispness.
How to Make Crispy Authentic Filipino Eggrolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the ground pork, finely chopped shrimp if you’re using it, shredded carrots, green onions, water chestnuts or jicama, minced garlic, chopped onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and the egg in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until every bit is evenly seasoned and well combined. This mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold together once wrapped, packing a punch of savory goodness in each roll.
Step 2: Assemble the Eggrolls
Lay one lumpia wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom edge of the wrapper. Fold the sides inward tightly over the filling, then roll upwards, pressing firmly but gently. Use a dab of water to seal the edge so your rolls stay perfectly intact while frying. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling, keeping wrappers covered with a damp cloth so they do not dry out.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Fill a deep skillet or pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the lumpia in batches for about 3 to 5 minutes each, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature. Drain the cooked eggrolls on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crunchy.
How to Serve Crispy Authentic Filipino Eggrolls Recipe
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, garnish your eggrolls with chopped green onions or freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and extra freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds a subtle nuttiness and beautifully complements the crispy texture.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple yet bold side sauces. Serve with sweet chili sauce or a tangy vinegar dipping sauce spiked with minced garlic and chili flakes to brighten the flavors. A crisp mango salad or pickled vegetables can also serve as refreshing accompaniments that balance the richness of the eggrolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked eggrolls into small bite-sized pieces and serve them as party appetizers on a platter with multiple dipping sauces. For a family meal, place the rolls on a bed of steamed rice and drizzle a bit of soy or kalamansi sauce for a complete and comforting dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess from trapped steam.
Freezing
You can freeze the lumpia after assembling but before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them straight from frozen and add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the frying time to ensure they cook through and stay crispy.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, reheat leftover eggrolls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground pork and shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of hearty vegetables. Adjust the seasoning to taste and your eggrolls will still come out deliciously crispy and flavorful.
What if I can’t find lumpia wrappers?
You can use fresh spring roll wrappers or even spring roll pastry as alternatives, but lumpia wrappers provide the signature thin and crispy texture traditional to Filipino eggrolls. If using alternatives, watch the frying time as some may brown faster.
Is it necessary to add shrimp?
Not at all. The shrimp is optional and adds a lovely ocean-fresh flavor, but the eggrolls are perfectly tasty and authentic with just pork and vegetables.
What dipping sauces go best with these eggrolls?
Sweet chili sauce and vinegar with garlic and chili flakes are classic choices. You can also try a soy and calamansi mixture, or even a spicy mayo for a fusion twist.
Can I bake instead of fry the eggrolls?
While frying gives the best crispiness, you can bake them as a healthier alternative. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dive into a delightful Filipino favorite, this Crispy Authentic Filipino Eggrolls Recipe is your perfect starting point. It’s a hands-on, rewarding dish that never fails to impress with its crunch and rich flavor. Try making a batch and share the deliciousness — your friends and family will be grateful for the crispy, savory bites that bring a warm taste of the Philippines to your kitchen.
Print
Crispy Authentic Filipino Eggrolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 25–30 eggrolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These Crispy Authentic Filipino Eggrolls, known as Lumpia, feature a flavorful blend of seasoned ground pork, shrimp, and fresh vegetables wrapped in delicate lumpia wrappers and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory appetizer, they offer a delightful crunch and a deliciously savory filling, ideal for dipping in sweet chili or vinegar sauce.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup finely chopped shrimp (optional)
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup finely chopped water chestnuts or jicama
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
Wrapper and Frying
- 25–30 lumpia wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine ground pork, finely chopped shrimp (if using), shredded carrots, chopped green onions, chopped water chestnuts or jicama, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and the egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a consistent filling.
- Assemble the Eggrolls: Separate the lumpia wrappers carefully and place one wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling near one edge of the wrapper. Fold the sides inward over the filling and roll it tightly toward the opposite edge. Seal the edge with a small dab of water to ensure it stays closed. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling, keeping the wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches the appropriate frying temperature (approximately 350°F or until a small piece of wrapper sizzles immediately).
- Fry the Lumpia: Carefully fry the eggrolls in batches without overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the eggrolls are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried eggrolls from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of sweet chili sauce or vinegar dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- To prepare ahead, freeze the rolled but uncooked lumpia. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Shrimp is optional; including it adds additional flavor and texture.
- Keep lumpia wrappers covered with a damp towel during assembly to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to ensure crispiness and prevent burning.
