Hearty Vegan Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Plant-Based Comfort Food

Hearty cabbage rolls with a vegan twist can turn an ordinary dinner into a remarkable culinary adventure.

These plant-based delights pack incredible flavor and nutrition into every single bite.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this vegan cabbage rolls recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction without any animal products.

cabbage leaves become tender wrappers holding a savory mixture of grains, vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices.

The filling bursts with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings that dance across your palate with each mouthful.

Each roll promises a delectable experience that will surprise even the most dedicated meat lovers.

These rolls are perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece that everyone will devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 60 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 85 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Vegan Cabbage Rolls Ingredient Checklist

• Sushi Rice: Provides hearty foundation with soft, sticky texture perfect for holding roll together.
• Napa Cabbage: Delicate wrapper that adds crisp, fresh layer and beautiful presentation.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic trio creating depth of flavor with warm, spicy undertones.
• Carrot, Bell Peppers: Vibrant vegetables adding natural sweetness and colorful nutrition.
• White Button Mushrooms: Meaty texture bringing earthy umami essence to filling.

• Tamari, Coconut Aminos: Umami-rich liquid seasonings providing savory depth.
• Sea Salt, Ground Pepper, Onion Powder: Classic spice blend balancing overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and zesty kick.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish adding nutty finish and visual appeal.
• Oil: Ensures smooth cooking and prevents sticking.

• Sesame Oil: Introduces rich, nutty fragrance.
• Ginger, Garlic: Intense flavor boosters creating complex sauce base.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy brightness.
• Maple Syrup: Provides gentle sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Cornstarch: Creates silky sauce texture and helps thickening.
• Water: Helps balance sauce consistency.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Customize sauce with personal heat and depth preferences.

Tools to Prepare Vegan Cabbage Rolls Easily

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling and softening cabbage leaves.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and pan-searing cabbage rolls.
• Saucepan: Ideal for cooking rice and preparing the sauce.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping vegetables and ginger.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing ingredients precisely.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for soaking rice and cooling cabbage leaves.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Directions for Wrapping and Cooking Vegan Cabbage Rolls

• Cabbage Preparation

Gently separate cabbage leaves and soften them in boiling water. Cool leaves in cold water to make them pliable and easy to handle.

• Veggie Mixture

Sauté chopped onions, ginger, garlic, carrots, peppers, and mushrooms in a skillet. Add savory seasonings to create a rich, aromatic base for the filling.

• Rice Blending

Cook rice until fluffy and tender. Mix the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetable medley, creating a harmonious and flavorful stuffing.

• Roll Crafting

Place a spoonful of rice mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Carefully fold and roll the leaves, tucking in sides to seal the delicious contents.

• Golden Searing

Pan-fry the cabbage rolls until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, creating a crispy texture and enhancing overall flavor.

• Tangy Sauce

Whip up a quick sauce by combining ginger, garlic, tangy vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and a touch of cornstarch to create a glossy, flavorful drizzle.

• Final Touch

Plate the cabbage rolls and generously pour the glossy sauce over top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and elegant presentation.

Flavor Tips for Homemade Vegan Cabbage Rolls

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Rice Rescue: Use short-grain brown rice or quinoa for extra nutrition and a different texture. Rinse grains thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve perfectly fluffy filling.
• Leaf Liners: Blanch cabbage leaves gently to prevent tearing. Choose large, flexible leaves from green or savoy cabbage for easier rolling and better presentation.
• Protein Power: Swap veggie filling with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives for added protein and exciting flavor profiles. Season alternatives with smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for depth.
• Sauce Swagger: Transform the basic sauce by adding gochujang for Korean-inspired heat, or blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky Mediterranean twist. Experiment with different sweeteners like agave or date syrup for unique undertones.
• Freezer Friendly: Prepare extra rolls and freeze uncooked for quick future meals. Layer rolls between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in airtight containers for up to three months.

How to Serve Vegan Cabbage Rolls at Any Table

• Zen Garden Plate Presentation: Arrange the golden-brown cabbage rolls in a circular pattern on a white ceramic plate, drizzling the glossy sauce artfully around them. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an elegant visual contrast.
• Fresh Green Accompaniment: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber slices and a light ginger-sesame vinaigrette to complement the rich, savory rolls. The fresh greens will balance the warm, hearty cabbage rolls perfectly.
• Asian-Inspired Side Dish: Pair the vegan cabbage rolls with steamed edamame or quick-pickled vegetables like radishes and carrots. These tangy, crunchy sides will add texture and brightness to the main dish, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Protein Power Boost: For extra nutrition, consider adding a small portion of marinated tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas next to the rolls. This will enhance the protein content and provide additional flavor complexity to the overall dining experience.

Store Vegan Cabbage Rolls for the Next Meal

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a double batch of these cabbage rolls during your weekend meal prep. They're perfect for quick lunches and dinners throughout the busy work week, saving you time and energy.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent soggy rolls, and gently reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to enjoy.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: These rolls are champions of make-ahead meals. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Portion Planning: Create single-serving meal prep containers with 2-3 rolls per container. Add a small compartment for extra sauce, ensuring you have a balanced, ready-to-go meal that keeps your nutrition on track without any last-minute cooking stress.

Hearty Vegan Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage rolls merge hearty plant-based ingredients into a comforting Eastern European classic. Mediterranean herbs and robust spices elevate this traditional dish, helping you savor authentic flavors with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large napa cabbage (10–12 leaves)
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) sushi rice or short-grain rice
• 8 white button mushrooms (diced, canned or fresh)
• 1 medium (120 g) carrot (diced)
• 2 medium (70 g) peppers (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
• 2 tbsps tamari or coconut aminos
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 tsp oil (sesame oil)
• ½ tbsp ginger (minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ tbsps tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• ¾ tbsp maple syrup
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ½ tbsp cornstarch
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)
• red pepper flakes (to taste)
• smoked paprika (to taste)
• sesame seeds (to garnish)

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse sushi rice, soak for an hour, then simmer in salted water until tender and fluffy.
2. Cabbage Preparation: Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, immediately transfer to ice bath, then drain and set aside.
3. Vegetable Sauté: In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onions, ginger, garlic, carrots, peppers, and mushrooms until fragrant and slightly translucent, then incorporate tamari and spices.
4. Filling Creation: Blend cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Rolling Technique: Place softened cabbage leaf flat, center rice mixture, fold edges inward, and roll tightly to form compact parcels.
6. Searing Process: In a hot skillet with oil, brown cabbage rolls on all sides until a golden crust develops.
7. Sauce Crafting: Sauté ginger and garlic, add tamari, rice vinegar, and maple syrup, create cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce until glossy.
8. Final Presentation: Arrange cabbage rolls on serving plate, generously drizzle with prepared sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Carefully: Thorough rinsing removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate rice grains for perfect texture.
• Soften Cabbage Gently: Blanching leaves prevents tearing and makes rolling easier, creating neat, professional-looking cabbage rolls.
• Sauté Vegetables Precisely: Cooking vegetables until fragrant but not fully soft maintains their texture and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Thicken Sauce Strategically: Using cornstarch creates a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that clings beautifully to cabbage rolls, elevating the dish’s presentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg