Simple, delicious Crispy Tofu Lettuce Wraps made with fresh vegetables, and crispy tofu, and drizzled with a 5-ingredient peanut sauce. These wraps are light, yet satisfying and make for a healthy lunch or dinner.
With spring just around the corner, I’ve been craving something light and crisp. I love a good lettuce cup and thought why not add some tofu to give it a boost of protein and make it more satisfying?
If you’ve tried tofu and haven’t been too impressed with the taste or texture, you need to give it a second chance. Trust me, you haven’t fully experienced tofu if you haven’t made it CRISPY. Plus, pairing it with the most delicious, yet simple, 5-ingredient peanut sauce just makes it that much better. Let’s get into the recipe!
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY TOFU
To make the crispy tofu, press it to remove the moisture. I just wrap the tofu in a paper towel and place a kitchen towel on top (to soak up even more of the moisture) and a stack of heavy books to act as the weight. You’ll want to press it for at least 30 minutes.
The secret to flavorful tofu is to marinate it. We’re using a little coconut aminos and maple syrup for just the right amount of sweetness. Finally, the crispy texture is achieved by coating the tofu in arrowroot starch.
I love that these lettuce wraps are extremely versatile. You really can’t go wrong with any vegetable! I love the combination of purple cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions. Cucumbers and radishes would be really good too!
HOW TO SNEAK IN SUPERFOODS
You know I love to sneak superfoods into just about any recipe, so we’re adding just a hint of Maca Powder to the peanut sauce to give it a sweet flavor. Navitas Organics Maca Powder is your superfood source for resiliency, energy, and system balance. I like adding Maca Powder to my daily smoothie too for an extra energy boost and malty flavor!
To top off these wraps, we’re sprinkling a generous amount of Navitas Organics Hemp Seeds. Hemp seeds are a rare plant-based source of complete protein and omega-3s. I sprinkle these on just about everything from smoothie bowls to apple nachos to salads.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #livingwellwithnic on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Crispy Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
TOFU
- 14 oz exta-firm tofu, pressed (see instructions for pressing)
- 3 tbs coconut aminos or soy sauce
- ½ tbs maple syrup
- 5 tbs arrowroot starch
PEANUT SAUCE
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- ½ tsp Navitas Organics Maca Powder
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
- 2-3 Tbs water to thin
FOR SERVING
- 1 cup thinly sliced / shredded purple cabbage, carrots, bell peppers choose your favorite vegetables
- 1 small head green (non-bitter) lettuce or green cabbage
- 3-4 tbs Navitas Organics Hemp Seeds
- Green onions for topping optional
Instructions
- Begin by pressing tofu: wrap in a clean towel and set something heavy on top. Press for about 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the peanut sauce by adding all ingredients except water to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine then add a little water at a time and whisk until creamy, smooth, and pourable. Taste and adjust flavor as needed. Set aside for serving.
- Once pressed, slice tofu into ~3/4-inch cubes and add to a large mixing bowl or glass storage container with a lid. Add the coconut aminos and maple syrup. Seal with the lid and toss gently to combine. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- At this time, heat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- After 15 minutes, add the arrowroot startch and cover again and toss gently to coat.
- Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a little avocado oil to prevent the tofu from sticking. Then add only as much tofu as will fit comfortably in the pan (be careful not to crowd). Cook until golden brown on all sides — about 2-3 minutes per side — flipping with a fork or small spatula. Then transfer to your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes (at 400 F / 204 C), or until crispy and firm.
- In the meantime, prepare veggies for serving. I recommend finely shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell pepper, purple cabbage, and green onion. Set aside.
- Lastly, prepare lettuce by washing and drying and gently separating about 10 lettuce leaves.
- Arrange cups/leaves on a platter and top each with about 4 cubes tofu. Top with veggies and herbs of choice, drizzle with peanut sauce and top with hemp seeds.
