Tofu Lettuce Wraps

These Tofu Lettuce Wraps have the most wonderful balance of textures and flavors, with golden tofu bites and savory veggies all nestled into the crunchy lettuce leaves and drizzled with homemade peanut sauce. The best part? They are done in just 30 minutes. It's the perfect light, refreshing appy that the whole crew will devour! Plus, they are naturally vegan and loaded with plant-based protein, so they're substantial enough to be enjoyed as a light meal on those busy nights, too.

Lettuce wraps really became popular in America after P.F. Chang added them to their menu years ago, and for very good reason. The contrast between the crisp lettuce leaves and the savory, fragrant filling is truly craveable. It's impossible to have just one! This simple recipe tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, but they're way cheaper, and you can make a huge batch even on a budget! Since they're made with a handful of common Asian pantry staples and veggies, you may already have everything you need to make these vegan lettuce wraps on hand! 

Why You'll Love These Tofu Lettuce Wraps

• Quick and easy. In just 30 minutes, you can throw together these vegetarian lettuce wraps that taste just as good as takeout (if not better). Keep this recipe on hand to satisfy those end-of-the-day hunger cravings!
• Great for meal prep. We normally eat all of these lettuce cups in one sitting but if you have self-control (or make a double batch), you can easily store them in meal prep containers for a light lunch the next day. Store the savory tofu filling on the side so you can heat it up in the microwave, then make your lettuce wraps to order. So good!
• Naturally plant-based. I love recipes that show just how flavorful vegan and vegetarian meals can be. There are 0 animal products in this dish, yet it has tons of flavor and so much crunch to make every bite interesting. 

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Tofu Lettuce Wraps, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• iceberg lettuce - it's best to use a really crunchy lettuce, like iceberg or romaine. Butter lettuce is nice, too, but it can be a little soft.
• avocado oil - to saute the veggies.
• aromatics - start by sauteeing diced onion and finely chopped garlic. 
• extra firm tofu - prep the tofu by cutting it into 1-inch cubes.
• shredded carrots - either shred them yourself or grab a bag from the store.
• light soy sauce - for salt and a light umami flavor. Coconut aminos is a good substitute.
• sliced green onions - scallions work well, too. 
• fresh cilantro - chop the cilantro into small pieces.
• peanuts - for crunch and a nutty flavor.
• sweet chili sauce - either grab a bottle of sweet chili sauce at the store or make the homemade version from these Sweet Chili Chicken Bites.
• sesame seeds - white and black add a nice contrast of color.
• lime juice - the acidity in the juice wakes up the whole dish. Rice vinegar can work in a pinch.

Homemade Peanut Sauce Ingredients

• hoisin sauce - this has a rich, sweet flavor and is a mainstay in Cantonese recipes.
• peanut butter - I recommend using natural peanut butter without any added oils or sugar.
• lukewarm water - to dilute the sauce.
• dark soy sauce - for a really rich, savory flavor. 
• sesame oil - to add a nutty creaminess.
• lime juice 

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large skillet, cutting board and knife, and a large mixing bowl.

How to Make the Best Tofu Lettuce Wraps

1. Sauté aromatics. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot, about 1 minute. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes

2. Add tofu. Stir in tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add carrots. Add carrots and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.

4. Add sauce. Add soy sauce and toss well until coated evenly, about 1 minute.

5. Complete filling. Transfer the tofu mixture into a large mixing bowl and add green onions, cilantro, peanuts, and sweet chili sauce. Toss to coat. Transfer tofu mixture into serving dish and sprinkle with white and black sesame seeds and lime juice.

6. Make the peanut sauce. Combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, water, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. Mix well with a spoon until smooth and uniform.

7. Serve. To eat, scoop several tablespoons of the tofu mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, drizzle peanut sauce on top, and wrap like a taco. You can serve the peanut sauce on the side or drizzle on top of tofu mixture.

How to Serve

These Vegan Tofu Lettuce Wraps are delicious served on their own as an appetizer or light meal with the peanut sauce on the side or drizzled on top. It's also delicious served as part of a larger dinner spread with some other Asian dishes including:

• Kung Pao Tofu
• Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
• General Tso's Chicken
• Pineapple Fried Rice
• Vegetarian Chow Mein
• Orange Chicken

For more recipes, see our 60 Chinese Takeout Recipes at Home.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Tofu lettuce wraps are always best served fresh, as the lettuce will become soft from the warm filling after a short period of time. If you want to store the wraps for later, store the filling in an airtight container separate from the lettuce wraps.

How to Reheat

It's best to warm up the leftover filling in the microwave for a couple of minutes, then add it to the lettuce to keep the lettuce nice and crispy.

FAQ

More Recipes with Tofu

• 30 Vegetarian Chinese Recipes
• Kung Pao Tofu
• Mapo Tofu
• Tofu and Mushroom Stir Fry
• Air Fryer Vegetable "Stir-Fry" with Tofu

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