Vegan Cabbage Rolls Recipe That’s Comforting and Filling

Cabbage rolls convert humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that challenges traditional dinner expectations.

Packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrients, these plant-based parcels offer a delightful twist on comfort food.

Leafy green cabbage leaves become delicate wrappers for a hearty filling bursting with international inspiration.

The combination of grains, vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a satisfying meal that appeals to both dedicated vegans and curious food lovers.

Wrapped tightly and baked until golden, these rolls showcase how plant-based cooking can be both nourishing and incredibly delicious.

Each bite promises a harmony of textures and rich, complex flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Get ready to elevate your dinner repertoire with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Why Vegan Cabbage Rolls Are Comforting and Plant-Powered

• Savor Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Delights: These vegan cabbage rolls burst with incredible taste combinations from sautéed vegetables, tamari, and aromatic spices that dance across your palate without any meat.
• Master Simple yet Sophisticated Cooking: The recipe offers an approachable technique that transforms humble ingredients into an elegant dish, perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their culinary skills with minimal complicated steps.
• Create Nutrient-Dense Comfort Food: Packed with vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, these cabbage rolls deliver a wholesome meal that feels indulgent while providing excellent nutritional value for health-conscious eaters.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal Preparation: These rolls work wonderfully as a main course, can be prepared ahead of time, and reheat beautifully- making them ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests with minimal kitchen stress.

Ingredients for Flavorful Vegan Cabbage Rolls

• Sushi Rice or Short-Grain Rice: Perfect for creating a sticky, cohesive filling with great texture.
• Napa Cabbage: Tender leaves ideal for wrapping, with mild flavor and delicate structure.

• Onion, Carrot, Peppers, Mushrooms: Colorful mix providing depth of flavor, natural sweetness, and nutritional variety.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add robust, warming flavor profile to the filling.

• Tamari or Coconut Aminos, Sea Salt, Ground Pepper, Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing overall taste.
• Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup: Adding brightness and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Providing rich, nutty undertone to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helping to thicken the sauce for perfect consistency.
• Water: Used to create balanced sauce texture.
• Sesame Seeds: Elegant garnish with subtle nutty crunch.

How to Roll and Bake Vegan Cabbage Rolls Easily

Step 1: Prepare Rice Bed

Rinse sushi rice thoroughly under cold water.

Soak rice in fresh water for one hour.

Drain and transfer to a pot.

• Water
• Pinch of salt

Cook rice until fluffy and tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Soften Cabbage Leaves

Boil large pot of water.

Gently dip cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until pliable.

Remove and submerge in ice water to stop cooking.

Pat leaves dry with clean towel.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium flame.

• Onions
• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Diced carrots
• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped mushrooms

Stir and cook until vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Filling

Mix sautéed vegetables with cooked rice.

Season with soy sauce and preferred spices.

Let mixture cool slightly.

Step 5: Craft Cabbage Parcels

Place cabbage leaf on flat surface.

Spoon rice mixture into center.

Fold sides inward.

Roll leaf tightly like a burrito.

Repeat with remaining leaves.

Step 6: Crisp Cabbage Rolls

Warm skillet with touch of oil.

Carefully place rolls in pan.

Brown each side until golden.

Step 7: Create Zesty Sauce

• Tamari
• Rice vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Grated ginger

Whisk cornstarch with water.

Stir into sauce until thickened.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Arrange cabbage rolls on platter.

Drizzle sauce generously.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds.

Garnish with fresh herbs.

Enjoy your delightful vegan creation!

