Sweet Chili Tofu Lettuce Wraps

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 carrot, grated - 3 green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Salt and pepper - Extra toppings or sauces {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by pressing the tofu. Place the block of tofu on a plate. Put another plate on top. Add something heavy. This will help remove extra water. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This step makes the tofu firmer and helps it soak up flavors. 2. After pressing, cut the tofu into small cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. This size helps the tofu cook evenly and fit nicely in the wraps. 3. In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated well. The cornstarch creates a crispy crust when cooked. 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the tofu. This helps it to fry well. 2. Carefully add the cornstarch-coated tofu to the skillet. Fry the tofu for about 8-10 minutes. Turn the pieces often until they are golden and crispy on all sides. This step gives the tofu a nice texture. 3. Once the tofu is crispy, add the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to make the veggies tender but still crisp. They will add flavor and color to the dish. 1. Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix everything well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step warms the sauce and makes sure every piece of tofu and veggie is coated. 2. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it based on your preference. 3. To assemble the wraps, take a lettuce leaf. Spoon a generous amount of the tofu mixture into the center. 4. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. 5. Fold the lettuce over the filling. Enjoy your fresh, tasty wraps! Importance of pressing tofu Pressing tofu is key. It removes extra moisture. This helps the tofu absorb flavors better. It also makes the tofu crispier when cooked. Always press for at least 15 minutes for best results. Best ways to cube tofu To cube tofu, first, press it. Then, cut the block in half. Slice each half into strips, then dice into cubes. Aim for about one-inch pieces. This size cooks evenly and fits well in the wraps. Achieving crispy tofu Coating tofu with cornstarch is a must. It creates a nice crust when cooked. Heat the oil in the skillet until hot. Fry the tofu in batches for even cooking. Cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Sautéing vegetables perfectly When sautéing vegetables, add them after the tofu is crispy. This keeps the tofu crisp. Cook the veggies for just a few minutes. They should be tender yet still crunchy. This adds texture to your wraps. Garnishing with herbs and additional flavors Fresh herbs like cilantro add great flavor. Chop them finely and sprinkle on top. You can also add lime juice for a zesty kick. These flavors brighten the dish. Recommended side dishes Serve your wraps with a side of rice or quinoa. These grains complement the tofu well. You can also add a light salad for freshness. This makes your meal more filling and balanced. Pro Tips Press the Tofu Well: Ensure that the tofu is pressed long enough to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when cooked. Coat Tofu Evenly: Toss the tofu in cornstarch thoroughly to create a crunchy exterior when frying, enhancing the overall flavor and texture. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs for garnish to elevate the dish’s flavor, adding brightness and a pop of color to your wraps. Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by adding chili flakes or using a spicy chili sauce if you prefer an extra kick in your wraps. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Try tempeh or seitan for a twist. If you want a vegan option, stick with firm tofu. It works great! For sauces, you can swap sweet chili sauce with teriyaki or hoisin sauce. This change gives a new flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the dish safe for those who avoid gluten. For a low-carb version, skip the sweet chili sauce. Instead, use coconut aminos and add more lime juice for taste. To spice things up, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the tofu mix. This adds heat and excitement! If you prefer a sweet and savory taste, mix in some pineapple chunks. This will balance the flavors nicely and make each bite delicious. After you enjoy your sweet chili tofu lettuce wraps, you might have some left. Store leftovers in the fridge. Place the tofu filling in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate. Use a different container for them to avoid wilting. This helps keep everything fresh and crisp. When you want to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet to reheat the tofu mixture. Heat it over medium heat. Stir gently until warm. This keeps the tofu crispy. Avoid using the microwave if you can. It can make the tofu soggy. Serve the warm filling in fresh lettuce leaves for the best taste. To save time, you can prep the tofu and veggies ahead. Press and cube the tofu one day before. Toss it in cornstarch and store it in the fridge. Dice the bell pepper and grate the carrot early, too. Keep them in a sealed container. Assemble your wraps fresh when you're ready to eat. This way, you enjoy the best texture and flavor. To add spice to your wraps, use these ingredients: - Sriracha sauce - Red pepper flakes - Chopped fresh chili peppers Start with a small amount of Sriracha in the sweet chili sauce. Add more based on your taste. Red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top before serving. Fresh chili peppers can be diced and mixed in with the veggies. This will give your wraps that extra kick! Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead of time. Here are my best practices: - Press and cube the tofu a day before. Store it in the fridge. - Chop the vegetables and keep them in an airtight container. - Mix the sauces and store them separately. On the day you want to serve, just fry the tofu and sauté the veggies. Assemble the wraps fresh to keep the lettuce crisp. These wraps pair well with tasty side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice or quinoa - A simple cucumber salad - Fresh spring rolls These sides balance the flavors and make your meal more filling. Enjoy! This blog post covered how to make sweet chili tofu lettuce wraps. We discussed key ingredients, the step-by-step cooking process, and helpful tips. You also learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Now you can create a tasty dish that suits your taste. Whether you want spicy or sweet, the options are endless. Enjoy making these wraps and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!$

Sweet Chili Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and healthy lettuce wraps filled with crispy tofu and fresh vegetables, drizzled with sweet chili sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 whole red bell pepper, diced
1 whole carrot, grated
3 whole green onions, chopped
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Start by pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into small cubes.
In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated tofu and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
Once the tofu is crispy, add the diced bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated evenly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
To assemble, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the tofu mixture into the center. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
Fold the lettuce over the filling and enjoy fresh!

Notes

Serve fresh for the best texture.

Keyword healthy, lettuce wraps, tofu, vegetarian