Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These flavorful Tofu Lettuce Wraps are made with crumbled extra-firm tofu, a savory hoisin and soy sauce, and crunchy water chestnuts. The result is a light and vibrant meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, and it’s substantial enough to feed 4 people.

Tofu Lettuce Wraps Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

How To Make Tofu Lettuce Wraps

1. Prepare the tofu: Use a tofu press or wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top (like a cast-iron skillet) for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Then, crumble the tofu with your hands until it resembles ground meat.
2. Cook the filling: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and become crispy.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped water chestnuts and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Finish the filling: Pour the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar into the skillet. Stir everything together until the tofu and vegetables are well-coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Assemble the wraps: Spoon the warm tofu filling into the individual lettuce cups. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Press the tofu: This is a crucial step! Removing the excess water from the tofu helps it get a crispy, meaty texture when cooked and allows it to absorb the sauce better.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the tofu, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in a single layer allows the tofu to get crispy instead of steaming.
• Keep the sauce simple: Hoisin sauce provides a complex, savory flavor. Use a good quality hoisin and soy sauce, as they are the primary flavor base for the filling.
• Choose the right lettuce: Butter or iceberg lettuce works best for wraps because the leaves are large, flexible, and have a natural cup-like shape that holds the filling perfectly.

What To Serve Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Tofu lettuce wraps are a great meal on their own, but they also pair well with a few simple sides. You can serve them with a side of steamed rice or brown rice to make the meal more filling. For a more complete Asian-inspired spread, consider serving them alongside a simple cucumber salad or some crispy vegetable spring rolls.

How To Store Tofu Lettuce Wraps Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store the tofu filling and lettuce leaves in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy. Reheat the filling in a skillet before serving with fresh lettuce leaves.
• Freeze: The tofu filling can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing is not recommended for the lettuce leaves.

Tofu Lettuce Wraps Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 2 lettuce wraps
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these with a different protein? Yes, you can easily substitute the tofu with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Simply cook the meat until it’s browned and cooked through before adding the sauces and other ingredients.
• What other vegetables can I add? You can add a variety of vegetables to the filling. Finely diced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or bell peppers are all great additions that add extra texture and nutrients.
• Why is my tofu not getting crispy? If your tofu isn’t getting crispy, it’s likely due to excess moisture. Make sure you press the tofu thoroughly before cooking. Also, be patient and allow the tofu to cook undisturbed in a single layer for a few minutes to form a crust before stirring.

Try More Recipes:

• Tomato Cobbler Recipe
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
• Tortellini Skewers Recipe