Discover the Delightful Flavors of Turkey Lumpia

Turkey lumpia is a Filipino dish that is rapidly gaining popularity around the world. Hailing from the Philippines, these crispy and savory rolls are filled with a mixture of ground turkey and vegetables, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. They are popularly known as lumpiang turkey in Filipino parlance.

A Unique Twist on a Classic Dish

Turkey lumpia is a unique take on the classic Filipino dish, lumpia. While traditional lumpia is filled with pork and vegetables, turkey lumpia utilizes ground turkey as its primary protein source. This makes it an excellent alternative for those who prefer a leaner protein source or a non-pork option.

Despite its deviation from tradition, turkey lumpia manages to capture the essence of classic lumpia with the flavor of its stuffing. The combination of ground turkey with a variety of vegetables and spices creates a filling that is savory and satisfying.

A Healthier Option

Turkey lumpia is a healthier option compared to its pork-filled counterpart. Turkey is a lean protein source filled with essential nutrients and minerals. It is also a great source of lean protein, perfect for those who are looking to stay fit or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The vegetables used in turkey lumpia are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including fiber, iron, and antioxidants. They add an extra layer of flavor and nutrients while also keeping calorie counts low.

A Popular Appetizer

Turkey lumpia is a popular appetizer in Filipino cuisine. It is often served as an appetizer at family gatherings and parties. The crispy, golden-brown exterior and the savory filling make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining guests.

But turkey lumpia is more than just an appetizer. It can also be a satisfying main dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. It can be served with rice or noodles and a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

A Global Favorite

Turkey lumpia is gaining popularity around the world, beyond just the Filipino community. Due to its unique flavor profile and its healthier composition, it has become a favorite among those who are looking for new and exciting food options.

Its growing popularity has also led to variations in the recipe, with some people experimenting with different sauces and dipping options. Some even add their own unique twists, such as using different vegetables or spicing up the filling.

Conclusion

Turkey lumpia is a unique and delicious dish that is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional lumpia or a new and exciting appetizer option. With its unique flavor profile and versatility, it is quickly becoming a crowd-pleaser around the world. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Filipino cuisine or just love exploring new flavors, turkey lumpia is definitely a dish worth trying.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 small onion, minced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 carrot, minced
– 1 celery stalk, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 20 lumpia wrappers
– 1 egg, beaten for sealing
– oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the minced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until soft.
3. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and black pepper to the skillet and stir well.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool.
5. To make the lumpia, place a wrapper on a flat surface with one corner facing towards you.
6. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture onto the wrapper.
7. Roll the wrapper tightly over the filling and fold the sides in towards the center.
8. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with beaten egg and roll tightly to seal the lumpia.
9. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
10. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
11. Add the lumpias to the skillet in batches, and fry until golden brown on all sides.
12. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
13. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Ask the Chef – Tips & Tricks

Thaw Lumpia Wrappers: Take lumpia wrappers out of the freezer and let them thaw for several hours in the refrigerator or at room temperature before you start cooking. Avoid using a microwave or hot water to defrost the wrappers, as they might stick together or become too soft and difficult to handle.
Chop Ingredients Finely: A key to making delicious lumpia is chopping your ingredients finely. The smaller the better. This ensures that they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the filling.
Don’t Overfill the Wrappers: It can be tempting to overstuff the lumpia wrappers, but doing so can lead to uneven cooking and spillage during frying. Stick to a conservative 1-2 tablespoons of filling per lumpia wrapper; you can always make more if needed.
Seal the Edges: Use the beaten egg as glue to seal the edges of the lumpia wrapper. Make sure to press the edges together tightly to avoid any filling coming out while frying.
Keep a Close Eye While Frying: Fry lumpia in smaller batches and at a slightly lower temperature. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness. Keep a close eye on the lumpia while frying and turn as needed until they are golden brown on all sides. Drain the fried lumpia on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Variation: You can switch up the filling as desired. Consider using ground pork or chicken instead of turkey, or change up the vegetable mix to suit your taste. You can also add additional spices such as cumin, ginger or chili powder to add more flavor and excitement to your lumpia.