Lumpia and Pancit Recipe

Ground pork: The main protein for the lumpia filling, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and crunch to both the lumpia filling and the pancit.

Onions: Provides a savory base flavor for the lumpia filling.

Cabbage: Adds texture and a slight sweetness to both the lumpia and pancit.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and pungent taste.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to both dishes.

Lumpia wrappers: Thin pastry sheets used to wrap the lumpia filling before frying.

Oil: Used for frying the lumpia until golden brown.

Rice noodles: The main component of pancit, providing a chewy texture.

Chicken breast: Adds protein and a tender texture to the pancit.

Shrimp: Adds a seafood element and a slightly sweet flavor to the pancit.

Green beans: Adds color and a crisp texture to the pancit.

Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for cooking the pancit.

When preparing lumpia, ensure that the lumpia wrappers are kept moist by covering them with a damp cloth. This prevents them from drying out and cracking while you work. For the pancit, be careful not to over-soak the rice noodles; they should be pliable but not mushy. When sautéing the garlic, chicken, and shrimp, make sure the pan is hot enough to sear the proteins quickly, locking in their flavors.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is a leaner option and still provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• carrots, finely chopped - Substitute with bell peppers, finely chopped: Bell peppers add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, similar to carrots.

• onions, finely chopped - Substitute with shallots, finely chopped: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.

• cabbage, finely chopped - Substitute with bok choy, finely chopped: Bok choy provides a similar crunch and mild flavor.

• garlic, minced - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic is preferred for its robust flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• lumpia wrappers - Substitute with spring roll wrappers: Spring roll wrappers are similar in texture and can be used as a direct substitute.

• oil for frying - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.

• rice noodles - Substitute with glass noodles: Glass noodles have a similar texture and can absorb flavors well.

• chicken breast, sliced - Substitute with turkey breast, sliced: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture to chicken breast.

• shrimp, peeled and deveined - Substitute with tofu, cubed: Tofu is a vegetarian option that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar protein content.

• carrots, julienned - Substitute with zucchini, julienned: Zucchini offers a similar texture and mild flavor.

• cabbage, shredded - Substitute with lettuce, shredded: Lettuce can provide a similar crunch, though it has a milder flavor.

• green beans, sliced - Substitute with snap peas, sliced: Snap peas offer a similar crunch and slightly sweet flavor.

• garlic, minced - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic is preferred for its robust flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a suitable alternative for those looking for a vegetarian option.

• Allow the lumpia and pancit to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For lumpia:

  • Refrigerating: Place the cooled lumpia in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Arrange the uncooked lumpia in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer without thawing.

• For pancit:

  • Refrigerating: Store the pancit in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: Transfer the pancit to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to refresh the noodles.

• Label all containers with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.

• For best results, consume lumpia and pancit within the recommended storage times to maintain their flavor and texture.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ground pork, carrots, onions, cabbage, garlic, and soy sauce for the lumpia filling.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the carrots, onions, and cabbage for both the lumpia and pancit.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and slicing chicken breast.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Lumpia wrappers: These are used to wrap the lumpia filling before frying.

• Frying pan: Use this to fry the lumpia until they are golden brown.

• Tongs: Useful for turning the lumpia while frying to ensure they cook evenly.

• Large pot: Necessary for sautéing the garlic, chicken, and shrimp, and for cooking the pancit.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the large pot to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Measuring cup: Use this to measure out the chicken broth and soy sauce accurately.

• Colander: Useful for draining the soaked rice noodles before adding them to the pot.

• Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the finished lumpia and pancit.

Prepare the filling in advance: Mix the ground pork, carrots, onions, cabbage, garlic, and soy sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by buying pre-chopped carrots, onions, and cabbage.

Soak noodles early: Soak the rice noodles while you prepare other ingredients to speed up the cooking process.

Cook in batches: Fry the lumpia in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.

Multitask: While the lumpia is frying, start sautéing the garlic, chicken, and shrimp for the pancit.