These Spinach Oat Tortilla Rolls with Crab and Peanut Sauce are a nutritious and colorful take on traditional wraps. Made with a spinach-infused oat tortilla, these rolls are packed with vibrant, crunchy vegetables and protein-rich crab meat and tofu, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal. The creamy peanut sauce adds a delightful nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from honey and tanginess from lime juice, making it a perfect dipping sauce. You can also switch out the peanut sauce for yogurt if you prefer a lighter option. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and can be served fresh or with lightly cooked veggies.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Tortilla Dough:
- 2 Eggs
- 1g (2 pinches) Salt
- 40g Flat oats (blended into flour)
- 100ml Milk
- 35g Spinach (about 2 roots, fresh or frozen) – can be replaced with other vegetables
For the Filling:
- 1 Red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 Yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 Green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 Carrot (thinly sliced or julienned)
- Crab meat (fresh or imitation, as desired)
- Tofu (firm or silken, cut into thin strips)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 60g (4 Tbsp) Sugar-free peanut butter
- 16g (2 Tbsp) Soy sauce
- 16g (2 Tbsp) Lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 16g (2 Tbsp) Water
- 12g (1 Tbsp) Honey
Optional:
- Rice paper (optional, for wrapping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Spinach Oat Tortilla Dough
- Prepare the Spinach:
- Wash and finely chop the spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out any excess water.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs, salt, flat oats (blended into flour), milk, and spinach. Blend until you have a smooth, green batter. The more spinach you add, the darker the tortilla color will be.
- Cook the Tortillas:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray. Pour a small amount of the batter (about ¼ cup) into the pan, tilting it to spread the batter evenly into a thin layer.
- Cook the tortilla for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the edges begin to lift and the surface is set. Repeat with the remaining batter. Set the tortillas aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Slice the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and julienne the carrot. You can leave the vegetables raw for a crunchy texture, or lightly stir-fry or boil them if you prefer softer fillings.
- Prepare the Crab Meat and Tofu:
- If using fresh crab meat, cook it until fully done. For imitation crab meat, simply shred it into smaller pieces. Cut the tofu into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, water, and honey until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed for a thinner sauce, and add extra lime juice or honey to taste depending on your preference for tanginess or sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the Tortilla Rolls
- Assemble the Filling:
- Lay each spinach oat tortilla flat on a clean surface. If using rice paper for extra support, soften the rice paper in warm water for a few seconds and place it over the tortilla to prevent tearing.
- Add a small portion of the sliced vegetables, crab meat, and tofu in the center of the tortilla.
- Roll the Tortilla:
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Ensure the filling is secure and evenly distributed.
- Serve:
- Slice the rolls in half and serve them with the peanut sauce on the side. If you prefer a lighter dip, yogurt makes a refreshing alternative.
Cooking Tips:
- Tortilla Customization: The color and flavor of the tortilla can be changed by adding different vegetables to the batter, such as kale or carrots, instead of spinach.
- Rice Paper Option: Using rice paper to wrap the tortillas helps hold the filling in place and prevents the tortilla from tearing. This is particularly useful if the tortillas are thin or you’re using soft ingredients like tofu.
- Cooking Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of raw vegetables, lightly stir-frying or steaming them before adding them to the filling can enhance their flavor and texture. Just make sure they are not overcooked, so they still retain some crunch.
- Peanut Sauce Variations: For a spicier version of the peanut sauce, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes. You can also make it creamier by adding coconut milk.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover tortilla rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the peanut sauce in a separate container to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze the rolls because the texture of the tortillas and vegetables may become too soft upon thawing.
- Reheating: To reheat, lightly warm the rolls in a pan for a couple of minutes, or serve them cold as a refreshing snack or lunch.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 13g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I substitute the crab meat?
Yes, if you prefer a different protein, you can substitute crab meat with cooked chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based alternative like tempeh or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
2. What if I don’t have oats for the tortillas?
If you don’t have flat oats, you can use regular all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. The oats add texture and fiber, but regular flour will still yield great results.
3. Can I make the tortillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach oat tortillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes to warm them up before assembling the rolls.
4. Can I use store-bought tortillas?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tortillas or wraps. Just make sure they are large enough to hold the filling securely.
5. Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
Yes, to make this recipe low-carb, you can use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas, and opt for vegetables that are lower in carbohydrates like cucumber or zucchini.
Conclusion:
These Spinach Oat Tortilla Rolls with Crab and Peanut Sauce are a healthy, versatile, and flavorful meal that combines fresh vegetables, protein-packed crab meat, and a delicious homemade tortilla. The peanut sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the veggies and the heartiness of the crab. Whether you serve these as a snack, lunch, or light dinner, these rolls are a great way to enjoy a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and customize. You can experiment with different fillings, sauces, and serving options to make it your own! Enjoy this creative and nutritious dish, perfect for any time of the day.