Asian Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These tofu lettuce wraps will make you want more with every bite. It’s a light and healthy meal filled with the protein-rich tofu.

They are small yet tasty wraps, great for having a quick and easy meal that you can have fun assembling.

Tofu is a flexible ingredient that can take the place of any meat and still give you that meaty texture. It’s also a great source of plant-based protein and other nutrients as well.

It’s all blanketed by the refreshing taste of lettuce that helps hold the dish together literally. And with every bite, it’ll make you go yum!

This dish is a breeze to prepare, can be customized, and can be filled with any mix of vegetables or other ingredients that you already have which makes it convenient.

I usually serve this on small intimate gatherings where the guests can help themselves. They assemble their own wraps which adds to the fun.

So I urge you to try this recipe out ASAP and be wowed by it’s simplicity and bold flavors.

Asian Tofu Lettuce Wraps – Why You Need To Try This Recipe

• Lettuce wraps are savory, sweet, and refreshing all at the same time.
• It’s a quick and easy appetizer or side dish that you can make at home.
• You can let your guests assemble their own which adds to the fun.
• Tofu has a lot of health benefits and is affordable and always available.
• Can be served as a meal on its own as well.

Ingredients For The Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

• 1 pound (450g) firm tofu, drained (Use a tofu presser if desired)
• 1 pc  (100g) medium-sized carrot, peeled and julienne
• 5-6 pc (85g) radishes, julienned
• 2 large(30g) scallion, sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp (30ml) neutral cooking oil
• 2 heads (150g) butter lettuce (Boston lettuce), washed and dried

Sauce:

• 3 cloves (15g) garlic, finely minced
• 2 inch (30g) fresh ginger, finely minced
• 3 tbsp (45ml) light soy sauce (or tamari)
• 2 tsp (10ml) toasted sesame oil
• 2 tsp (10ml) white rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (12g) brown sugar (Or palm sugar)
• 1 tsp (2g) cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp (1g) ground mustard

Toppings: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds to garnish

How To Make Tofu Lettuce Wraps

1. To make this recipe, cut off the base of the lettuce. Pull off each lettuce leaf apart and discard any that are not intact or not fresh. Wash the leaves in cold water and drain. Dice the tofu into ½”/12mm cubes. Set aside and let them dry.

2. Thinly slice the carrot into ¼”/6mm julienne or no more than 2”/5cm long. Then cut the radish into ¼”/6mm match sticks.

3. Finely mince the ginger and garlic (You can use a garlic press or a grater).

4. In a mixing bowl, add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce ( you can use tamari if you’re on a gluten-free diet), rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and mustard powder. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.

5. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat to medium-high. Add diced tofu and cook for 2 minutes and stir regularly.  until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside.

6. Then add the carrots and radish. Stir regularly and cook for 2-3 minutes.

7. Add the sauce mixture all over your tofu filling to season the tofu and let it cook for a final 2 minutes. Finish with a sprinkling of sliced scallions.

8. Serve 2-3 tablespoons of the tofu mixture on each lettuce leaf and sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to finish. Enjoy straight away!

Tofu in Cooking

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a popular and versatile food product made from soybeans and is made through a relatively simple process.

It is a staple in many Asian cuisines and has gained popularity worldwide as a source of plant-based protein.

It is a rich source of plant-based protein and is also a good source of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and various vitamins. (Source: Healthline)

It is commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and salads, and can even be used in desserts or as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan recipes.

Tips, Variations, And Substitutions

🥬 Peanut sauce – If you want to add a nutty flavor to your tofu lettuce wraps, you may drizzle some peanut sauce onto each wrap before serving.

🥬 Cucumber – If you want to add a fresh element to your vegan lettuce wrap you may add small cubes of cucumber. This will also add a medley of vegetable flavors along with the carrot and radish as well.

🥬 Cilantro – A popular herb used in Asian dishes like Thai cuisine. This will make your lettuce tofu wraps more fragrant and will add another layer of freshness as well. Cilantro also adds a vibrant green color to your dish.

🥬 Chili – If you want some heat for your lettuce tofu wraps you can add chop a chili and sprinkle the flakes on.

🥬 Chili oil – This also adds heat as well. Just remember that chili oil also has a mix of flavors and can alter the taste of the lettuce wrap. Find a blend that you like or you can skip this altogether.

If you want a more rustic approach to this dish you can crumble the tofu to get an uneven, crispy texture.

Other Tofu Recipes To Try

As discussed, tofu is a versatile and healthy ingredient. It has a wide range of uses and can be a great substitute for any meat. If you’re in the mood for more mouth-watering tofu recipes you should definitely try these dishes out:

Thai Tofu Satay With Peanut Sauce – This is a simple yet satisfying skewered tofu that can be grilled or baked. It has a savory nutty sauce that gives it that bold Asian taste.

Tofu Soup Recipes – Nothing beats a hot bowl of soup when the cold season hits or when you’re feeling down or sick. These are cozy, hearty, and healthy soups that will warm you up like a mother’s hug.

Grilled Vegan Tofu Wrap – If you are craving something wrapped or you need something fast and portable then this is the dish for you. It has crispy tofu, earthy zucchini, and a spicy cilantro sauce for a little heat. You can bring this for a picnic or lunch for work. A handy meal for the on-the-go person.

Easy Vegan Pad Thai – A classic Thai dish filled with strong unapologetic Asian flavors. This has been quite popular all over the world and is an absolute must-try.