Crispy Spring Rolls At Home (Lumpia)

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

spring roll wrappers

🥗Healthier: rice paper

💰Cheaper: homemade dough

Rice paper is gluten-free, and homemade dough can save costs.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium options reduce sodium intake, while tamari is often more affordable.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Coconut oil adds flavor, while canola oil is a budget-friendly alternative.

Start by making the sweet chili sauce. Cut the tops off 2 Fresno peppers and remove the seeds. Chop them into small pieces.

In a small bowl, combine the chopped Fresno peppers, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.

Place the mixture over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes until it reduces slightly.

Lower the heat to medium-low. In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with a bit of the sauce mixture until smooth. Then whisk it back into the pot.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons sambal and the minced garlic. Let it cool.

Next, prepare the lumpia filling. Roughly chop 1 large carrot, 1 rib of celery, 2 green onions, and 1 white or yellow onion. Add them to a food processor.

Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Scrape down the sides to ensure even chopping.

In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground pork with the chopped vegetables.

Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon MSG, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 whole egg. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.

Take a lumpia wrapper and place it in a diamond shape with the point facing you. Add about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.

Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to the top. Seal the edge with a bit of water or egg wash.

Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all are rolled.

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the lumpia in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with the sweet chili sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens