If you’re a fan of savory and crispy finger foods, you’ve likely come across two popular options: lumpia vs egg rolls. We have included a recipe for you too! Lumpia Recipe: How to Make Filipino-Style Egg Rolls. Let’s explore egg rolls and lumpia first.
These delectable delights are often found at Asian-inspired restaurants or enjoyed as appetizers and snacks throughout the United States.
While Filipino lumpia and egg rolls may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Join us on a flavorful journey as we explore the differences between lumpia and egg rolls, their wrappers, their origins, and even provide a delicious recipe for Filipino-style lumpia.
Lumpia vs Egg Roll: Exploring the Delicious Differences
Is Lumpia the Same as Egg Rolls?
Lumpia and egg rolls share some similarities, but they are not exactly the same. Lumpia is a traditional Filipino dish, while egg rolls have their roots in Chinese cuisine.
Both consist of a filling encased in a wrapper and are deep-fried until crispy. However, the flavors, ingredients, and techniques used in preparing lumpia and egg rolls differ, giving each its unique identity.
What is the Difference Between Lumpia Wrappers and Egg Roll Wrappers?
One key difference between lumpia and egg rolls lies in their wrappers. Lumpia wrappers, also known as spring roll wrappers. They are thin wrappers and much more delicate compared to egg roll wrappers.
Lumpia wrappers are typically made from a combination of flour, water, and salt, resulting in a light and translucent casing when cooked.
Egg roll wrappers, on the other hand, are slightly thicker and denser, thanks to the addition of eggs in the dough. These differences in wrapper texture contribute to variations in the overall eating experience. They are more like a pancake-like wrapper or a thin crepe.
Both are available at our local grocery stores. However, sometimes, we need to get fresh spring roll wrappers for Lumpia.
Is Lumpia a Spring Roll or Egg Roll?
Lumpia is often referred to as a spring roll because of its resemblance to this popular Asian snack. However, lumpia has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from spring rolls.
Spring rolls are commonly associated with Asian cuisine and are usually served fresh with the wrapper gently dipped into water. Or you can enjoy lightly fried spring rolls. Both methods are great at showcasing the delicate and soft wrapper.
Lumpia, on the other hand, has a thinner and crisper wrapper and is typically deep-fried until golden brown.
So, while lumpia shares some similarities with Chinese spring rolls, it has its own identity and is considered a distinct Filipino dish.
What is the Main Difference Between an Egg Roll and a Spring Roll?
While lumpia and traditional egg rolls are not the same, it’s worth mentioning the difference between egg rolls and spring rolls. Egg rolls are a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of a filling made primarily with cabbage, carrots, and ground meat, typically pork.
The filling is wrapped in an egg-based wrapper and deep-fried until crispy. Spring rolls, on the other hand, are a lighter and fresher version.
They often contain a variety of vegetables, sometimes combined with shrimp or chicken, and are wrapped in a thin rice paper wrapper. Spring rolls are commonly served cold or lightly fried, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients.
One of Our Favorite Restaurant Meals
We can’t go to our favorite Chinese restaurant without enjoying a few of their delicious egg rolls. We use their sweet sour sauce as our dipping sauce. This is usually our starter for our meal. Then we dig into the General Tso’s chicken, peanut sauce chicken, green beans, vegetables in brown sauce, and rice.
What is Lumpia?
Lumpia is a beloved Filipino dish that has made its way into the hearts and stomachs of people worldwide. It features a flavorful filling made with various ingredients such as ground pork, shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings.
The filling ingredients are typically sautéed before being tightly wrapped in a lumpia wrapper and deep-fried to perfection.
Enjoy as an appetizer, a side dish, healthy lunch, or even as a main course, depending on the size and the accompanying sauces or condiments.
What are Different Filling Options for Lumpia?
When it comes to making lumpia, there are numerous delicious filling options to choose from. Here are some popular variations of different ingredientsyou can try:
Vegetable Filling: A vegetarian-friendly option that combines a medley of colorful vegetables such as green cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Or other seasonal spring vegetables. Seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and spices, this filling provides a delightful crunch and vibrant flavors.
Chicken Lumpia: Use ground chicken as the main protein in your filling. Sauté it with garlic, onions, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings to enhance the taste.
