RECIPE: VENISON LUMPIA BY JORDAN CABATIC

In Hawai'i, we are lucky to have such diverse dishes at every get-together. In this recipe, Jordan Cabatic shares one of our favorite Filipino foods - Lumpia -  and all the tips you need to pull off a perfectly rolled roll every time! Filled with venison and veggies and served with your choice of sauce, these rolls won't stay on the table long! Serves: 5-6 Prep/Cooking time: 45/15 minutes. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb of ground venison
• 1 pack lumpia wrappers
  
• 4 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
  
• 3 carrots (peeled & minced)
  
• 3 celery sticks (minced)
  
• 1/2 medium-sized onion (minced)
• 1/2 bunch of green onions (finely minced)
• 1 can of water chestnuts (minced)
• 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 Tbsp shoyu
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bouillon cube (vegetable or beef)
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying

*Note: Utilizing a food processor to mince is recommended, but not required.

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1: First, in a large bowl add shoyu, oyster sauce, salt, pepper, and bouillon cube. Use a fork to mash the bouillon cube into a paste.

STEP 2: Next, add in 1 lb ground venison, mix well. Add in green onions, garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and water chestnuts and mix until well combined.

STEP 3: Allow filling to marinate a minimum of 2 hours or preferably overnight.

STEP 4: Defrost lumpia wrappers by setting them in the fridge overnight or on the countertop at room temperature for a couple hours.

STEP 5: Separate wrappers by starting at the corner, peeling back slowly to avoid ripping. Cover separated wrappers with a damp cloth to avoid drying out.

STEP 6: Lay a wrapper on a flat surface. Add about 3 Tbsp of filling to the bottom of the wrapper, leaving a 1/2 inch from the edge, using fingers to form filling into a long-like shape.

STEP 7: Fold over the wrapper and begin to roll, ensuring that the roll remains tight. At about 2 inches from the top of the wrapper, add a small amount of egg wash along the top edge. Finish rolling the wrapper and seal it tightly. Cut roll in half.

STEP 8: Fill a large pot with cooking oil, about 2 inches from the bottom and heat oil to 375°.

STEP 9: Place lumpia into oil and allow to fry for 3 - 4 minutes. When done, lumpia should have a golden brown color and crispy outside.

STEP 10: Place cooked lumpia on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.

STEP 11: Serve with sweet chili sauce or vinegar, mixed with fresh minced garlic, and black pepper.

*Note: If not cooking all uncooked lumpia or preparing in advance, store lumpia in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to a month. To cook, place frozen lumpia in pre-heated oil.

Serve immediately with a choice of starch or fresh greens. Enjoy!

We’d love to see what you create! Share a photo of your Venison Lumpia with us on Facebook and Instagram @MauiNuiVenison using #MauiNuiVenison.