Beef Lumpia is a tasty treat filled with seasoned ground beef and veggies, all wrapped in a crispy shell. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack, and it’s sure to make everyone smile!
These little rolls are fun to eat and even better to share. I love serving them hot with a dipping sauce. Just a warning: they’ll disappear fast! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star ingredient for flavor. You can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. I personally love using a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a strong base for the filling. Red or sweet onions can replace yellow onions if you prefer a milder taste. Feel free to add more garlic if you love that fresh punch.
Cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds crunch and helps bind the filling. If you’re short on cabbage, consider using spinach or bok choy instead. They both work well!
Carrot: This is optional, but it adds nice color and a bit of sweetness. You can swap it out with bell peppers or leave it out entirely for a more traditional filling.
Lumpia Wrappers: If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, spring roll wrappers or even wonton wrappers can work. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary.
How Do I Fold Lumpia Properly?
Folding lumpia correctly is key to keeping all that delicious filling inside while frying. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Lay a wrapper in a diamond shape with a corner facing you.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling snugly.
- Fold the sides towards the center, making sure it’s sealed tight.
- Roll it away from you, sealing the edge with a bit of water or beaten egg.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first few look a bit wonky. They’ll still taste amazing!
How to Make Delicious Beef Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (optional for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For Wrapping and Frying:
- 1 pack lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola) for deep frying
For Serving:
- Sweet chili sauce or vinegar garlic dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep time and an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend a little time making the filling, rolling the lumpia, and frying them until they’re golden and crispy. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks until it is browned and thoroughly cooked.
2. Add Vegetables:
Now it’s time to mix in the vegetables! Stir in the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and the optional water chestnuts. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Season the Mixture:
Season your beef and vegetable mixture with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Once everything is combined, remove it from the heat and gently fold in the chopped green onions. Let the filling cool down a bit.
4. Roll the Lumpia:
Take your lumpia wrappers and carefully separate them. Lay one wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you (it should look like a diamond). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef mixture near the corner closest to you.
5. Fold and Seal:
Now, fold the corner over the filling, then fold the sides toward the center, ensuring it’s snug. Roll it tightly away from you and seal the edge with a little water or beaten egg to keep it closed.
6. Fry the Lumpia:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide a few lumpia rolls into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Turn them as needed for even cooking.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once they are golden and crispy, remove the lumpia from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and serve them hot with sweet chili sauce or vinegar garlic dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Beef Lumpia!
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be great substitutes, offering a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose, so ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to wrap and fry, allow the filling to cool a bit before using it to prevent the wrappers from getting soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as they can become soggy.
What Can I Serve with Beef Lumpia?
Beef lumpia pairs wonderfully with sweet chili sauce or vinegar garlic dipping sauce. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
