AMAZING vegetarian lettuce wraps
Recipe video. The meat-free version of Chinese san choy bow. You never knew vegetarian lettuce wraps could be so delicious. I never knew either, until I made these! Crumbled tofu lends the filling a meaty texture while vegetables add lovely texture, all smothered in a glossy, savoury sauce. Vegetarian food (and healthy, no less!) was never so delicious. And interesting. And easy. It's AMAZING!Feel free to substitute the veg with other sauté-able vegetables of choice.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ tspcornflour / cornstarch
- 3 tbspwater
- 1 ½ tbsplight soy sauce)
(note 1
- 1 tspdark soy sauce)
(note 1
- 1 ½ tbspoyster sauce)
(note 2
- 1 tspsesame oil
, toasted
- 1 tbspchinese cooking wine)
(or sub mirin or dry sherry, note 3
- 1 tspwhite sugar
- 1 tspfinely grated ginger)
(sub garlic
- 250 g8oz extra firm tofu)
(note 4
- 1 tbspoil
- 1garlic
, finely minced
- ½onion
, finely diced
- ½ ccarrot
, chopped into 5mm/ 0.2" pieces
- ½ cgreen beans
, sliced into 5mm/0.2" rounds
- ½ cmushroom
, chopped into 5mm/ 0.2" pieces
- 12lettuce leaves)
(+/- depending on lettuce size, note 5
- peanuts)
, finely chopped (i like salted, but unsalted fine
- green onion
, finely sliced
- sriracha)
, for drizzling (highly recommended
Directions
- 1
Sauce - Mix cornflour/cornstarch with water until lump free. Add everything else, then mix.
- 2
Crumble tofu - Drain tofu, then cut into 5mm/0.2" slices. Use your fingers to crumble into a mince. Not too fine crumbs, can always break up more when cooking (just like cooking mince/ground meat!).
- 3
Filling - Heat oil over high heat in a large non stick pan. Cook onion, garlic and carrot for 1 minute. Add green beans and mushrooms. Cook 2 minutes - green beans should still be firm.
- 4
Sauce it - Add tofu and toss through. Pour in the sauce. Stir for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens and is coating the mixture nicely. (If it evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water)
- 5
Serving - Transfer filling into a bowl. Lay out on the table with lettuce leaves, green onion, peanuts and bottle of sriracha.
- 6
DIY lettuce wraps - Spoon filling into lettuce leaf. Drizzle with sriracha, sprinkle with peanuts and green onion. Bundle / fold, eat!
About this Recipe
AMAZING Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps: Your New Favorite Meat-Free Meal!
Get ready to discover your new obsession: these AMAZING Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps! Inspired by the beloved Chinese San Choy Bow, this recipe proves that meat-free can be utterly delicious, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Forget everything you thought you knew about vegetarian food – this dish is a game-changer.
What makes these vegetarian lettuce wraps so special? It all starts with the incredibly flavorful filling. Crumbled extra-firm tofu mimics a "meaty" texture beautifully, absorbing the rich, glossy savory sauce that coats every single bite. Combined with a vibrant mix of carrots, green beans, and mushrooms, you get a delightful interplay of textures and tastes. It's a healthy, light main that feels incredibly indulgent, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ready in just 25 minutes total (15 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook), these lettuce wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The sauce, a harmonious blend of soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese cooking wine, is what truly elevates this dish, delivering that authentic takeout flavor profile you crave.
Tips for Perfection:
- Tofu Prep: Ensure your extra-firm tofu is well-pressed to remove excess water; this helps it crisp up and absorb the sauce better.
- Veggie Swap: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables! Bell peppers, water chestnuts, or finely diced zucchini would also be delicious additions to the filling.
- Serving Suggestions: Don't forget the garnishes! Finely chopped peanuts add a fantastic crunch, while a drizzle of sriracha brings a welcome kick.
These vegetarian lettuce wraps aren't just a meal; they're an experience. Prepare to be amazed by how much flavor and satisfaction can come from a simple, healthy, and plant-forward dish.