Spring Roll with Peanutty Tofu and Stir-Fried Cabbage Filling

Ingredients

1 cup store-bought of Thai peanut sauce

1 tablespoon of oyster sauce

3 tablespoons of soy sauce

1/4 cup of sesame seeds

Half a package of firm tofu, chopped into about 2-3 in. long, 1/2 in wide pieces

2 sheets of rice paper

1/2 cup of shredded carrot

1 cup of thinly chopped red cabbage

2 shallot bulbs,

1/2 cup of chopped cilantro

3/4 cup of shredded cucumber

Salt

Pepper

1/2 cup oil of choice (can be sesame, canola, or even extra virgin olive oil)

Peanutty Tofu

Marinate the tofu by putting the tofu pieces and Thai peanut sauce in a large ziplock bag. Pop the bag in the fridge for about an hour or overnight. Then, turn the stove on to medium heat. Place the pan on the stove, then add the tofu. Since the tofu already has a pretty firm texture, thorough cooking is not necessary unless desired. Cook the tofu until the sides a slightly seared. Salt and pepper if desired. Then place it in a bowl. Yield before preparing rolls.

Stir-fried Cabbage Filling

Turn the stove on to medium-high heat. Place the pan on the stove, heat the oil in the pan, then add the shallots and carrot. Cook for about 4 minutes, then add the cabbage. While stirring the ingredients, add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Add some pepper, then sprinkle the sesame seeds. Let it simmer for about 3 more minutes. Then pour the cabbage filling in a bowl. Yield before preparing rolls.

Now for the rest.....

Heat water in a large pan. Once the water is sufficiently heated, let it cool. Place the rice paper sheets individually. It only takes about a minute or two of soaking before the sheets soften. Remove the sheets and place it on a plate. Place one or two pieces or tofu in a sheet. Next, add about a tablespoon each of cilantro and shredded cucumber. Then add a tablespoon and a half of the stir fry filling. Drizzle the leftover peanut sauce in the rolls or use it as a dipping sauce. Fold each side of the sheet, then roll the sheet while wrapping over the fillings. Repeat for the second sheet.

Add a piece of fruit or salad on the side if desired. Cantaloupe would be a refreshing compliment to this summer treat. Or sip a nice cup of regular black tea infused with mint.

Enjoy.