Easy Napa Cabbage Rolls

Rating: 5.00
(2)

๐Ÿฅฌ Easy Vegan Napa Cabbage Rolls (Quick + Healthy!)

Looking for a light yet satisfying vegan meal thatโ€™s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor? These Easy Vegan Napa Cabbage Rolls are exactly what you need. With a hearty tofu and veggie filling, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and drizzled with a bold, spicy sauce, theyโ€™re a total weeknight winner.

Whether you’re craving a healthy plant-based lunch or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, this Asian-inspired recipe delivers on every level.


๐Ÿฅข What Are Napa Cabbage Rolls?

Napa cabbage rolls are a lighter, fresher version of traditional cabbage rolls, using the soft and flexible leaves of Napa cabbage. In this recipe, theyโ€™re filled with a mixture of crumbled tofu, mushrooms, carrots, scallions, and rice, then topped with a spicy soy-based sauce.

Unlike traditional meat-filled rolls, these are entirely plant-based and naturally gluten-free when made with tamari.


Why Youโ€™ll Love These Vegan Cabbage Rolls

โœ… Simple ingredients โ€“ You probably already have everything in your fridge.
โœ… High in protein โ€“ Thanks to the tofu and rice combo.
โœ… Customizable โ€“ Add shredded zucchini, edamame, or cooked quinoa.
โœ… Meal prep-friendly โ€“ Make ahead and enjoy all week.
โœ… Naturally gluten-free โ€“ Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a GF version.


๐Ÿ”ช How to Make Vegan Napa Cabbage Rolls

Sautรฉ the Veggies
 Cook the carrot, spring onions, and mushrooms in a large pan until softened.
Sautรฉ the Veggies
Cook the carrot, spring onions, and mushrooms in a large pan until softened.
Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Sprinkle in the corn starch and stir until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
Season the Filling
Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Sprinkle in the corn starch and stir until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
Blanch the Cabbage
 Briefly boil the Napa cabbage leaves until tender. Drain and pat dry.
Blanch the Cabbage
Briefly boil the Napa cabbage leaves until tender. Drain and pat dry.
Roll the Cabbage
 Add filling near the base of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
Roll the Cabbage
Add filling near the base of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
Pan-Fry the Rolls
 Place rolls seam-side down in a lightly oiled pan and cook until golden and crisped.
Pan-Fry the Rolls
Place rolls seam-side down in a lightly oiled pan and cook until golden and crisped.
Napa Cabbage Rolls
Serve
Drizzle sauce over the rolls or serve it on the side for dipping.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ How to Serve Napa Cabbage Rolls

These rolls are super versatile. Serve them:

  • On a platter with toothpicks for party appetizers
  • Alongside steamed jasmine or brown rice
  • With miso soup or a sesame-dressed salad
  • Topped with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or cilantro

๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Sauce for Cabbage Rolls: Optional but Irresistible

The sauce is spicy, savory, and rich with umami. It combines:

  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Chili oil
  • Sriracha
  • Vegan oyster sauce
  • A splash of water to loosen

Want a milder version? Just reduce the chilli oil and sriracha or swap in hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor.


โ™ป๏ธ Variations & Substitutions

  • No tofu? Sub with tempeh, cooked lentils, or shredded jackfruit.
  • No mushrooms? Try zucchini or eggplant.
  • Low-carb? Use cauliflower rice instead of rice.
  • No Napa cabbage? Regular green cabbage works if well-blanched.

๐Ÿฅก Storage Tips for your Napa Cabbage Rolls

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or microwave with a damp towel.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the cabbage may become watery.

๐Ÿง  FAQ: Vegan Napa Cabbage Rolls

Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes! Green cabbage or savoy cabbage work well, but blanch longer to soften them enough to roll.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutelyโ€”just replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure your vegan oyster sauce is GF.

Do I need to steam the rolls after wrapping?

Not necessarily. Theyโ€™re ready to eat once rolled, but steaming softens the texture more. You can also pan-sear for extra flavor.

Can I use leftover rice for this?

Yes! Day-old rice actually works even better because itโ€™s drier and holds together nicely.

Can I bake them instead of steaming or frying?

Sure! Bake at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for 10โ€“15 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on top.

๐Ÿงพ Final Thoughts: Why These Vegan Napa Cabbage Rolls Are a Must-Make

If youโ€™re looking for an easy, nutrient-dense, and flavor-packed vegan dish, these Napa cabbage rolls check every box. Theyโ€™re endlessly versatile, fun to make, and even more fun to eat. Plus, that spicy-sweet sauce will keep you coming back for more. For more wholesome vegan recipes like this one, head over to Dr. Veganโ€”your go-to hub for easy, creative, and plant-based cooking.

Easy Napa Cabbage Rolls

Easy Napa Cabbage Rolls

5 from 2 votes
These easy vegan Napa cabbage rolls are packed with a savory tofu, veggie, and rice filling, then rolled in tender cabbage leaves and served with a spicy umami sauce. Simple to make, naturally gluten-free (if using tamari), and perfect for meal prep or light dinners.
Servings 8
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Large pot or steamer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board + knife
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
 
 

For the Filling:

For the Rolls:

  • 8-10 Napa cabbage leaves

For the Sauce:

Instructions
 

  • 1. In a large pan over medium heat, sautรฉ the carrot, spring onions, and mushrooms for 3โ€“4 minutes until softened.
  • 2. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring well to combine.
  • 3. Stir in the cooked rice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
  • 4. Sprinkle the corn starch over the mixture and cook for another 1โ€“2 minutes, stirring to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • 5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the Napa cabbage leaves for about 1 minute until just tender. Drain and gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  • 6. Place a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2โ€“3 tablespoons of the filling near the base. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  • 7. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the cabbage rolls seam-side down and pan-fry for 2โ€“3 minutes per side, or until golden and lightly crisped.
  • 8. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chilli oil, Sriracha, oyster sauce, and water. Taste and adjust the heat or saltiness as needed.
  • 9. Serve the cabbage rolls warm, drizzled with the sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Adjust the spiciness of the sauce according to taste.
The rolls can be prepped in advance and pan-fried just before serving.
Perfect for meal prep as they reheat well.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 744mgPotassium: 165mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1410IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 90kcal
Cost: $10
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Asian Cabbage Rolls, Easy Cabbage Recipe, easy tofu cabbage rolls, Healthy Main Dish, Tofu Stuffed Cabbage, vegan cabbage dumplings, vegan napa cabbage rolls, Vegan-friendly, Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls

Join the Conversation

  1. Alexandria Phillips says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely amazing. All of my kids went back for seconds. 10/10

  2. 5 stars
    Does this store well in the fridge? Thinking of adding it to my weekly meal prep rotation

5 from 2 votes

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