Introduction

Fresh Lumpia, a beloved Filipino dish, is a lighter and healthier alternative to the traditional fried spring roll. Unlike its crispy counterpart, this version features fresh, colorful vegetables and tender chicken wrapped in a soft, homemade crepe and drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors—crunchy vegetables, succulent protein, and a slightly chewy wrapper, all tied together with a rich, garlicky sauce.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for ingredient substitutions based on preference or availability. Whether served as an appetizer, a light meal, or party food, Fresh Lumpia is always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll guide you through making this dish from scratch, including the wrapper, filling, and signature sauce.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups shredded chicken breast (cooked)
• ½ cup green beans (julienned)
• ½ cup carrot (julienned)
• 1 cup sweet potato (julienned)
• 1 cup turnips (jicama/singkamas) (julienned)
• 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup water
• Seasoning granules (to taste)
• Fish sauce (to taste)
• Oil (for sautéing)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic (finely grated or minced)

For the Wrapper:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 eggs
• Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Toss in the green beans, carrot, sweet potato, turnips (singkamas), and cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Pour in ½ cup water and season with fish sauce, seasoning granules, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
2. Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch and sugar.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wrapper

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, eggs, water, oil, and salt until smooth. The batter should be thin, similar to crepe batter.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over low-medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
3. Pour a ladleful of batter and quickly swirl the pan to spread it thinly.
4. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges lift easily. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Repeat until all batter is used, stacking the cooked wrappers on a plate.

Step 4: Assemble the Fresh Lumpia

1. Place a wrapper on a flat surface.
2. Add a generous spoonful of filling near the edge.
3. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly.
4. Drizzle with sauce before serving or serve sauce on the side.

Tips for Success

• Vegetable Texture: Keep vegetables slightly crisp for a refreshing bite.
• Wrapper Consistency: Ensure the batter is thin enough to spread easily but not too runny.
• Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch if you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce.
• Storage: Leftover filling and wrappers can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

Fresh Lumpia is a delightful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of Filipino cuisine. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a sweet-savory sauce wrapped in a soft, homemade crepe makes it a satisfying and healthy meal.

Making it from scratch may require some effort, but the result is well worth it. Whether you’re preparing it for family gatherings or simply craving a taste of home, this recipe ensures an authentic and delicious experience. Try it today and enjoy the fresh, wholesome goodness of homemade Fresh Lumpia!