Ground Pork or Pulled Pork: A classic combination of ground pork or pulled pork lumpia are one of the most popular choices. We like to use a slow cooker for making our pulled pork and use the leftovers for these delicious little gems.
Shrimp Lumpia: flavorful and slightly indulgent filling. Sauté the mixture with garlic, onions, carrots, cabbage, and seasonings like soy sauce and fish sauce. The shrimp adds a hint of sweetness and seafood flavor.
Beef Lumpia: Substitute ground beef for the pork in the traditional recipe. Brown the beef with garlic and onions, and then add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers. Season with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for a savory filling.
Tofu Lumpia: Ideal for vegetarians or those looking for a protein-rich option, tofu can be crumbled and seasoned with spices, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix in vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and green onions for added texture and flavor.
Sweet Filling Options
Sweet Lumpia: For a dessert twist, try making sweet lumpia. Fill the wrappers with a combination of sliced bananas or plantains, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Fry them until crispy and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and you can get creative with your own fillings. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of proteins, vegetables, fresh herbs, and seasonings to create a lumpia filling that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of discovering new flavors and enjoy the delightful results!
Tips for Recipe Success
Make sure the filling is cooled before wrapping it in the lumpia wrappers to prevent them from becoming soggy.
When rolling the lumpia, make the rolls tight and secure to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also deep-fry the lumpia in oil until golden brown.
Experiment with different fillings, such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian options, to suit your taste preferences.
You Can Cook This Recipe 4 Different Ways
Lumpia can be cooked using various methods, each offering a unique texture and taste. Here are some different ways to cook lumpia:
Baking: Baking lumpia is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C) and lightly brush the lumpia with oil or melted butter.
Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. Turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Baking provides a crispy texture with less oil.
Frying Methods
Deep-Frying: Deep-frying in hot oil is the most common and traditional method of cooking lumpia. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot and deep fry the lumpia until they turn golden brown and crispy.
This method results in a satisfying crunch and evenly cooked filling. Remember to drain the excess oil on a paper towel before serving.
Air Frying: If you have an air fryer, it’s an excellent option for cooking lumpia with less oil. Preheat the air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the lumpia with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. Place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they become crispy and golden brown.
Pan-Frying: Pan-frying is another method that requires less oil than deep-frying. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the lumpia and cook them on all sides until they turn crispy and browned. This method provides a slightly different texture compared to deep-frying but still delivers a delicious result.
Choose the cooking method that best suits your preferences and the equipment you have available. Whether it’s the classic deep-frying, healthier baking, or air frying, or even pan-frying, you can enjoy tasty and crispy lumpia in various ways. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this popular Filipino dish.
Conclusion
Lumpia and egg rolls may share a common concept of a crispy, filled wrapper, but their differences make each a unique culinary experience. Understanding the distinctions between these delectable snacks enhances our appreciation for the diverse flavors and cultural origins they represent. With the provided recipe for Filipino-style lumpia, you can embark on your own culinary adventure and enjoy the deliciousness of these savory treats.
So, whether you prefer the Filipino delight of lumpia or the Chinese-American classic of egg rolls, both options are sure to satisfy your cravings for crispy goodness. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings, flavors, and dipping sauces to create your own mouthwatering variations. Happy cooking and happy snacking.
Lumpia Filipino-Style Egg Rolls
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Pork ground chicken or ground beef
- 1 Cup Carrots julienned
- 1 Cup Cabbage shredded
- 1/2 Cup Green Onions chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoons Fish Sauce optional
- Lumpia wrappers
- Cooking oil for frying
- Dipping sauces of your choice sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, etc.
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove any excess oil from the skillet.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the carrots, cabbage, and green onions. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add the soy sauce and fish sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for another minute.
- Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Take a lumpia wrapper and place it on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the filling onto the wrapper, positioning it in the lower third of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in tightly.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper inward and roll the lumpia tightly towards the top, similar to rolling a burrito.
- Moisten the top edge of the wrapper with water to seal it.
- Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly brush or spray the lumpia rolls with cooking oil.
- Place the lumpia in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until the lumpia are golden and crispy.
- Remove the lumpia from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the lumpia with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
