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.
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.