Chicken Lumpia is a tasty Filipino snack that’s crispy and filled with savory chicken. These little rolls are perfect for dipping and bursting with flavor in every bite!
They’re like little surprises of goodness, and I can never stop at just one! I love enjoying them with a sweet and spicy sauce for extra yumminess. You’ll definitely want to share… or not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in your lumpia. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey works just as well. For a vegetarian version, try using firm tofu, crumbled, or a mixture of mushrooms and lentils.
Cabbage: Finely shredded cabbage adds nice crunch and bulk. You can substitute with bok choy or even spinach if that’s what you have on hand, though it will change the texture a bit.
Green Beans or Bell Peppers: Both add color and flavor. If you want a different taste, diced zucchini or chopped asparagus can work great, too.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a deep umami flavor, but you can skip it if you’re vegetarian or looking to avoid shellfish. Just add an extra splash of soy sauce for similar taste.
Lumpia Wrappers: These are essential for creating the rolls. If you can’t find them, spring roll wrappers or even wonton wrappers can be a decent substitute, though they may require different cooking times.
How Can I Easily Wrap Lumpia?
Wrapping lumpia can be tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it! Start with preparing your workspace by laying out all your ingredients and wrappers.
- Hold a lumpia wrapper in a diamond shape. Place the filling close to the bottom corner (about 2 tablespoons).
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides to secure the filling.
- Roll it up tightly towards the top point. Use a little beaten egg to seal the edge. This helps keep everything inside.
- Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if the first few look messy; they’ll still taste great!
With these tips and techniques, you’ll have delicious, crispy Chicken Lumpia ready to enjoy in no time!
How to Make Delicious Chicken Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lumpia Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans or green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 20-25 lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Lumpia recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you can have a delicious batch ready to enjoy in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add the ground chicken, shredded cabbage, chopped green beans or bell peppers, grated carrots, onion, and minced garlic. This mixture is the heart of your lumpia.
2. Mix in the Seasonings:
Now, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and sugar to your filling. Mix everything together thoroughly until it’s all well combined and the flavors are nicely blended.
3. Wrap the Lumpia:
Take one lumpia wrapper and place it on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of your chicken filling and put it near the lower corner of the wrapper. Fold the bottom point over the filling, fold in the sides to secure it, and then roll it up tightly towards the top point. Use a bit of the beaten egg to seal the edge and keep everything inside. Repeat this with the remaining wrappers and filling!
4. Fry the Lumpia:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add a few lumpia rolls at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly.
5. Drain and Serve:
Once crispy and golden, remove the lumpia from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil. This will help keep them nice and crispy!
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your lumpia cools, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili (if you like it spicy), and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and voilà!
7. Enjoy:
Serve the hot lumpia alongside your homemade dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, savory Chicken Lumpia with family and friends!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work well as substitutes if you prefer a different taste. For a vegetarian option, try using crumbled firm tofu, mushrooms, or a mix of legumes and veggies.
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness, or microwave them for a quicker option, though they may lose some crunch.
Can I Freeze Chicken Lumpia?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked lumpia before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes cooking time.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Lumpia?
Chicken lumpia are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or a tangy vinegar mix for extra flavor!