Chicken Lumpia with Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Introduction

Lumpia is a beloved dish in many Southeast Asian countries, especially in the Philippines and Indonesia. Traditionally, it’s made with a savory filling of meat and vegetables, wrapped in a thin crepe-like pastry, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Today, we’re adding a delicious twist to this classic recipe by incorporating cheese into the filling. The result? A crispy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe for Cheesy Chicken Lumpia!

Trivia and Cultural Insights

• Origin of Lumpia: Lumpia originated from Chinese spring rolls and was adapted by Filipinos and Indonesians. The word “lumpia” is derived from the Hokkien word “lunpia,” which means “soft cake.”
• Lumpia in Festivals: In the Philippines, lumpia is a staple during fiestas and celebrations. It’s often served alongside other festive dishes such as pancit (noodles) and lechon (roast pig).
• Cheese in Filipino Cuisine: Filipinos love incorporating cheese into their dishes. Popular snacks include “cheese bread” and “ensaymada,” a sweet bread topped with butter, sugar, and grated cheese.

Chicken Lumpia with Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Recipe by OrionAdvertisingLLCCourse: Appetizer, snacksCuisine: Filipino, Indonesian, Medium

Servings

24 pcs

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

90/pcs

kcal

Ingredients

• Wrapper:

• Spring roll wrappers

• Filling:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 medium carrot, finely grated

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or any melty cheese of your choice)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For frying:

• Cooking oil

• Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for a creamy twist)

Instructions

• Prepare the Filling:
• In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, green onions, water chestnuts, grated cheese, soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
• Assemble the Lumpia:
• Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you.
• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture onto the lower third of the wrapper.
• Fold the bottom part of the wrapper over the filling, fold the sides inward, and roll tightly. Seal the edge with a dab of water.
• Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
• Fry the Lumpia:
• Heat cooking oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Fry the lumpia in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
• In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
• Serve:
• Serve the crispy Chicken Lumpia with Cheese with the creamy sweet chili dipping sauce on the side.
• Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy wrapper, savory chicken filling, and melted cheese!

Notes

• Storage: If you have leftover lumpia, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until crispy.
• Freezing: Lumpia can be frozen before frying. Place the wrapped lumpia on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.
• Dipping Sauces: Popular dipping sauces for lumpia include sweet chili sauce, vinegar with minced garlic and chili, or a mixture of soy sauce and calamansi (or lemon) juice.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that the lumpia wrappers are gluten-free. You can also use rice paper wrappers as an alternative.

Tips for Perfect Lumpia

• Prevent Soggy Lumpia: Make sure the filling is not too wet. Excess moisture can make the wrappers soggy and cause them to tear during frying.
• Seal Tightly: Properly sealing the lumpia with beaten egg helps prevent them from opening up while frying.
• Serve Hot: Lumpia is best enjoyed fresh and hot, right out of the fryer.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground chicken with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and additional vegetables.
• Spicy Twist: Add finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

FAQs about Cheesy Chicken Lumpia

1. What is Cheesy Chicken Lumpia?

Cheesy Chicken Lumpia is a Filipino-inspired spring roll made with ground chicken, cheese, and various seasonings, wrapped in a thin lumpia wrapper and fried until golden and crispy.

2. What ingredients are typically used in Cheesy Chicken Lumpia?

The main ingredients include ground chicken, shredded cheese, garlic, onions, soy sauce, lumpia wrappers, and oil for frying. Some recipes might also include vegetables like carrots and green onions.

3. Can I bake Cheesy Chicken Lumpia instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake Cheesy Chicken Lumpia for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the lumpia on a baking sheet, brush with a bit of oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

4. How do I prevent the lumpia wrappers from drying out?

To prevent the lumpia wrappers from drying out, keep them covered with a damp cloth while you’re assembling the rolls. This helps maintain their moisture and pliability.

5. Can I make Cheesy Chicken Lumpia in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Chicken Lumpia in advance. Assemble the lumpia, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, you can fry them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the frying time.

6. What dipping sauces go well with Cheesy Chicken Lumpia?

Popular dipping sauces include sweet chili sauce, garlic vinegar dip, soy sauce with calamansi, or even a simple ketchup and mayonnaise mix.

7. How do I store leftover cooked lumpia?

Store leftover cooked lumpia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.

8. Can I use other types of cheese in Cheesy Chicken Lumpia?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses to find your preferred flavor and texture.

9. What is the best oil for frying lumpia?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, is ideal for frying lumpia.

10. How do I keep the lumpia from sticking together during frying?

To prevent lumpia from sticking together, avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Fry them in small batches and make sure there’s enough space between each piece.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Lumpia is a delightful twist on the traditional lumpia, bringing together the savory flavors of chicken and the creamy goodness of melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing this for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a fun snack, these cheesy chicken lumpia are sure to be a hit. Enjoy cooking and savor every crispy, cheesy bite!