Tips for Getting the Right Texture in Vegan Cabbage Rolls

• Soften Cabbage Perfectly: Blanch cabbage leaves carefully to prevent tearing, ensuring they're pliable but not overcooked. Remove tough stem parts before rolling to create smooth, even wraps.
• Rice Texture Mastery: Rinse rice thoroughly and soak before cooking to achieve fluffy, separated grains that bind the filling without becoming mushy. Let rice cool slightly before mixing with vegetables for optimal consistency.
• Filling Distribution Technique: Use a consistent amount of filling in each roll to ensure even cooking and uniform appearance. Pack filling gently to prevent tearing the delicate cabbage leaf.
• Searing Secret: Pat cabbage rolls dry before pan-searing to achieve a crispy golden exterior. Use medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan for perfect browning and maintaining roll integrity.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings gradually for a balanced flavor profile that complements the roll's savory filling.

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Cabbage Rolls

• Refrigeration: Store leftover vegan cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate rolls with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm rolls gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Side Dishes That Match Vegan Cabbage Rolls

• Savor Asian-Inspired Wine Pairing: Match these vegan cabbage rolls with a crisp Riesling, whose slight sweetness beautifully complements the tamari and maple syrup sauce, while cutting through the rich vegetable filling.
• Boost Flavor with Herbal Tea Companion: Brew a hot green tea with hints of jasmine, which echoes the ginger and garlic notes in the dish, providing a clean and refreshing counterpoint to the savory rolls.
• Enhance Meal with Citrus-Forward Cocktail: Create a light ginger mocktail or cocktail with fresh lime juice and sparkling water, its bright acidity will balance the umami flavors and provide a zesty contrast to the hearty cabbage rolls.
• Perfect Side Dish Harmony: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, mirroring the recipe's Asian-inspired ingredients and adding a cool, crunchy texture to the meal.

Vegan Cabbage Roll Variations to Explore

• Asian Fusion Rolls: Replace traditional vegetables with edamame, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts for a crisp, authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Incorporate fresh oregano, parsley, and mint into the filling. Use feta-style vegan cheese and swap tamari for lemon juice to create a Mediterranean sensation.
• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Rolls: Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños to the rice mixture. Season with cumin and chili powder, then serve with a zesty salsa-style sauce for a bold, southwestern kick.
• Protein-Packed Power Rolls: Mix in crumbled tofu, quinoa, and nutritional yeast to boost protein content. Top with a creamy cashew-based sauce for extra nutrition and richness.

Vegan Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Polish-inspired vegan cabbage rolls celebrate hearty plant-based comfort wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Savory rice, mushrooms, and herbs create a satisfying Mediterranean-style meal that connects culinary tradition with modern wellness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large napa cabbage (10–12 leaves)
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) dry sushi rice or any short-grain rice
• 8 white button mushrooms, diced (canned or fresh)
• 1 medium (120 g) carrot, diced
• 2 medium (70 g) peppers, diced

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Sesame seeds, to garnish

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon oil (e.g., sesame oil)
• ½ tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¾ tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse sushi rice thoroughly, then submerge in water for an hour. Drain and transfer to a saucepan with water and salt, simmering until tender and fluffy.
2. Fill a large pot with boiling water. Gently immerse cabbage leaves, allowing them to soften for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking, then drain and set aside.
3. Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, ginger, garlic, carrots, peppers, and mushrooms until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
4. Add tamari and selected spices to the vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute flavors evenly. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Incorporate cooked rice into the vegetable medley, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform filling.
6. Position a softened cabbage leaf flat. Spoon rice mixture into the center, carefully folding edges inward and rolling tightly to create a compact parcel.
7. Heat oil in a skillet. Carefully place rolled cabbage bundles, searing each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
8. Prepare sauce by sautéing ginger and garlic in oil. Introduce tamari, rice vinegar, and maple syrup, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Create a cornstarch slurry, then blend into the sauce. Simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
10. Plate cabbage rolls, drizzle with prepared sauce, and sprinkle sesame seeds for a final flourish.

Notes

• Crafting these rolls requires patience and love, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful vegan feast.
• Soaking rice helps achieve perfect texture, while gentle cabbage leaf preparation ensures soft, pliable wrappings.
• Layering flavors through careful sautéing and seasoning creates a mouthwatering harmony of tastes that’ll surprise even meat-lovers.

• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg