Mixed Autumn Rolls

Mixed Autumn Rolls Recipe from Korea with Bean Paste and Tofu

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mixed Autumn Rolls are a delicious and healthy dish that combines fresh vegetables, tofu, and a flavorful bean paste sauce wrapped in lettuce leaves. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that is full of flavor and texture.

History

Mixed Autumn Rolls are a popular dish in Korean cuisine, known for their fresh and vibrant flavors. The combination of fresh vegetables, tofu, and a savory bean paste sauce wrapped in lettuce leaves makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp bean paste Sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp Korean toenjang bean paste or Japanese miso
1 tsp sesame seeds
8 pieces leaf lettuce leaves for wrapping
8 pieces sesame leaves or fresh herb such as basil leaves for wrapping
1 tbsp vegetable oil for salad
3 oz (85 g) firm tofu, cubed
0.5 avocado, peeled
0.25 red bell pepper, seeded
2.5 oz (71 g) Korean white radish or daikon, julienned
2 oz (57 g) raw bean sprouts
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp sesame seeds
2 tsp brown sugar
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp Korean red pepper powder or paprika
2 small cucumbers, preferably Kirby variety, peeled and diced

How to prepare

1. To make the bean paste sauce: Place brown sugar in a heavy saucepan and melt over medium-low heat, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and stir in the bean paste and sesame seeds until well combined.
2. To make the wrapping: Trim the edges of the lettuce leaves to make them uniformly circular. Arrange sesame or basil leaves alongside.
3. To make the salad: Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and stir-fry the tofu for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Slice the avocado into 1.5-inch-long pieces. Slice the red pepper into 1.5-inch-long pieces. Set aside.
5. Combine the white radish with 1 tsp of sesame oil, 1 tsp of sesame seeds, 2 tsp of brown sugar, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of red pepper powder. Set aside.
6. Combine the bean sprouts with 1 tsp of sesame oil, 1 tsp of sesame seeds, and 1 tsp of salt.
7. To assemble the rolls, place 1 lettuce leaf on a flat surface and layer the remaining ingredients in the following order: sesame leaf, bean sprout mixture, radish mixture, tofu, cucumber, avocado, and red pepper. Spoon about 0.5 tsp of bean paste sauce over the top. Wrap by tucking the ends in and roll up. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with cooked shrimp or chicken for a different protein option.
Add sliced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness to the filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim the edges of the lettuce leaves to make them easier to wrap.

- Stir-fry the tofu until it is golden brown and crispy for added texture and flavor.

- Customize the filling with your favorite vegetables and protein options for a personalized twist on this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mixed Autumn Rolls as a light lunch or dinner option, accompanied by a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the tofu until golden brown and crispy for added texture.

- Julienne the vegetables for a uniform and easy-to-wrap filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Japanese miso paste instead of Korean bean paste for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute the avocado with sliced cucumber or bell pepper for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the bean paste sauce and vegetable fillings ahead of time for easy assembly when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Mixed Autumn Rolls on a platter with a drizzle of extra bean paste sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mixed Autumn Rolls with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a traditional Korean meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mixed Autumn Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium from the fresh vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (tofu) and sesame seeds.

Summary

Mixed Autumn Rolls are a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mixed Autumn Rolls are a delicious and nutritious dish that combines fresh vegetables, tofu, and a flavorful bean paste sauce wrapped in lettuce leaves. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that is full of flavor and texture. Enjoy this dish as a healthy lunch or dinner option that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mixed Autumn Rolls. It was a crisp fall day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and orange, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage in the countryside.

Maria was a master in the kitchen, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the incredible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air. Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she beckoned me over to the kitchen table, where a stack of recipe cards lay waiting.

"Darling, I have a new recipe to share with you today," Maria said with a smile. "These Mixed Autumn Rolls are perfect for this time of year, filled with all the flavors of the season."

I eagerly leaned in as Maria began to explain the process of making the rolls. She had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The dough was a simple mix of flour, yeast, and warm water, but it was the filling that truly set these rolls apart.

The filling was a delightful combination of roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms, all seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that danced on the tongue. Maria showed me how to roll out the dough, spoon the filling onto it, and carefully shape the rolls into perfect little bundles.

As the rolls baked in the oven, the sweet and savory fragrance filled the cottage, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they emerged golden brown and piping hot, Maria and I sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy our creation.

The first bite was pure bliss - the flaky crust gave way to the tender, flavorful filling, creating a symphony of tastes and textures on my palate. Maria and I shared stories and laughter as we savored each bite, the warmth of the rolls filling our hearts as well as our stomachs.

From that day on, Mixed Autumn Rolls became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet evenings at home. Each time I rolled out the dough, sautéed the vegetables, and baked the rolls to perfection, I felt a connection to Maria and her grandmother, a sense of tradition and love passed down through the ages.

Over the years, I have added my own twists to the recipe - a sprinkle of toasted nuts here, a drizzle of maple syrup there - but the essence of the dish remains the same. It is a taste of autumn, a reminder of cozy kitchens and cherished friendships, a celebration of the bounty of the season.

As I sit here now, writing down this recipe for Mixed Autumn Rolls, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped my culinary journey. I may have learned this recipe from Maria, but it is now a part of me, a story to be shared with future generations.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, with the hope that you will enjoy making it as much as I have. May it bring you joy and connection, just as it has for me. And who knows, perhaps one day you will pass it on to someone special in your own life, creating a new chapter in the story of Mixed Autumn Rolls.