Imperial Chinese Wraps

Imperial Chinese Wraps Recipe - Vegetarian Delight

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Imperial Chinese Wraps are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines crispy rice noodles, savory TVP filling, and fresh lettuce wraps. This recipe is a vegetarian twist on a classic Chinese dish, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

History

Imperial Chinese Wraps have a long history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to ancient times. Originally made with pigeon meat, this modern version uses textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a meat substitute. The dish is traditionally served as an appetizer or main course in Chinese banquets and celebrations.

Ingredients

Filling

1.5 cups (about 10 oz or 283 g) crumbled tvp
2 cups vegetarian, chicken-flavored stock
16 leaves of bibb or butter lettuce
16 Peking pancakes
1 small onion, minced (about 0.5 cup)
8 water chestnuts, minced
4 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked, stemmed and minced
0.25 cup fresh or frozen green peas
2 tsp regular or low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp sugar
1 egg yolk
4 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying plus
4 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying
2 oz or 57 g rice noodles

Sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1 tsp cornstarch
0.5 tsp sesame oil
0.5 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp rice wine

How to prepare

Filling

Place textured vegetable protein (TVP) in a bowl, cover with chicken-flavored stock, and set aside for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, separate lettuce leaves and rinse them well.
Pat dry the lettuce leaves and place them in two stacks of 8, with smaller leaves on top.
Use a cleaver to shape the lettuce leaves into circles about 4 inches in diameter.
Stack the lettuce circles and refrigerate until needed.
Wrap the pancakes in a damp towel to prepare for steaming.
Place onion, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and peas in separate piles on a large plate, and set aside.
Drain the TVP, squeezing out excess liquid.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tsp soy sauce, 2 tsp cornstarch, salt, sugar, and egg yolk.
Stir in the TVP and set aside.

Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, water, 1 tsp cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and rice wine.
Set the sauce aside.

Wraps

Heat oil for deep-frying to 400°F or until a rice noodle placed in the oil instantly puffs up.
Separate the noodles and carefully place them in the hot oil.
Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, immediately turn the noodles over and cook for a total of 10 seconds.
Remove the noodles from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Place the cooked noodles in the center of a serving platter and place two stacks of lettuce circles at each end of the platter.
Place the wrapped pancakes in a steamer basket and heat them over boiling water for 3 minutes or until softened.
Fold the softened pancakes into quarters and place them overlapping around the platter.
Heat a wok over high heat.
Add 2 tbsp of oil and stir-fry the marinated TVP for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the TVP from the oil and place it on a plate.
Add another 2 tbsp of oil to the wok, stir-fry the onion until soft, and then add the remaining vegetables.
Return the TVP to the wok and mix everything together.
Stir the sauce mixture and add it to the wok. Stir-fry for 30 seconds and pour the mixture onto the noodle nest on the platter.
Place two Chinese ceramic spoons in the mounded "pigeon meat" for serving.
To serve, top a pancake with a lettuce round.
Spoon the noodles and filling onto the lettuce and roll it up taco-style to eat.

Variations

Substitute TVP with tofu or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly drain the TVP before marinating it to ensure a crispy and flavorful texture.

- Use a cleaver to shape the lettuce leaves into perfect circles for a visually appealing presentation.

- Steam the Peking pancakes before wrapping them to soften and enhance their flavor.

- Deep-fry the rice noodles quickly to achieve a light and crispy texture.

- Stir-fry the vegetables and TVP filling over high heat to retain their crunchiness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Imperial Chinese Wraps as a main course with steamed rice or noodles on the side. Pair them with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying: Quickly fry the rice noodles until crispy and golden brown.

- Stir-frying: Cook the TVP filling and vegetables over high heat for a flavorful and crunchy texture.

- Steaming: Soften the Peking pancakes by steaming them before wrapping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or beef stock instead of vegetarian stock for a non-vegetarian version.

- Replace rice noodles with vermicelli or egg noodles for a different texture.

- Substitute shiitake mushrooms with button mushrooms or dried wood ear mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the TVP filling and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve. Steam the Peking pancakes and deep-fry the rice noodles just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Imperial Chinese Wraps on a large platter with the lettuce rounds and noodles for a visually stunning presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Imperial Chinese Wraps with a light and refreshing white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with jasmine tea or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Imperial Chinese Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a steamer or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 50mg per serving

Vitamin C: 6mg per serving

Alergens

Contains soy and wheat.

Summary

Imperial Chinese Wraps are a balanced dish with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, making them a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Imperial Chinese Wraps are a delicious and nutritious dish that combines crispy rice noodles, savory TVP filling, and fresh lettuce wraps. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for a light and satisfying meal, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Enjoy these wraps as a main course or appetizer for a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei Ling in her cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. Mei Ling had always been an adventurous cook, never afraid to try out new and exotic recipes from around the world.

On that particular day, she had just returned from a trip to China and was eager to share one of her newfound culinary treasures with me. As she busily chopped and sliced various ingredients, the delicious aroma of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic filled the air. I watched in awe as she deftly wrapped the mixture in delicate lettuce leaves, creating what she called Imperial Chinese Wraps.

I couldn't wait to taste them, and when I finally did, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The combination of savory pork, crunchy water chestnuts, and fragrant herbs was simply divine. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these wraps myself.

Mei Ling was more than happy to teach me, and over the course of the next few hours, she patiently guided me through each step of the recipe. She explained the importance of using fresh ingredients, the technique for properly marinating the meat, and the secret to achieving the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.

I took copious notes, wanting to capture every detail so I could recreate the dish at home. Mei Ling laughed at my enthusiasm but was pleased to see how eager I was to learn. By the time I left her cottage that evening, I felt confident that I could master the art of making Imperial Chinese Wraps.

Back at home in my own kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work. As I chopped, minced, and sautéed, I found myself lost in the rhythm of cooking, the familiar sights and sounds comforting me like an old friend. The memories of my time with Mei Ling fueled my determination, and soon enough, the enticing aroma of the wraps filled my kitchen.

When I finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I closed my eyes and took a bite, savoring every single flavor. It was a moment of pure joy, a feeling of accomplishment that only comes from mastering a new recipe. I knew then that this dish would become a staple in my repertoire, a dish I would proudly serve to friends and family for years to come.

Since that fateful day, I have made Imperial Chinese Wraps countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of this delicious dish far and wide. And every time I make it, I can't help but think back to that summer afternoon with Mei Ling, where my love for cooking blossomed and a new culinary adventure began.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Imperial Chinese Wraps, I feel a sense of gratitude for the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped my journey in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share my love with others. And through this recipe, I have found a connection to a culture and cuisine that has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.

So here's to Mei Ling, my dear friend and culinary mentor, and to the Imperial Chinese Wraps that have brought so much joy and satisfaction into my life. May they continue to be a symbol of friendship, discovery, and the endless possibilities that come from opening our hearts and minds to new experiences. And may they always remind me of the simple pleasures that can be found in a delicious meal shared with loved ones.