Are you searching for an irresistibly vegan Asian-inspired appetizer or lunch/dinner? These tofu lettuce wraps have it all – flavor-infused tofu, vegetables and more.
This tofu filling is enhanced with brown sugar, fresh lime juice and zest, salt, and some chili paste for extra heat!
Lettuce Wraps
Tofu lettuce wraps make an irresistible vegan meal that can be served hot or cold. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to customize them according to your own personal preferences for ultimate enjoyment!
The ideal tofu lettuce wraps are packed with a delicious combination of tofu and vegetables. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but you can make them in advance so you have delicious lunches all week long!
In this recipe, we use a combination of sweet and tangy sauces to flavor the tofu. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for more kick if desired.
When making these wraps, it is essential to assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness on the outside. Doing this helps prevent lettuce from wilting due to being chilled.
You will need a skillet and the following ingredients: Romaine lettuce, Boston or Bibb lettuce, oil, tofu, garlic, ginger, scallions and sesame seeds.
Lettuce makes for an ideal wrap for tofu, as its delicate texture allows you to pick it up and consume the cooked protein easily. But if serving this dish at a party, butter lettuce might be more suitable as it has an equally soft texture and mild, creamy taste.
These teriyaki tofu lettuce wraps require a skillet and the following ingredients: Boston or Bibb lettuce, olive oil, tofu, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds and scallions.
Tofu lettuce wraps are an ideal vegan and gluten-free alternative to tacos. Not only that, but they make for a delicious appetizer when served with various sauces and toppings.
These vegan Asian-inspired recipes are packed with flavor and sure to please the entire family. Plus, they’re low in calories and high in protein!
If you’re vegetarian, feel free to swap the tofu for jackfruit, cooked chickpeas or brown lentils. Alternatively, mix up the tofu with various vegetables to create your own personalized salad!
Tofu
Tofu is a favorite plant-based protein for vegetarian and vegans due to its affordability, versatility, and nutritional content. Not only is it low in calories and fat but also high in protein – essential for muscle mass maintenance as well as overall wellbeing – which has many health benefits.
Tofu can be found in many grocery stores, Asian grocers and specialty markets across the US. It usually comes in rectangular or triangular blocks which have been immersed in water to maintain freshness and softness.
For optimal results, always press tofu before cooking it for the first time. Doing this helps remove excess moisture that can make the tofu slimy and chewy. You can do this with a tofu pressing tool or by placing some dish towels and cookbooks on top of the tofu for around 10 minutes before cooking.
Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into half inch cubes and set them aside. Next, finely chop your carrot and bell pepper into julienne pieces no larger than 2″ long.
If using fresh vegetables, saute them in a small amount of oil until soft and tender. Then add the sliced white part of your green onion and minced garlic, stirring for several minutes until fragrant.
For even more flavor, you can substitute pickled daikon or carrots for the fresh vegetables. The combination of savory and sweet tastes is ideal in lettuce wraps!
This delicious and healthy Asian-inspired tofu lettuce wrap recipe is easy to make at home. The filling is seasoned with toasted rice powder, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and chili paste for an irresistible flavor.
Finally, these tofu lettuce wraps are finished off with peanuts and cilantro. A drizzle of homemade Thai chili sauce ties everything together perfectly!
Contrary to beef, which has a major environmental impact due to its production for livestock feed, tofu does not pose such risks. In fact, its low environmental impact makes it better for the planet than most other protein sources and should be included as a staple in your diet as an animal-free source of lean protein.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an integral part of any healthy meal. Not only do they add flavor and vitamins to the dish, but they also reduce calories and fat content. Eating a variety of veggies throughout your day will help you feel satiated for longer.
This tofu lettuce wrap recipe utilizes a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts for its textures and vibrant colors and flavors.
To keep this recipe low carb and gluten free, I used sprouted tofu. You can find sprouted tofu in most grocery stores.
Sprouted tofu is a softer form of extra firm tofu that doesn’t go through the same pressing process that Regular Extra Firm tofu does to remove moisture. This makes it an ideal option if you have sensitive stomach or want a healthier alternative to regular extra firm tofu.
These tofu lettuce wraps can be topped off with freshly julienned carrots and bell peppers, but any chopped vegetable of your choice works just as well. You could also add some tablespoons of your favorite Asian sauce for extra flavor in the mix-in.
This tofu mixture can be kept in the fridge for several days, making it a great prep-ahead meal. All that’s left for you to do when serving is wash lettuce leaves and fill them with your delicious tofu mixture! For an added touch, sprinkle fresh herbs on top for some added flavor!
Enjoy these vegetarian lettuce wraps as a quick appetizer or for a light lunch or dinner! They’re packed with flavor and protein, yet are low carb, gluten free, and keto friendly!
Lettuce is an essential element in these lettuce wraps, providing a textural contrast to the tofu filling. I suggest using either iceberg or Boston lettuce for crunch and tenderness, but you can choose whatever type of lettuce suits your palate best.
Serve these veggie tofu lettuce wraps with a spicy peanut or sriracha sauce for extra flavor. Crushed peanuts or other nuts can also be used as garnish on the wraps for an added touch.
Sauce
Sauces are thick, oily liquids used as a foundation for other food items. They can be sweet or savory; both. Sauces often include ingredients like herbs, spices, vegetables or fruit for flavoring purposes.
This vegan tofu lettuce wrap recipe calls for hoisin sauce, a sweet and tangy Asian condiment. It also includes scallions, cilantro, and fresh lime juice to create an incredibly flavorful dish.
If you’re in search of a quick and effortless meal, this is it! Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is packed with nutritious goodness.
Make this vegan dish with butter lettuce or romaine lettuce (but Boston or bibb lettuce also works), pressed tofu, and some optional toppings like shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, sliced avocado – you can choose any combination!
Start by pressing your tofu with either a towel or tofu press. You can do this at home, but if you don’t already own one, purchase a small container with lid and place it atop an iron skillet. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
While your tofu is sitting, make your sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir in peanuts, cilantro, mint and green onions until well combined.
Next, heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, crumble the tofu into the pan and cook until browned – this could take anywhere from 8 to 10 minutes depending on pan thickness and type.
Once the tofu has browned, add dried red chili, garlic, ginger and chopped chestnuts. Be aware that these ingredients can vary in flavor so adjust salt according to personal preference; cook for several more minutes until garlic is soft and ginger has softened.
Now it’s time to make the filling for your tofu lettuce wraps! If using a nonstick skillet, simply add the tofu and stir until fully coated in sauce.
Transfer the tofu mixture to a serving plate and keep the sauce and butter lettuce separate so you can assemble your wraps at the table. Feel free to add any other veggies or proteins you desire, such as ground chicken or vegan beef crumbles, to the mixture for flavor!