Filipino Fried Spring Rolls (Lumpia) are a beloved Filipino snack or appetizer—golden, crunchy on the outside and packed with juicy, savory pork and veggies on the inside. This version is paired with a simple homemade sweet chili sauce that’s tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re making these for a gathering or storing for later, this recipe delivers maximum crispiness and flavor every time.
Recipe
Serves: 40
Prep time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
For the sweet chili dipping sauce:
1 cup water
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon sambal oelek
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
For the Filipino Fried Spring Rolls:
1 1/2 pounds ground pork
1 large carrot, minced
1 medium yellow onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks scallions, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 large eggs, separated
40 lumpia wrappers (or spring roll wrappers)
4 cups cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Make the dipping sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add water, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, sambal oelek, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Cook until thickened. Set aside.
2. Combine the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork, minced carrot, onion, garlic, scallions, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and 1 egg.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined. The egg helps bind the mixture and adds moisture.
3. Assemble the lumpia:
- Beat the remaining egg and set aside for sealing the wrappers.
- Transfer the filling to a piping bag or Ziploc with the tip cut off.
- Lay a wrapper flat like a diamond. Pipe the filling horizontally across the center.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners.
- Roll tightly upward. Brush the top edge with beaten egg and seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
- Place finished lumpia on a plate covered with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
4. Fry the lumpia:
- In a large pot over high heat, heat the cooking oil to 325°F (163°C).
- Fry a few lumpia at a time for about 5 minutes, turning frequently for even browning.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all are cooked.
Tips & notes
- Filling consistency: Using one egg in the filling ensures the pork stays juicy and binds well without being too wet.
- Wrapper type: Lumpia wrappers are thinner than standard spring roll wrappers. If using spring roll wrappers, make sure to seal nicely and fry a little longer for extra crisp.
- Frying temperature: Keep the oil between 325°F and 350°F. Too low, and the lumpia will be soggy; too high, and they’ll brown too quickly before the inside cooks.
- Air frying option: For a lighter version, you can air fry the lumpia at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray with oil to help them crisp up.
- Freezing: Lumpia can be frozen before frying. Lay them on a tray to freeze, then store in a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen—do not thaw—for about 6–7 minutes.
- Reusing oil: If the oil stays clear and doesn’t smell off, you can strain and reuse it for another batch. Cool completely, then strain through a coffee filter and store in a sealed jar.
- Discarding oil: Never pour used oil down the drain. Let it cool, seal in a non-breakable container, and throw in the trash.
13 thoughts on “Filipino Fried Spring Rolls (Lumpia)”
I like your recipes.thank you
Thank you! So glad that you enjoy my recipe! 🙂
I can’t wait to try this.
I hope you’ll enjoy it, Deneen! 😀
Bonjour pourriez-vous m écrire la recette en français svp merci
Can you freeze these and make ahead if time? How to cook them if you can freeze them
Hi Christina, if you like to freeze them, and cook them in the future, place them in a single layer, and cover them up with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, just fry them directly, no defrosting is necessary. Happy cooking and enjoy! 🙂
My stepson married a lovely Filipino woman. Sadly, they divorced and the delicious Lumpia was a memory. I will try making my own. Nthank you.
Hi Sara, I’m sorry to hear about the divorce, but it’s wonderful that you got to enjoy Lumpia and are inspired to try making it yourself! It’s such a delicious dish and I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe! 😀
I just made these and they are so good!!! I used to go to this little spot in Corpus Christi! They knew my order when I walked in!
Hi Cheryl, I’m so glad that you enjoyed my homemade lumpia recipe! 😀
Do you have a cookbook ? I love your videos!
Thank you! Please visit here for my eCookbook: https://cicili.tv/product/asian-home-cooking-with-cici-li-ebook/