Savory Tofu Lettuce Wraps
These Savory Tofu Lettuce Wraps are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Inspired by the beloved dish from PF Chang's, this vegetarian recipe substitutes tofu for chicken, making it a great option for plant-based eaters. Packed with the crunch of water chestnuts, the umami of mixed mushrooms, and a medley of flavorful sauces, these wraps are perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful appetizer. Serve them fresh and crisp with a zesty dipping sauce that adds a burst of tanginess to every bite. Enjoy the satisfaction of a dish that's both nutritious and delicious, pleasing even the most devoted meat lovers in your family!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra firm tofu
12 ounces (drained and pressed)
Brown sugar
4 tablespoons
Soy sauce
4 tablespoons
Rice vinegar
1 teaspoon
Olive oil
4 tablespoons
Diced water chestnuts
2 cups (diced)
Mixed mushrooms
1 1/3 cups (diced)
White onion
1/4 cup (diced)
Minced garlic
2 teaspoons
Iceberg lettuce leaves
8 leaves (for serving)
Sugar
1/4 cup
Water
1/2 cup
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Ketchup
2 tablespoons
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon
Spicy mustard
1 tablespoon (thinned in 1 tablespoon hot water)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the extra firm tofu, then slice it in half lengthwise. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high, uncovered, for 2 minutes to remove excess moisture. After microwaving, gently squeeze the tofu to remove any additional moisture, then wipe it dry. For a firmer texture, place the tofu in the freezer for 1-2 hours, then thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
2
Once thawed, cut the tofu into small cubes, about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the cubes in a lidded dish for marinating. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour this marinade over the tofu, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for better flavor absorption.
3
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu along with the diced water chestnuts, mixed mushrooms, diced white onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry the mixture until the vegetables are tender and the tofu is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, then add this to the skillet. Saute until everything is well mixed and heated through, about 2 more minutes.
5
To prepare the dipping sauce, combine sugar, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, sesame oil, thinned spicy mustard, and minced garlic in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
6
Serve the tofu mixture spooned into the crisp lettuce leaves and drizzle with the dipping sauce for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for these Savory Tofu Lettuce Wraps?
These wraps are a vegetarian twist on the beloved chicken lettuce wraps from PF Chang's.
What can I use as a meat substitute in this recipe?
This recipe uses 12 ounces of extra firm tofu as a plant-based substitute for meat.
How should I prepare the tofu to remove excess moisture?
Drain the tofu, microwave it on high for 2 minutes, then gently squeeze and wipe it dry.
How can I achieve a firmer texture for the tofu?
For a firmer texture, place the tofu in the freezer for 1-2 hours, then thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
How should the tofu be cut for this recipe?
The tofu should be cut into small cubes, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
What is in the marinade for the tofu?
The marinade consists of brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
How long should the tofu marinate?
Marinate the tofu for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for better flavor absorption.
What oil is used for stir-frying?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil for stir-frying the ingredients.
What vegetables are added to the skillet with the tofu?
Diced water chestnuts, mixed mushrooms, white onion, and minced garlic are stir-fried with the tofu.
How long do you cook the tofu mixture?
Stir-fry the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the tofu is golden brown.
Is there a secondary sauce added during cooking?
Yes, a mixture of 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce is added to the skillet and sauted for 2 minutes.
What ingredients are in the dipping sauce?
The sauce contains sugar, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, sesame oil, thinned spicy mustard, and garlic.
How do I prepare the spicy mustard for the sauce?
Thin 1 tablespoon of spicy mustard with 1 tablespoon of hot water before adding it to the dipping sauce.
Which lettuce is best for serving these wraps?
The recipe recommends using 8 crisp iceberg lettuce leaves for serving.
How many calories are in a serving of these lettuce wraps?
Each serving contains 120 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 10g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Savory Tofu Lettuce Wraps?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 15g of carbohydrates.
How many water chestnuts are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced water chestnuts.
What quantity of mushrooms is needed?
You will need 1 1/3 cups of diced mixed mushrooms.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of diced white onion.
How much garlic is needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of minced garlic in total: 2 for the stir-fry and 1 for the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian and plant-based recipe using tofu instead of meat.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 19 ingredients required to make the tofu filling and the dipping sauce.
What gives the dipping sauce its tanginess?
The combination of rice vinegar, lemon juice, and ketchup provides a burst of tanginess.
How do you assemble the wraps?
Spoon the tofu mixture into the lettuce leaves and drizzle with the prepared dipping sauce.
What is the total amount of soy sauce used?
The recipe uses 7 tablespoons of soy sauce across the marinade, skillet sauce, and dipping sauce.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, these wraps are perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful appetizer.
How much brown sugar is needed for the marinade?
The marinade requires 4 tablespoons of brown sugar.
What provides the savory umami flavor in this dish?
The umami comes from the combination of soy sauce, mixed mushrooms, and sautéed garlic.