Beef Lumpia are crispy, golden rolls filled with tasty ground beef and fresh veggies. They are perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer!
These little bites pack a flavorful punch, and I love how easy they are to make. Perfect for when friends pop over—I always lose track of how many I’ve eaten! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a healthier option. If you want to go meatless, try using mushrooms or lentils instead—just ensure to season them well.
Carrots: Finely diced or shredded carrots add a nice sweetness and color. If you’re looking for a change, you can use shredded zucchini or even cabbage as a substitute.
Green Onions: These give a fresh flavor. If you don’t have green onions, chives or even regular onions in a pinch can work too, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Water Chestnuts: These are optional but add crunch. If you can’t find them, try slivered almonds or skip them altogether for a different texture.
Lumpia Wrappers: If you can’t find lumpia wrappers, spring roll wrappers are a good alternative. You could also try making your own if you’re up for it!
How Do You Seal Lumpia Properly?
Sealing the lumpia is crucial to keep the filling intact during frying. To do this well, place the filling on the wrapper’s corner, fold over, and tuck the edges in. When you get to the last fold, brush the edge with beaten egg. This sticky mixture helps to seal it tight.
- Make sure not to overfill, as this can cause tearing.
- Try to keep the rolls tight, but not so tight that they burst during frying.
- Practice makes perfect! Your first few might not be perfect, but they’ll still taste great!
How to Make Delicious Beef Lumpia!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup carrots, finely diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely diced (optional for crunch)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers), about 30 pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 small chili or red pepper, sliced (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions or cilantro (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty beef lumpia recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick meal or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing them until they smell fragrant and become translucent. This should take a few minutes!
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly done. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the diced carrots, green onions, and water chestnuts if you’re using them. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and the mixture is well combined.
4. Season the Mixture:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Season the beef mixture with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well and let it cook until the mixture is relatively dry. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a moment.
5. Roll the Lumpia:
Carefully separate the lumpia wrappers and lay one on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling near the closest corner.
6. Wrap It Up:
Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in both sides, and roll tightly towards the top corner until it’s almost sealed. Brush the edge with a bit of beaten egg to seal it completely. Repeat this with the rest of the wrappers and filling.
7. Fry the Lumpia:
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the lumpia in batches for 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, remove the lumpia and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Meanwhile, prepare your dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, sliced chili, and water in a bowl until sugar dissolves. You can garnish with green onions or cilantro if you like!
9. Enjoy:
Serve the hot lumpia with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every crispy, savory bite!
Enjoy your crispy and savory Beef Lumpia!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It’s leaner and will still provide great flavor—just be sure to season it well since turkey can be milder in taste.
How Can I Make Lumpia Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the filling and wrap the lumpia ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from the fridge for best results!
Can I Freeze Leftover Lumpia?
Yes, lumpia can be frozen! After wrapping, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Beef Lumpia?
Beef lumpia is best served hot and crispy. Pair it with the dipping sauce provided for an added flavor punch. They’re also great alongside some sweet chili sauce or with a side of steamed rice!
