Chicken Lumpia are tasty, crispy spring rolls filled with ground chicken and veggies. They make a great snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing!
These little rolls are fun to make and even more fun to eat! I love dipping them in sweet chili sauce—it’s the best combo ever. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein. You can replace it with ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Carrots and Green Beans: Both add great crunch and color! If you’re out of these, finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini are good substitutes.
Water Chestnuts: These are optional but provide a nice crunch. If you can’t find them, try using diced celery or just skip them altogether.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor but can be swapped with hoisin sauce for a vegetarian version or simply omitted if you prefer.
Lumpia Wrappers: If you can’t find these, spring roll wrappers work well, or for a gluten-free version, look for rice paper wraps.
How Do You Properly Roll Lumpia Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling lumpia tightly is key to keeping the filling secure while frying. Start by placing the filling near one corner of the wrapper, fold that corner over, and tuck it in snugly. Fold the sides inward to seal the filling, then keep rolling towards the far corner. Use a bit of water or beaten egg to seal the edges tightly. This will prevent any spillage during frying.
- Lay the wrapper in a diamond shape to make rolling easier.
- Don’t overfill your lumpia; 2 tablespoons of filling is usually perfect.
- Practice makes perfect! If your first few rolls aren’t perfect, that’s okay.
How to Make Chicken Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lumpia Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped or grated
- 1 cup green beans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (optional for crunch)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 egg
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers), about 20-25 pieces
- Cooking oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small chili, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Lumpia recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to fry, making it perfect for a delicious snack or appetizer! Plan for a total of about 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, carrots, green beans, onions, garlic, green onions, and optional water chestnuts. This combination gives your lumpia a wonderful flavor and texture.
2. Season the Mixture:
Add in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and the egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until all ingredients are well blended and coated. This step is essential for ensuring the filling tastes amazing.
3. Roll the Lumpia:
Take one lumpia wrapper and place it on a clean flat surface so that one corner is pointed toward you, creating a diamond shape. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your chicken mixture near the corner closest to you. Gently fold that corner over the filling, then fold the sides inwards. Roll tightly towards the far corner, and use a dab of water or beaten egg to seal the edge. This will keep your lumpia closed while frying.
4. Frying the Lumpia:
In a deep frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the lumpia in the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once fried, remove the lumpia and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the lumpia cool slightly, mix the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This tangy dipping sauce pairs perfectly with your crispy lumpia!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Chicken Lumpia is ready to serve! Present them hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every crispy, savory bite!
Can I Use Alternative Wrappers for Lumpia?
Yes, if lumpia wrappers are unavailable, you can use spring roll wrappers or even rice paper wrappers for a gluten-free option. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for handling and cooking.
How Do I Keep Lumpia From Getting Soggy After Frying?
To keep lumpia crispy, ensure they drain well on paper towels after frying. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to prevent moisture buildup. You can also place them in a warm oven on a wire rack until serving.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just roll the lumpia and fry them when you’re ready to serve.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Lumpia?
Leftover lumpia can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness instead of using a microwave.
