Tofu lettuce wraps are a versatile and delicious meal option that can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. These wraps combine fresh, crunchy vegetables, flavorful herbs, and crispy tofu, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
The star of the dish is the spicy peanut sauce, which adds a rich, savory element that ties everything together. Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or even a main course, these lettuce wraps are easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply enjoy a healthy meal, these tofu lettuce wraps are sure to be a hit.
If you’re seeking more plant-based sandwiches and wraps, feel free to browse my complete collection of Plant based Wraps Sandwich Recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In Tofu Lettuce Wraps
One of the best things about tofu lettuce wraps is the versatility of the ingredients you can use to fill them. You can use whatever vegetables, herbs, and proteins you like. Here are some common ingredients you might want to include in your lettuce wraps:
- Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These are the foundation of the wrap, providing a light, chewy texture. If you don’t have vermicelli rice noodles, you can substitute with thin rice noodles or even shredded cabbage for a low-carb option.
- Lettuce for Wrapping: Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce work well. Each type offers a different texture and flavor, so choose according to your preference.
- Grated Carrot: Adds sweetness and crunch. Substitute with grated zucchini or jicama for a different flavor profile.
- Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch. You can also use bell pepper strips or celery for a similar effect.
- Mango: Adds a sweet, tropical note. Pineapple or peaches can be used as alternatives.
- Red Cabbage: Offers a vibrant color and crunch. Green cabbage or radicchio can be used if red cabbage is unavailable.
- Herbs (Mint, Cilantro, Thai Basil): These add fresh, aromatic flavors. Feel free to mix and match or use only one type based on your preference.
- Extra Firm Tofu: Provides protein and a hearty texture. Tempeh or seitan can be used as a substitute.
- Cornstarch: Helps to crisp up the tofu. Arrowroot powder or potato starch are good alternatives.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds umami flavor. Tamari is a gluten-free option.
- Hoisin Sauce: Coats the tofu with a sweet, savory glaze. You can substitute with teriyaki sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Forms the base of the spicy peanut sauce. Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives.
- Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness. Lemon juice can work in a pinch.
- Maple Syrup or Vegan Honey: Sweetens the sauce. Agave nectar or brown rice syrup are good substitutes.
- Sriracha or Thai Red Curry Paste: Adds heat. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance or use chili garlic sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used instead.
- Ginger and Garlic: Enhance the flavor of the peanut sauce. These are optional but recommended for depth of flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Lime wedges, chopped peanuts, and hot sauce add extra flavor and texture. Use as desired.
Crispy Tofu
If you want to add protein to your lettuce wraps, crispy tofu is a great option. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Extra Firm Tofu: Use one brick of extra firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water.
- Cornstarch: This helps to create a crispy coating on the tofu.
- Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Adds flavor to the tofu.
- Hoisin Sauce (Optional): Coats the tofu for extra flavor and stickiness.
Spicy Peanut Sauce
To tie everything together and add a deliciously spicy and savory element to the wraps, you’ll need to make a peanut sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Natural Peanut Butter: Use a smooth and creamy variety.
- Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Adds saltiness and umami flavor to the sauce.
- Lime Juice: Adds acidity and freshness to the sauce.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Use as much or as little as you like, depending on your spice preference.
- Water: Use to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Helpful Tools to Make This Tofu Lettuce Wrap Recipe
- Airfryer: For cooking the tofu to a crispy perfection.
- Non-stick Pan: If you prefer pan-frying the tofu.
- Blender or Food Processor: To blend the peanut sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing and tossing the tofu with marinade and cornstarch.
- Shallow Bowl: For soaking the vermicelli noodles.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping and preparing the vegetables and herbs.
- Vegetable Grater: For grating the carrot.
- Tongs: For assembling and serving the lettuce wraps.
How To Make This Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Noodles
- Cover the vermicelli noodles in boiling water and leave for 3-5 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Tofu
Preparing Crispy Tofu
- Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces and place in a shallow bowl.
- Add the soy sauce and cornstarch, tossing to combine.
- Cook tofu in the airfryer at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, or fry in a pan with oil for 3-5 minutes per side.
