Napa Cabbage Rolls with Enoki Mushrooms Chicken and Mango

I made these rolls as an appetizer for dinner last night, again using leftovers in my fridge and they were yum-o!  Definitely a recipe that I will use for future dinner parties — they are not only simple to do but very healthy as well.  I think the perfect appetizer is light, not too heavy and contains flavors that will excite the palate, preparing it for the main course.  I used nori to wrap all of my ingredients and then finishing by rolling the rolls with steamed napa cabbage leaves.  The bright flavors of the mango packs a surprise in each bite, pairing well with the ginger soy dipping sauce.

If eating healthy always tasted this good, I think people would definitely do it more often.  The whole concept of “healthy” eating immediately places scary images into people’s heads – greenish brown smoothies, cardboard tasting rice cakes, strange healthy food trends…I get it.  I really do, but there are other ways, BETTER WAYS, where you actually enjoy eating healthy.

I think the key to eating good tasting healthy foods is good quality produce, the right combinations and a variety of cooking methods.  I mean honestly, would I eat healthy if it tasted bad?  No way Jose.

Ingredients for Napa Cabbage Rolls:

(serves 4)

  • 8 napa cabbage leaves, steamed or boiled
  • 1 package of enoki mushrooms, blanched
  • 1 mango, thinly sliced
  • 2 radish, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 green onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Japanese mayo

After steaming the napa cabbage leaves, lay them on a napkin and dry them so they do not make your rolls soggy.

To roll your napa cabbage rolls, it is best that you have a sushi rolling mat.  If you do not own one, you may use your hands to do so.  Place the nori sheet down (you may toast them if you’d like) and then put two slices of mango, widthwise, next to each other.  Next place the shredded chicken ontop and the enoki mushrooms above it.  Take your radish and assemble them across the ingredients as pictured above.  Add your sriracha, mayo and sesame seeds and place the green onion towards the end of the roll, with the green onion sticking an inch past the nori sheet on each side.

Rolling is the trickiest part, it’s very similar to that of wrapping a burrito but you won’t be folding in the ends.  Wrap your ingredients snugly (not too tight or the nori will tear but just tight enough to where all the ingredients will stay in tact when cut)  and once you reach the end, dab a little bit of water to help the end of the nori stick to the roll.  Once you have rolled your ingredients, take your napa leaves and wrap the outside of the nori rolls.  Depending on the size of the leaves you can wrap them either widthwise or lengthwise, as long as the leaves cover most of the roll. You can then cut the rolls either at a diagonal or in circular pieces, whichever you prefer.

You can choose to dip these in a simple soysauce sesame oil mixture, or eat them plain.  These rolls make the perfect appetizer — light and refreshing and very easy to make.  They are also very visually appealing don’t you think?

I used a nice honey ginger soy dipping sauce which you can use as well!

Ingredients for Honey Ginger Soy dipping sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/8 cup water

Place all ingredients in medium sized bowl and whisk together.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

I also wanted to share with you a few pictures of some projects I’ve been working on for work…

These are some fresh raspberry tarts with vanilla pastry cream — very very yummy, the tart raspberries pear with with the rich creamy pastry cream.

Chef called this dessert “The Road to Heaven” and I must agree with him on this one — I made a brandy chocolate sauce, which you see is brushed at the base of the plate.  Then from the smallest bite to the biggest — a miniature smore (the marshmallow is toasted of course!), an espresso creme brulee and ending with a fresh raspberry tart.  Boy oh boy it can’t get any better than that does it?

MMMMhmmm!  If any of you guys would like these recipes, send me an e mail and I can send it to you :) In the meantime, have a good weekend and HAPPY FRIDAY FOLKS!

20 Comments

  1. Posted 15 Jan ’10 at 2:49 pm | Permalink

    Just found out about your amazing blog via twitter and I must say I am HOOKED, both by your culinary talent and the quality of your photos.
    This all looks very appetizing to me! I definitely am going to read your recipes from now on :)

    Would it be too much to ask of a total stranger like me, for you to send me some of those yummy recipes?

    *Excuse me for my botchy english, it’s not my first language*

    Again: That’s a really. Awesome. Blog.

    • Posted 18 Jan ’10 at 10:15 am | Permalink

      Oh wow Alice, I really thank you for your kind words, your comment has really made my day, no MY WEEK. I will definitely send the dessert recipes your way!! It is a pleasure to meet you ^_^

  2. Posted 15 Jan ’10 at 4:03 pm | Permalink

    The look sooo good, and must be very tasty too. I have to try this recipe!

    • Posted 18 Jan ’10 at 10:14 am | Permalink

      Thank you cooking rookie :) You should definitely give it a shot, it’s very simple to make!!

  3. Posted 15 Jan ’10 at 5:05 pm | Permalink

    This entire meal looks incredible!

  4. Posted 15 Jan ’10 at 7:00 pm | Permalink

    What a beautiful dish! I love how you plate your food. Lovely and elegant!

  5. Posted 15 Jan ’10 at 10:07 pm | Permalink

    oh wow this is beautiful you are so very talented love your blog, Rebecca

  6. Posted 15 Jan ’10 at 10:18 pm | Permalink

    The rolls look absolutely fantastic. They’re flavorful yet light and healthy. I would definitely want to have those yummy rolls and of course some yummy desserts.

    • Posted 18 Jan ’10 at 10:10 am | Permalink

      Haha thanks Divina! I’ve been trying hard this year to not eat as many desserts, i guess making them “smaller” helps :) hahaha

  7. Posted 16 Jan ’10 at 1:37 am | Permalink

    Good heaven, the dessert looks sooooo scrumptious lol! Already salivating. haha… Hey, no jokes! And your cabbage wrap simply delicious too. Best for this after festive menu. Light and yummy! Well done, Joy!

    • Posted 18 Jan ’10 at 10:02 am | Permalink

      Hee hee Thanks Kristy haha you never fail to make me giggle — it is always fun to make desserts ^_^

  8. Posted 16 Jan ’10 at 3:43 am | Permalink

    your pics are absolutely gorgeous! love those raspberries ♥

    • Posted 18 Jan ’10 at 10:02 am | Permalink

      Thank you Cathie for your kind words :) !

  9. Posted 16 Jan ’10 at 5:41 am | Permalink

    Absolutely beautiful. And it takes skill to make these. so delicate!

    I don’t mind having the recipes too if possible. I am such a recipe hoarder!

    • Posted 18 Jan ’10 at 9:41 am | Permalink

      Thank you Penny :) I will send you the recipes for sure!

  10. Posted 16 Jan ’10 at 7:48 am | Permalink

    Hello! Thanks for the follow via Twitter! Great to meet you and find your delicious blog! Beautiful photos too. I’ve just begun a foodie blog, link found on my main blog. I love to cook… and best of all eat! Your recipes here are wonderful. I look forward to visiting again! Happy Weekend :o )

    • Posted 18 Jan ’10 at 9:39 am | Permalink

      Hey Tracy :) Thanks for dropping by and for your kind words. It is a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to sharing with you!!

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