🍽️ How to Make Caijuan (Vegetable Rolls)

🧆 Ingredients

• 8 vegetable roll wrappers
• 100g lettuce leaves
• 50g carrots (julienned)
• 50g cucumber (julienned)
• 30g bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 30g enoki mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste

🍳 Steps

1. Selecting and Preparing the Vegetables:

   • Choosing Vegetables: Select fresh, crisp vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper. Look for vibrant colors and firm textures—avoid wilted or soft produce. For enoki mushrooms, choose bunches with white stems and unblemished caps.
   • Cleaning: Rinse all vegetables under cold running water. For leafy greens like lettuce, separate the leaves and soak them in a bowl of water for a few minutes to remove any hidden dirt or insects. For carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper, scrub gently with a vegetable brush if needed. For enoki mushrooms, trim the root base and separate the stems, discarding any discolored or slimy parts.
   • Drying: After washing, thoroughly pat all vegetables dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can make the rolls soggy and cause the wrappers to tear.
   • Cutting: Slice carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper into thin, even julienne strips for uniform texture and easy rolling. Tear or cut lettuce leaves into pieces that fit comfortably inside the wrappers. Keep all ingredients organized and ready for assembly.

2. Preparing the Wrappers:

   • If using store-bought vegetable roll wrappers, check the package instructions. Some wrappers may require a brief soak in warm water to soften. Place each wrapper on a clean, damp towel to prevent sticking and drying out.
   • If making wrappers from scratch, ensure they are thin and pliable. Cover unused wrappers with a damp towel while working.

3. Assembling the Rolls:

   • Lay a softened wrapper flat on a clean, dry surface. Place a small amount of each prepared vegetable and a few enoki mushrooms in the center, arranging them for a colorful presentation.
   • Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides to enclose the vegetables. Roll tightly but gently to avoid tearing the wrapper. If needed, seal the edge with a dab of water.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Place finished rolls on a plate lined with a damp towel to keep them moist.

4. Serving and Presentation:

   • Arrange the vegetable rolls neatly on a serving plate, seam side down for a tidy appearance.
   • Prepare a dipping sauce by mixing light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. For extra flavor, add a pinch of sugar, minced garlic, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
   • Serve the rolls chilled for the best texture and freshness. If not serving immediately, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

5. Tips for Best Results:

   • Use vegetables of similar length for even rolling and a balanced bite.
   • Do not overfill the wrappers, as this can cause them to split.
   • For added nutrition and flavor, consider including thin strips of avocado, red cabbage, or sprouts.
   • If wrappers are sticking, lightly oil your hands or the work surface.
   • To identify freshness, choose vegetables that are crisp and free from blemishes or soft spots.

6. Ingredient Handling and Safety:

   • Always use clean utensils and cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination.
   • Store unused vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
   • Discard any leftover rolls that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

7. Serving Suggestions:

   • Pair with light dipping sauces such as soy-vinegar, peanut sauce, or chili oil for variety.
   • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs for garnish.
   • Serve as an appetizer, snack, or part of a light meal alongside soup or salad.

By following these detailed steps, you will achieve crisp, colorful, and delicious vegetable rolls every time.

💡 Tips

• Use a variety of fresh vegetables for color and nutrition.
• Keep rolls tight for better presentation.
• Serve chilled for a crisp texture.
• Pair with light dipping sauces.