Easy Vegetarian Napa Cabbage Rolls with Tofu and Veggies

5 from 7 votes
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Wholesome and easy to make! These vegetarian Napa Cabbage Rolls are filled with tofu and vegetables for a light, satisfying meal. Give them a try!

Looking for napa cabbage recipes? Try Pickled Napa Cabbage, Napa Cabbage Slaw, or Napa Cabbage Soup!

napa cabbage rolls in a bowl

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe 

  • Perfect for a cozy dish with tender cabbage and savory filling.
  • Enjoy the light, satisfying combination of tofu and cabbage.
  • Healthy, whole-food ingredients that nourish your body.

Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage, Hakusai in Japanese, is a variety of Chinese cabbage commonly used in Asian cooking. It can be eaten raw, stir-fried, or stewed. It has a milder and sweeter flavor with a more delicate texture than regular cabbage. The best season is during the cold months, from November to February. Learn more about it in this Japanese Napa Cabbage Recipes.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Napa Cabbage Roll recipe:

ingredients for napa cabbage rolls
  • Napa Cabbage: Choose cabbage with tightly packed leaves and no gaps. Use the larger leaves on the outside to make it easier to wrap
  • Tofu: Use firm tofu and press it to remove excess water. This creates a denser, more satisfying texture for the filling.
  • Carrot and Shiitake Mushrooms: For the tofu filling. You can also use other vegetables like onions, lotus roots, broccoli, and other types of mushrooms.
  • Vegetable bouillon and salt: For a light, comforting flavor.

How To Make Napa Cabbage Rolls: STEP BY STEP 

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

How to make napa cabbage rolls.

Step 1

Microwave napa cabbage leaves until tender.

How to make napa cabbage rolls.

Step 2

Mix tofu, panko, chopped shiitake mushrooms, and carrots for the filling.

How to make napa cabbage rolls.

Step 3

Place filling in the center of each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.

How to make napa cabbage rolls.

Step 4

Place the napa cabbage rolls in a pot.

How to make napa cabbage rolls.

Step 5

Add soup ingredients and bring to a boil.

How to make napa cabbage rolls.

Step 6

Simmer for 15 minutes.

napa cabbage rolls in a bowl

Once cooked, transfer the rolls to a bowl and enjoy them warm. The seasoning is light, but the napa cabbage soaks the soup, and it’s so delicious!

Recipe Tips

  • Blanch the Leaves – Instead of microwaving, you can boil (blanch) the cabbage leaves for 1-2 minutes to make them soft.
  • Firm Up the Filling – If the tofu filling feels too soft, add panko a little at a time until it holds together better.
  • Use the Right Pot – Choose a pot that fits the rolls well so they don’t move around too much while boiling. An 18cm (7 inches) pot works well for this recipe.
  • Hold the Rolls with Toothpicks – If the rolls start to open while cooking, use toothpicks to keep them closed. Remove them before serving.

What To Serve With

To complement the napa cabbage roll, I recommend serving it with Egg Onigiri Recipe, Kakiage Tempura, and Goma-ae (Japanese Sesame Salad)!

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Napa cabbage rolls served in a bowl.

More Cabbage Recipes You Will Love

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napa cabbage rolls in a bowl

Easy Vegetarian Napa Cabbage Rolls with Tofu and Veggies

5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Save
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Juri Austin
Wholesome and easy to make! These vegetarian Napa Cabbage Rolls are filled with tofu and vegetables for a light, satisfying meal. Give them a try!

Equipment

  • Medium pot

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 Napa cabbage leaves

For the Filling

For the Soup

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Prepare the Ingredients: Wrap the napa cabbage leaves in cling wrap and microwave for 4-5 minutes until they are tender. Carefully remove and pat dry any excess moisture with a paper towel. Finely chop the carrot and shiitake mushrooms. Microwave them for 2 minutes to soften slightly.
  • Make the Filling: In a bowl, beat the egg. Add crumbled tofu, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, panko, salt, and pepper and combine well to make tofu fillings.
  • Assemble the Rolls: Take one napa cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the tofu filling in the center. Fold in the sides and roll it tightly, securing the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
  • Cook the Rolls: Place the rolled cabbage in a pot. Add vegetable bouillon powder, a pinch of salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  • Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rolls simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Serve: Once cooked, transfer the rolls to a bowl and enjoy them warm.

Video

Notes

  • Storage: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 
  • Instead of microwaving, you can boil (blanch) the cabbage leaves for 1-2 minutes to make them soft.
  • If the tofu filling feels too soft, add panko a little at a time until it holds together better.
  • Choose a pot that fits the rolls well so they don’t move around too much while boiling. An 18cm (7 inches) pot works well for this recipe.
  • If the rolls start to open while cooking, use toothpicks to keep them closed. Remove them before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.8g | Protein: 8.4g
Course: Main
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: napa cabbage rolls
Did You Make this recipe?Please Leave a star rating!

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4 Comments

  1. I don’t own a microwave. Do you have any suggestions what to do instead of microwaving in this recipe? I’m guessing I could lightly fry the carrots and mushrooms. I’m thinking steaming or parboiling the cabbage. What do you suggest would work best?

    1. Hi Jenn, thanks for your comment. I use the microwave to save time, but Yes, you could fry the carrots and mushrooms and steam the cabbage. I think steaming the cabbage taste a bit better than parboiling. I hope it helps!