Ginger Garlic Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Smashed, seared tofu gets tossed in a sticky ginger garlic sauce and piled into crisp lettuce cups.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 15 · Total: 30 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (168 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Diner-style sticky lettuce wraps — Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by the kind of saucy lettuce wraps you order at a strip-mall spot, made with tofu for a crisp, sticky bite.
Story
I have eaten a lot of lettuce wraps off paper-lined trays, parked under neon lights with the radio low. This is that vibe, just cleaned up enough for a weeknight. Smash the tofu so it gets those jagged edges, then let it get browned and loud in the pan. When the ginger and garlic hit the heat, the whole kitchen smells like a takeout box you actually want to stick your face into. Load it up, crunch down, and call it a win.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu, drained
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp neutral oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Tear tofu into bite-size pieces, then press lightly with a towel. Toss with cornstarch and a pinch of salt.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook tofu until browned and crisp on the edges, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Push tofu to the side, add remaining 1 tbsp oil, then pour in the sauce. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes until glossy.
- Toss tofu in the sauce until coated. Quickly toss cucumber slices with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt.
- Spoon tofu into lettuce leaves, top with cucumbers and sesame seeds, and serve right away.
Chef Tips
- Tearing the tofu makes more craggy edges, which means more crispy bits and more sauce clinging on.
- If you like it extra hot, add a spoon of chili crisp at the end.
- For a fuller plate, serve with steamed rice or rice noodles on the side.
- Butter lettuce is the easiest wrap, romaine works too, just use the inner leaves.
Cook's Notes
- **Crispier tofu:** Do not crowd the pan, give the pieces space so they sear instead of steam.
- **Sauce control:** Simmer just until glossy, overcooking can turn it too salty and thick.
- **Make it a meal:** Add a fried egg or a scoop of rice if you want it more filling.