Lettuce Wrap with Tofu Filling

Lettuce Wrap with Tofu Filling is wonderful for casual family/company dining as well as a lovely starter.  

Use the smaller inner leaves from the lettuces; Belgian endives and green or purple cabbage leaves work well too. 

Instead of the shiitake mushrooms, other mushrooms maybe used.

Hoisin sauce (~1/4 cup) maybe used instead of the coconut aminos and tamari in the sauce given below; but it usually contains wheat so I don't use it.

INGREDIENTS

TOFU FILLING

1 tsp sesame oil

14 - 16 oz Firm/extra firm Tofu

3 oz fresh Shiitake/Other mushrooms, diced

1 Carrot, shredded

2-3 Tbsp fresh grated ginger

2-4 cloves Garlic, minced

1-2 Shallots thinly sliced

Red Pepper flakes (optional)

1-2 heads Belgian Endive/Butter/Romaine lettuce

SAUCE

1 1/2Tbsp Each Coconut Aminos & Tamari (Soy sauce GF)

1 Tbsp rice vinegar

GARNISHES

4-5 scallions thinly sliced

3-4 Tbsp roasted Peanuts, chopped

2-3 Tbsp toasted Sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash lettuce, drain thoroughly and separate the individual leaves; slice the larger Romaine leaves in half horizontally. Wrap in paper towels, put them in large pastic bags and reserve in the fridge.

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: coconut aminos, tamari, and rice vinegar.

In a large skillet, add 1 tsp sesame oil and bring to medium heat. Add mushrooms and tofu and cook without disturbing until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir and break up any large pieces of the tofu and cook until browned . 

Reduce heat to low-medium. Pour in sauce into tofu mixture; stir to mix well. Cover skillet with a lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes. 

Remove from heat, stir in the carrots, ginger, garlic and shallots along with the red pepper flakes if using. 

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add a little bit of sugar or a little more soy sauce depending on whether you prefer sweeter or saltier result. 

Serve while the filling is still warm.

ASSEMBLY

Place the prepared lettuce leaves onto a plate. Spoon the warm filling into the center of the leaves. Garnish with scallions, peanuts and sesame. Eat right away.

Enjoy!!