- While the tofu is cooking, chop up your veggies.
- Cook until the tofu is crispy and golden brown on the outside. Toss cooked tofu lightly in hoisin sauce.
Making the Peanut Sauce
- Add peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sriracha or red Thai curry paste, and maple syrup into a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Add cold water 1 tbsp at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Note: it does thicken slightly when left in the fridge.
Assemble Lettuce Wraps
- Assemble the lettuce wraps by adding the veggies, noodles, and tofu.
- Add the peanut sauce, a fresh squeeze of lime, and some chopped peanuts if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks For These Lettuce Wraps With Tofu
- To make the lettuce wraps easier to eat, cut off the stem of the lettuce and separate the leaves.
- If you prefer a sweeter peanut sauce, add more maple syrup to taste.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Don’t skip pressing the tofu! This step helps remove excess water from the tofu, allowing it to become crispier when cooked.
- Make sure to taste the peanut sauce before serving and adjust the spiciness level to your liking.
FAQ: Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These lettuce wraps are the epitome of a light and refreshing meal, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be paired with some delicious sides to take them to the next level. Try serving them with some vegan spring rolls or spiced edamame for a truly elevated dining experience. Your guests will be raving about the flavors and asking for the recipe!
Leftovers can store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just keep the ingredients separate and assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat.
To keep your lettuce wraps fresh for longer, make sure to store the lettuce leaves, filling, and sauce separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the wraps and enjoy. This way, the lettuce leaves will stay crisp and the filling and sauce will stay flavorful.
Begin by laying a lettuce leaf on a plate. Add a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of the leaf. Then, drizzle the spicy peanut sauce on top of the filling. Fold the leaf around the filling, and enjoy the Vegan Lettuce Wrap!
Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- 100 grams dried vermicelli rice noodles (1 little nest of noodles)
Veggies
- 1 head lettuce for wrapping (butter lettuce, romaine or iceberg)
- 1 large grated carrot
- ½ cucumber cut into small sticks
- 1 mango cut into small strips
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 handful either mint, cilantro, or Thai basil
Crispy Tofu
- 1 brick extra firm tofu (pressed)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce for coating tofu
Spicy Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup all natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 lime, juiced (2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or vegan honey
- 3 tbsp sriracha (sub 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste if desired)
- water to thin
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar optional
- 1 tbsp ginger and 1 clove garlic optional
Optional Toppings
- 4 lime wedges
- ¼ chopped peanuts
- hot sauce
Instructions
Noodles
- Cover the vermicelli noodles in boiling water and leave for 3-5 minutes. (or according to package instructions.) Then drain and rinse with cold water.
Preparing Crispy Tofu
- Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces and place in a shallow bowl. Add the soy sauce and cornstarch and toss to combine.
- Cook tofu in the airfryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes flipping halfway, OR it fry in a pan with oil for 3-5 minutes per side.
- While the tofu is cooking, chop up your veggies.
- Cook until the tofu is crispy and golden brown on the outside. Toss cooked tofu lightly in Hoisen sauce.
Making the Peanut Sauce
- Next, make the peanut sauce by adding peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sriracha or red Thai curry paste, and maple syrup into a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Add cold water 1 tbsp at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Note: it does thicken slightly when left in the fridge.
Assemble Lettuce Wraps
- Now you are ready to assemble the lettuce wraps by adding the veggies, noodles, and tofu.
- Add the peanut sauce, a fresh squeeze of lime and some chopped peanuts if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
Tofu lettuce wraps with spicy peanut sauce are a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal option. They are easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you are preparing them for a quick lunch or a light dinner, these wraps are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
These lettuce wraps are delicious!!!
Hi Jain! Thanks so much for your feedback 😊
Loved this recipe so healthy and delicious!
Thanks Jackie!
What a great recipe easy to customize for my family and all there dietary requirements so this was a perfect recipe. I will add this into my weekly rotation.
I’m thrilled to hear that the recipe was easy to customize for your family’s dietary requirements and that it’s now part of your weekly rotation – that’s fantastic!