Korean appetizers

Korean Vermicelli Tofu Roll

Crispy tofu-skin rolls filled with Korean glass noodles and vegetables, pan-fried for a shareable Korean-inspired appetizer.

Total 34 min Skillet Medium 2 servings
Skillet Cooking for oneLate-night meals
Korean Vermicelli Tofu Roll

This Korean vermicelli tofu roll wraps vegetables and glass noodles in tofu skin, then crisps in a skillet for a shareable appetizer.

Steps

How to make it

Prep 18 min · Cook 16 min

  1. Soak 100 g Korean glass noodles in cold water for 20 minutes until soft; drain and cut into about 5 cm lengths. Cut 4 sheets of tofu skin into rollable rectangles. Mince 0.5 onion, cut 1 scallion into sections, and blanch, squeeze dry, and shred 1/4 carrot and 80 g spinach.
  2. Heat a little oil in a skillet over low heat and sauté 1 Tbsp minced garlic until fragrant. If using minced beef or mushrooms, add them now and cook until the beef is no longer pink or the mushrooms are tender.
  3. Add the onion and scallion and stir-fry for 1 minute. Season with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, and a pinch of salt, then turn off the heat.
  4. Mix the cooked aromatics with the glass noodles, carrot, and spinach. Taste and adjust the seasoning; the filling should be slightly assertive so it does not taste bland after wrapping.
  5. Lay a tofu-skin sheet flat. Add a small portion of filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly; repeat with the remaining sheets and filling.
  6. Brush the skillet lightly with oil. Pan-fry the rolls seam-side down over medium heat, turning after each side is golden, until all sides are crisp and the seam is sealed.
  7. Slice into about 2 cm pieces, sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Tips & storage

Make it easier

  • Keep the filling dry and leave a small border so the tofu skin can seal without tearing.
  • Start seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet; turn only after the first side is golden and set.
  • Drain vegetables well before cooking; excess water steams them and softens the texture.

Best pan-fried on the day it is made. Refrigerate leftovers airtight for up to 2 days and re-crisp in a skillet before serving.

Substitutions

spring-roll wrappersminced mushrooms

Optional add-ins

+chopped scallions+sesame seeds

FAQ

How do I keep Korean vermicelli tofu rolls crisp?

Drain the vegetables well, seal the tofu skin firmly, and pan-fry seam-side down first so the roll stays intact and crisp.

What should I do if the vegetables release water?

Drain them well and cook in batches so the pan stays hot instead of turning the vegetables soft and watery.