Beef Lumpia are crispy, golden rolls filled with seasoned ground beef and veggies. They make a tasty snack or appetizer that’s perfect for sharing!
I love the crunch of the wrapper paired with the savory filling. It’s hard to eat just one—I always have to sneak a couple more when no one’s watching! 😄
Wrapping these up is so much fun, and I love serving them with a sweet dipping sauce. Trust me, they disappear fast at any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the heart of beef lumpia. You can swap it with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Onion: Onions give flavor to the filling. If you prefer, you can use shallots or even green onions for a milder taste.
Carrots: Grated carrots add sweetness and color. Zucchini can be a good substitute if you want a different veggie, just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
Green Beans: These are optional but add a nice crunch. You can replace them with bell peppers or peas if you have those on hand.
Water Chestnuts: These bring an extra crunch to the filling. If you can’t find them, try using chopped celery for a similar texture.
Lumpia Wrappers: If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, spring roll wrappers or even homemade pasta sheets can work in a pinch.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Rolling Technique for Lumpia?
Rolling lumpia can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you’ll get it! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with the wrapper positioned like a diamond, with a corner facing you.
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner, without overstuffing.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then tuck the sides in to secure it.
- Roll it tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a little water or beaten egg.
Take your time with the rolling. A tight roll ensures that the filling stays inside while frying. Practice makes perfect!
How to Make Beef Lumpia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, finely grated or diced
- 1 cup green beans, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (optional for crunch)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers), about 25 pcs
- Cooking oil for deep frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili or chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp chopped green onion or scallions
- 1 tbsp water
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this Beef Lumpia recipe is about 45 minutes. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, 20 minutes to cook the filling and fry the lumpia, and then 10 minutes to make the dipping sauce. Perfect for a delicious homemade snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Filling:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these until they are fragrant and the onions look translucent. Next, add the ground beef. Cook this until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Adding Vegetables:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the grated carrots, chopped green beans (if you’re using them), and chopped water chestnuts for some extra crunch. Stir everything together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Seasoning the Filling:
Now it’s time to season your filling! Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using that), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2 minutes. After that, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool down to room temperature.
4. Rolling the Lumpia:
While the filling cools, prepare your lumpia wrappers by carefully separating them. Take one wrapper and place about 2 tablespoons of filling near one corner. Fold the corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it tightly toward the other end. Use a little water or beaten egg to moisten the last corner, sealing it shut. Repeat this process until all your filling is used up!
5. Frying the Lumpia:
In a deep frying pan or wok, heat cooking oil to about 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the lumpia in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-5 minutes per batch. When they’re done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
6. Making the Dipping Sauce:
For a delicious dipping sauce, mix together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, chili (if desired), shredded carrots, chopped green onion, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
7. Serving:
Serve the hot, crispy lumpia alongside the dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade Beef Lumpia!
Can I Use Different Meat for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option or a vegetarian version.
How Do I Store Leftover Lumpia?
Store any leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
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 ready to use, let it reach room temperature before rolling into the lumpia wrappers.
What If I Can’t Find Lumpia Wrappers?
If you’re unable to find lumpia wrappers, you can use spring roll wrappers, which work similarly. Alternatively, you could make homemade wrappers using dough, if you’re feeling adventurous!
