Filipino Pork Lumpia
Crispy Homemade Lumpia Recipe with Ground Pork and Vegetables
If you've ever been to a Filipino party, potluck, holiday gathering, or family celebration, chances are you've seen a platter of golden, crispy lumpia disappear within minutes. These beloved Filipino spring rolls feature a savory filling of seasoned ground pork, fresh vegetables, garlic, and onions wrapped in delicate lumpia wrappers and fried until perfectly crunchy.
This homemade lumpia recipe delivers everything you love about authentic Filipino comfort food: crispy wrappers, flavorful filling, and that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Whether you're planning an appetizer spread, game-day snacks, party food, or a family dinner, these crispy pork lumpia are guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This Filipino Lumpia Recipe
- Authentic Filipino appetizer
- Perfectly crispy exterior
- Savory pork and vegetable filling
- Great make-ahead freezer recipe
- Perfect party food
- Family-friendly snack
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Excellent for gatherings and potlucks
- Freezer-friendly meal prep option
What Is Lumpia?
Lumpia is the Filipino version of a spring roll. While many variations exist throughout the Philippines, one of the most popular versions combines ground pork with vegetables, seasonings, and thin wrappers that fry up beautifully crisp.
Unlike larger Chinese egg rolls, lumpia are typically thinner, lighter, and extra crunchy.
They're often served with:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Filipino vinegar dipping sauce
- Banana ketchup
- Garlic vinegar
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet or tray
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ½ cup green beans, finely chopped
- ½ cup cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Wrapping
- 20–25 lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
- Water for sealing
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic vinegar sauce
- Banana ketchup
- Soy sauce with calamansi
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground pork and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Stir in:
- Carrot
- Green beans
- Cabbage
Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 4: Season
Add:
- Soy sauce
- Black pepper
- Salt
Mix thoroughly.
Cook for another minute.
Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
Important: Warm filling can make wrappers tear.
Step 5: Prepare the Wrappers
Separate the lumpia wrappers carefully.
Keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Step 6: Fill and Roll
Place one wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape.
Add about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
Fold in both sides.
Roll tightly toward the top corner.
Seal the final edge with a small amount of water.
Repeat with remaining filling.
Step 7: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
Step 8: Fry the Lumpia
Fry in batches.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally.
The lumpia should become:
- Deep golden brown
- Crispy
- Evenly cooked
Step 9: Drain
Transfer cooked lumpia to a paper towel-lined tray.
Allow excess oil to drain.
Step 10: Serve
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Pair with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lumpia
Cool the Filling First
Hot filling creates steam that can soften or tear wrappers.
Roll Tightly
Tightly rolled lumpia fry more evenly and stay crisp longer.
Maintain Oil Temperature
Keep oil around 350°F.
Oil that's too cool creates greasy lumpia.
Oil that's too hot burns the wrappers before the filling heats through.
Fry in Small Batches
Avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigerator
Assemble lumpia up to 24 hours ahead.
Cover tightly and refrigerate.
Freezer
Arrange uncooked lumpia on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid.
Transfer to freezer bags.
Store for up to 3 months.
Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Variations
Chicken Lumpia
Substitute ground chicken for pork.
Beef Lumpia
Use lean ground beef.
Shrimp Lumpia
Add chopped shrimp to the filling.
Vegetable Lumpia
Skip the meat and increase vegetables.
Cheese Lumpia
Add shredded cheese for a creamy center.
Best Dipping Sauces
Sweet Chili Sauce
The classic pairing.
Garlic Vinegar
A traditional Filipino favorite.
Banana Ketchup
Sweet, tangy, and uniquely Filipino.
Spicy Soy Dip
Combine:
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Chili peppers
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
For best results:
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 4–5 minutes
- Oven: 400°F for 8–10 minutes
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crispy wrapper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake lumpia instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why are my lumpia greasy?
The oil temperature was likely too low.
Can I freeze uncooked lumpia?
Absolutely. Lumpia freeze exceptionally well.
What wrappers should I use?
Traditional lumpia wrappers work best, but spring roll wrappers can also be used.
Filipino Pork Lumpia
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown ground pork in a large skillet.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in carrot, green beans, and cabbage.
- Season with soy sauce, pepper, and salt.
- Cool filling completely.
- Place filling in lumpia wrappers.
- Fold and roll tightly.
- Seal edges with water.
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry lumpia in batches until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
Lumpia can be frozen before frying.
Maintain oil temperature for maximum crispiness.
Excellent party appetizer and make-ahead snack.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Lumpia)