| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 15g | 2g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 7g | 19g | 2.1g |
Why I Love American Tofu and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
American cuisine has always had a special place in my heart, offering abundant comfort and warmth synonymous with Midwestern cooking I grew up with. However, I recently ventured off my usual terrain, experimenting with the merging of my classic culinary experience and some unique eastern flair, resulting in the birth of these delicious Tofu and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce. Equal parts invigorating and comfortingly familiar, this recipe brings the best of both worlds.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The seeds of inspiration for this dish can be traced back to my admiration for Chef Martin Yan, who uses simple, fresh ingredients to create dishes that are as healthy as they are flavorsome. With this recipe, I aim to capture Yan’s essence, merging it with my Midwestern roots to create something uniquely comforting yet strikingly fresh.
Farm-to-Table Freshness
Just like any of my beloved Midwestern recipes, these wraps underscore the importance of farm-to-table freshness. Laden with crunchy vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and scallions, along with the subtle yet profound flavor of tofu, these wraps don’t shy away from making the freshness of their ingredients the star of the show.
The crowning glory, however, is the peanut sauce. Creamy, slightly sassy with a balanced sweetness and a zingy hint of ginger and garlic, this sauce beautifully amalgamates everything together, creating a synergistic explosion of sublime flavors that are both comforting and invigorating.
Versatility of Tofu and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
These wraps are such a versatile delight! They’d work brilliantly as a light lunch, a healthful and easy dinner, or even an appetizing party appetizer. They’d pair particularly well with a fresh Vietnamese-style spring roll or a vibrant Spicy Cucumber Salad.
Whether you’re immersed in the heartland or hankering for something a touch adventurous, these Tofu and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are a memorable culinary experience waiting to happen.
What You’ll Need
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
- 2-3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 12 Iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- For the peanut sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hot water (or as needed to thin the sauce)
Method
Step One
Begin by draining your tofu and pressing it for about 15 minutes to remove the excess moisture. Then, cut your tofu into small cubes.
Step Two
While your tofu is being pressed, gather and prepare your vegetables. Finely chop your carrot, bell pepper, and red chili, then thinly slice your scallions. Mince your ginger and garlic and set all your prepared vegetables aside.
Step Three
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in your cubed tofu and cook until it’s golden brown and crispy, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Remember to toss occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked evenly.
Step Four
Once your tofu is cooked, add in your chopped vegetables, minced garlic, red chili, and ginger. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step Five
After the vegetables have softened, add in your soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir everything well again to combine and allow everything to cook for another minute or two so that your tofu and vegetables have time to absorb the flavors.
Step Six
While your tofu and vegetables cook, start working on your peanut sauce. Combine your peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and hot water in a blender or food processor. Blend until everything is well combined and your sauce reaches the desired consistency. You can add more hot water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Step Seven
Finally, assemble your lettuce wraps. Place a scoop of your tofu and vegetable mixture onto each lettuce leaf, then top with peanut sauce. If desired, you can garnish with chopped cilantro and mint for added flavor. Enjoy immediately.
