Chicken Lumpia are delightful little rolls filled with tasty chicken and veggies, wrapped in a crispy skin. They make a fun snack or appetizer that everyone loves!
Honestly, who can resist the crunch that makes you smile? I always prepare extra because they disappear fast at gatherings. And dipping them in sauce? Yes, please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is perfect for this dish because it keeps the filling moist. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using finely chopped mushrooms or a mix of veggies.
Veggies (Carrots & Cabbage): Shredded carrots and chopped cabbage add crunch and sweetness. You can substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on your preference or what’s in season.
Green Onions: These add a fresh flavor to the filling. If you don’t have them, regular onions can work, but use less to avoid overpowering the taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the flavor as well.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce gives a savory depth to the filling. If it’s not available, you can skip it or use a bit of hoisin sauce or even soy sauce as a substitute.
Lumpia Wrappers: These are key for that crispiness. If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, spring roll wrappers or even tortillas can be used, but the texture will differ.
How Do I Roll Lumpia Properly?
Rolling lumpia can be tricky at first, but here’s a straightforward method. The key is to keep the filling tight to avoid bursting when frying. Follow these steps:
- Lay the wrapper in a diamond shape, with a corner pointing towards you.
- Place two tablespoons of the filling close to the corner nearest to you.
- Fold that corner over the filling snugly, then tuck the sides in towards the center.
- Continue to roll tightly towards the opposite corner and seal the edge with a little water.
Practice makes perfect! If the first few don’t look perfect, don’t worry—your effort will still yield delicious results.
How to Make Delicious Chicken Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- ½ cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour (to bind filling)
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers), about 20 sheets
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking, making this a great option for a quick snack or appetizer. All in all, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground chicken, shredded carrots, chopped cabbage, green onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. This colorful mixture will provide a great flavor combination!
2. Season the Mixture:
Add in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), ground black pepper, salt, and cornstarch or flour. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will be your delicious filling!
3. Roll the Lumpia:
Take a lumpia wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing at you (like a diamond). Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling near the corner closest to you.
Fold that corner over the filling, then fold the left and right sides inward. Now, tightly roll it up towards the opposite corner. Use a little water or beaten egg to seal the edge of the lumpia tightly. Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get it right—practice makes perfect!
4. Fry the Lumpia:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C). Carefully fry the lumpia in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes per batch. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
5. Drain and Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
Once fried, remove the lumpia and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, water, sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili, and green onions for the dipping sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and you’re ready to go!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your chicken lumpia hot, garnished with extra chopped green onions, and enjoy them with your homemade dipping sauce. They’re incredibly delicious and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Chicken Lumpia!
Can I Use Different Proteins for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey, pork, or even lean beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of vegetables to maintain that delicious texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken lumpia can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat them in an oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.
What If I Can’t Find Lumpia Wrappers?
If lumpia wrappers are hard to find, you can use spring roll wrappers or even tortillas as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture may be different, but they’ll still be tasty!
Can I Freeze Uncooked Lumpia?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked lumpia! Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be cooked from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the frying time!