Prepare the Rice:

o Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions.

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

o Carefully peel off 10-12 large leaves from the napa cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for about 2-3 minutes until they are pliable. Remove the leaves from the water and set them aside to cool on a clean kitchen towel.

Make the Filling:

o Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.

o Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

o Add the diced carrot, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet.

o Stir in the cooked rice, tamari or coconut aminos, sea salt, ground pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

o Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

o Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the rice filling at the bottom of the leaf.

o Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly from the bottom, similar to rolling a burrito.

Prepare the Sauce:

o In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

o Add the tamari or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and water. Stir well to combine.

o In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

o Season the sauce with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika to taste.

Serve:

o Serve the cabbage rolls on a platter and drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional fresh herbs, if desired.

Enjoy:

o Enjoy these flavorful Vegan Cabbage Rolls as a light lunch, appetizer, or main course. Pair them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.