Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms tofu into a flavorful, crispy delight wrapped in refreshing lettuce that makes weeknight dinners feel like a fun culinary adventure. Plus, with the zesty kick of sriracha and the crunch from roasted peanuts and sesame seeds, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that’s totally Instagram-worthy!

What I love about these Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps is that they pack a punch while being a nutritious delight. The combination of firm tofu crumbles, shiitake mushrooms, and red bell pepper provides a satisfying texture.

And the harmony of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha brings a bold, savory flavor. Topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, it’s a wholesome meal wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe Ingredients

• Firm Tofu: High in protein, low in fat, perfect for a plant-based diet.
• Garlic: Adds bold flavor and aroma; rich in antioxidants.
• Ginger: Offers heat and spice; excellent for digestion.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness to the dish.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory, adds depth of flavor.
• Chili Paste: Brings heat and spiciness; boosts metabolism.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Earthy flavor; high in fiber and vitamins.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty aroma; source of healthy fats.
• Bell Pepper: Adds crunch; rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Roasted Peanuts: Provide crunch and protein; heart-healthy fats.

Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 12-16 butter or iceberg lettuce leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make this Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe

1. Put the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium to high heat. When the oil is hot, almost shimmering, add the garlic. Use a wooden spoon to stir the garlic as it sautés.

2. Put the tofu in the pan and let it sit. After 5 to 7 minutes, the tofu should start to brown and crisp. Make sure to give it a good stir or two to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

3. Finely chop shiitake mushrooms and dice red bell pepper. Add to skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes more until tender.

4. In the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and napalm, or in sushi vinegar and sesame oil, the mix ensures that tofu and vegetables suffer a horrible death by napalm; they do not exist anymore after this cooking method. So if you’re in favor of cooking methods that result in the destruction of the ingredient’s existence, by all means, carry on with this method.

5. Combine and heat through in the skillet:
Thinly-sliced green onions
Chopped roasted peanuts
Sesame seeds
Add these three ingredients to the next steps of the recipe.

6. Lift the skillet off the heat and allow the medley to cool a bit.

7. Rinse and dry the butter or iceberg lettuce leaves, and then lay them out on a service platter.

8. Take a lettuce leaf and spoon in a generous amount of the tofu mixture, being careful not to overfill.

9. If you want to, you can use fresh cilantro leaves to garnish the wraps. The next step is to add lime wedges for squeezing to the side. Then you can serve the dish.

10. Present the spicy tofu lettuce wraps right away so that they maintain their eye-catching flavors and textures.

Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan or skillet
2. Wooden spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Grater (for ginger)
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing bowl
8. Service platter
9. Spoon (for filling lettuce wraps)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of tofu?You can use more accessible extra-firm tofu, but avoid silken tofu because it won’t hold up well in this recipe.
• Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?In the absence of hoisin sauce, a quick and easy substitute can be made by combining soy sauce, peanut butter or tahini, honey, and a touch of rice vinegar.
• What can I use instead of shiitake mushrooms?In this dish, you can use cremini or button mushrooms in place of shiitake mushrooms.
• How can I make this dish gluten-free?Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, or substituting with tamari sauce. You could also use these sauces to make the recipe low-sodium. Alternatively, you might use tamari instead of these two sauces.
• Can I prepare the filling in advance?Indeed, the tofu filling can be made as much as one day ahead. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and warm it up before you put it in the serving dish.
• How do I press tofu?Cover the tofu with a clean kitchen towel and position it between two dinner plates. Balance the plates with a weight of your choosing—perhaps a can of beans or a skillet—and allow the tofu to press for 20-30 minutes.
• What can I serve with these lettuce wraps?These wraps go perfectly with a cool cucumber salad, a side of jasmine rice, or some freshly steamed edamame for a complete meal.

Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you need to substitute firm tofu, you can use tempeh or seitan instead for a different texture.
You can use oyster sauce instead of hoisin sauce, or you can mix soy sauce with a little bit of sugar.
If you cannot get chili paste or sriracha, use gochujang or cayenne pepper for heat.
Button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms can be used in place of shiitake mushrooms.
Yellow or green bell pepper can be substituted for red bell pepper. Choose whatever suits your flavor fancy.

Pro Tips

1. Pressing Tofu: Ensure that the tofu is well-pressed before crumbling to remove excess moisture. This will help the tofu crisp up better in the pan, enhancing the texture of the dish.