Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Name: Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 whole lettuce head (iceberg or butter lettuce); 16 ounce tofu block (extra firm); 5 ounces shiitake mushrooms; 1 cup walnuts (raw); 1 cup carrots (shredded); ¼ cup shallots (finely diced); 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tbsp garlic (minced or paste); 2 tsp ginger (grated or paste); 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium); 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp peanut butter; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sriracha sauce; ¼ cup hot water; 1 tsp ground cumin; green onions (finely chopped); carrots (shredded); white sesame seeds

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These tofu lettuce wraps are fresh and crisp on the outside with an unbelievably hearty and satisfying filling. Featuring crumbled tofu, shiitake mushrooms, walnuts, fresh veggies, and a savory peanut sauce, they’re packed to the brim with Asian-inspired flavors.

A hand lifting a tofu lettuce wrap from a platter with full of tofu lettuce wraps and bowl of peanut sauce.

If you’re an on-the-go person with a busy schedule, these tofu lettuce wraps are about to become your new best friend! Like my jackfruit pulled pork lettuce wraps, they’re quick and easy to prepare and require only a few basic ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m obsessed with these tofu lettuce wraps! I love that I can make a big batch of the filling to keep on hand for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

The combination of crumbled tofu, minced mushrooms, and pulsed walnuts creates the ultimate savory flavor and meat-like texture. I add a homemade peanut sauce for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Fresh lettuce cups add a crispy crunch and make for a refreshing bite. These wraps are the ideal choice if you’re looking for a healthy, low-carb, and plant-based meal.

Ingredient Notes

Tofu lettuce wrap ingredients laid out individually with labels.

Find a full breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this tofu lettuce wraps recipe and suitable substitutes:

Tofu: Gives the filling a hearty, meat-like texture and adds a healthy dose of plant-based protein. Use extra-firm tofu for the best results.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Provide a rich, savory, umami flavor. Look for shiitake mushrooms at your local Asian food market.
Walnuts: Along with tofu and mushrooms, chopped walnuts add a meat-like texture and healthy fats. Make sure they are raw and unsalted.
Carrots: Add sweetness, a slight crunch, and a pop of color.
Shallots: Provide a savory element without overpowering the dish.
Avocado Oil: I prefer to use avocado oil for sautéing since it has a high smoke point.
Garlic: For a robust and aromatic flavor. Use fresh, organic garlic whenever possible.
Ginger: Adds a zesty, warming flavor. Fresh ginger provides the most vibrant flavor.
Soy Sauce: I use both regular and dark soy sauce to impart saltiness, umami flavor, and a deep color. Look for both at your local Asian food market.
Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness to balance the salty, tangy, and spicy elements. Use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
Peanut Butter: Provides a rich, creamy, and nutty taste. For the best results, use natural smooth peanut butter.
Rice Vinegar: I like to add rice vinegar for my acid to balance the richness of the peanut butter. You’ll find the best rice vinegar brands at Asian food markets.
Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust this up or down based on your heat tolerance.
Ground Cumin: For a touch of earthy warmth. Make sure your cumin is nice and fresh!

Substitutions

Tofu: If you don’t have tofu, try the same amount of crumbled tempeh.
Mushrooms: You can swap portobello mushrooms for shiitake mushrooms.
Veggies: Spring onions also work instead of shallots, and you can swap carrots for bell peppers if you’d like.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce and dark soy sauce with tamari.
Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup, use an equivalent amount of agave.
Peanut Butter: If you have peanut allergies, try almond butter or cashew butter. For a nut-free version, use tahini.
Rice Vinegar: Freshly squeezed lime juice is another great option. Use the same amount.

How to Make

These tofu lettuce wraps require little effort to make. Just follow my tips and tricks for consistently delicious results every time!

Preparation

Grated tofu on a cutting board with the grater.

Rinse and pat the tofu block dry. Freeze it for at at least 2-3 hours, then let it defrost for about 20-30 minutes to give it a firmer texture and help it absorb flavors better. Grate the block with a box grater to form crumbles.

Processed walnut crumbles in a food processor.

Finely chopped mushrooms in a food processor.

Soak the walnuts in boiling water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry them before processing them into crumbles. Mince the mushrooms in a food processor, being careful not to over-process.

Cooking

Step 1

Sauce mixture in a wide mouth mason jar with a stirrer in it.

Prepare the sauce mixture by thinning the peanut butter with hot water and whisking in the remaining sauce ingredients. Whisk the peanut butter first so it dissolves entirely and creates a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Step 2

Sautéed garlic, shallots, and cumin powder in a cast iron skillet.

Heat some avocado oil in a skillet over low heat. Sauté the ginger, garlic, shallots, and cumin for a minute. Keep the heat low to prevent burning the garlic and ginger, which can turn bitter.

Step 3

Grated tofu and shredded carrots in a cast iron skillet.

Add your grated tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Mix in the mushrooms, walnuts, and shredded carrots. Cook for 4-5 minutes until everything cooks down.

Step 4

Pour in the sauce mixture and toss to coat the veggies evenly. Cover and cook the filling on low heat for 2-3 minutes before removing the pan from the burner.

Step 5

Tofu lettuce wraps on a serving plate with a bowl of peanut sauce.

Pull apart the lettuce cups from the lettuce head and wash them in cold water. Divide the filling mixture between cups, then garnish your tofu lettuce wraps with green onions, more shredded carrots, white sesame seeds, and extra peanut sauce.

Expert Tip

For an extra burst of flavor in your tofu lettuce wraps recipe, marinate the grated tofu in a bit of the sauce mixture for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the tofu absorb the flavors more deeply, enhancing the overall taste of the wraps.

Also, I find lightly toasting the walnuts before soaking helps add a richer flavor that rounds out the recipe. When you’re assembling the wraps, make sure the lettuce leaves are completely dry to prevent the filling from becoming watery.

Cooking Tips

Don’t Over-Process: When you’re processing the mushrooms and walnuts, be careful not to overdo it. Both ingredients should resemble the texture of ground meat crumbles.
Prepare Lettuce Cups Last: Wash and dry the lettuce cups right before serving. This keeps them crisp, cold, and fresh, providing a perfect contrast to the warm filling.
Add Sauce Gradually: Gradually add the sauce mixture to the filling. This prevents the filling mixture from becoming too wet and keeps the sauce evenly distributed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, it is not gluten-free, as written. To make this tofu lettuce wraps recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

What should I do if my filling is too wet?

If the filling is too wet, cook it for a few more minutes uncovered to let some of the moisture evaporate. You can add more grated tofu or mushrooms to absorb the excess liquid.

How do I prevent the tofu from crumbling too much?

Grating the tofu helps maintain a consistent texture. Make sure to use extra-firm tofu and handle it gently during cooking.

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftover tofu lettuce wraps, let the filling cool completely before storing it to maintain its texture and flavor.

Fridge
Store the tofu filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain their freshness and crispness, keep the lettuce cups separate from the filling.

Freezer
The tofu filling can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating
To reheat the tofu filling, add it to a skillet over medium. Warm the filling until it is heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture appears too dry during reheating, you can add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back the moisture.