Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Kids Advisory Board member Siddharth developed this recipe, and we all love it. You’ll see a range of amounts for the spices here; we think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure recipe—just use the amount that suits you best. No lettuce? No problem. The spicy tofu is also great served over rice.
kitchen gear
- Cutting board Sharp knife (adult needed)
- Sharp knife (adult needed)
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Clean dish towel or paper towels
- Medium-sized bowl
- Medium nonstick skillet
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Pot holders
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) container firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (add up to 2 tablespoons, depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (depending on how spicy you like it) (add up to 2 teaspoons, depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped (or 2 celery stalks, sliced)
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 head soft-leaf lettuce, such as Bibb or butter
Instructions
- Pull the plastic off the tofu container (you may need to cut it with a knife) and tip the liquid out of it. Wrap the tofu in the clean dish towel or in 2 layers of paper towels, place it on a plate, and put something heavy on top of it such as a can of beans or a small skillet. Leave it to drain for 10 minutes or so (while you gather and prep the other ingredients).
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in the bowl. Add the soy sauce, sriracha, and chili powder and mix well.
- Put the skillet on the stove, turn the heat to medium, and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the water chestnuts and onion and cook until the onion is soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add the tofu to the pan, reserving the liquid in the bowl, and cook until everything is heated through, about 10 minutes. Taste the mixture. Is it as spicy as you like? Does it need a little more soy sauce? Add whatever it needs and taste again.
- To assemble a roll, put a lettuce leaf on your plate and pile a small heap of the tofu mixture across its middle, along with a spoonful of the leftover sauce. Fold the sides in and roll up the leaf around the filling, burrito-style.
Notes
GET CREATIVE
Before rolling, top your wrap with:- Roasted peanuts
- Chopped scallions
- A squeeze of lime juice