Name: Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 16 ounces super firm tofu, patted dry; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped; 8 ounces can water chestnuts, drained and chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger; 4 green onions, white and green parts sliced; 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce, less if desired; 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 3 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, flavorful, and super satisfying meal, this Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s packed with tasty veggies, perfectly crisp tofu, and a sauce that just hits all the right notes—savory, tangy, with a little kick. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple yet satisfying: Crumbled super-firm tofu mimics ground meat beautifully, making it hearty and protein-packed.
Crunch and flavor: Water chestnuts add a delightful crunch that balances the tender tofu and mushrooms.
Layered sauces: Hoisin, soy, rice vinegar, and sesame oil create a rich, balanced sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
Fresh wrap option: Butter lettuce leaves turn this into a fun finger-food that’s fresh and light but totally filling.

Tofu Lettuce Wraps, vegetarian lettuce wraps, healthy tofu stir-fry, vegan lettuce wraps, easy tofu lettuce wraps - A close-up view of a large black skillet filled with a cooked mixture of ground meat and small diced brown vegetables and green herbs, evenly spread out inside it, showing crumbly texture with some moist parts. The skillet sits on a wooden surface with dark brown tones. The food has a warm, rich brown color with hints of lighter beige and green pieces scattered evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a vital role, bringing texture, depth, and freshness to the table. I always shop for quality super-firm tofu and tender butter lettuce for the best result, but the rest you can tweak based on what you have on hand.

Tofu Lettuce Wraps, vegetarian lettuce wraps, healthy tofu stir-fry, vegan lettuce wraps, easy tofu lettuce wraps - Flat lay of firm tofu blocks, fresh butter lettuce leaves separated in clusters, whole cremini mushrooms with rich brown caps, chopped water chestnuts showing their crunchy white interior, bright green sliced spring onions, peeled garlic cloves, a small pile of fresh grated ginger, and a small dish of dark hoisin sauce, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that lets the tofu crisp up nicely without adding extra flavors.
Super firm tofu: Holds its shape well, perfect for crumbling and achieving that meaty texture without pressing.
Cremini mushrooms: Adds umami and a meaty bite that complements the tofu perfectly.
Water chestnuts: These little guys bring crunch and a fresh pop in every bite.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that boosts flavor instantly.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zingy warmth; if you only have dried, it works too!
Green onions: Both white and green parts pack in layers of mild onion flavor and a fresh color pop.
Hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory backbone of the sauce, but go easy if you’re watching sugar.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings salty umami without overpowering the other flavors.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a slight tang to balance richness.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a little for that irresistible nutty aroma and depth.
Sriracha hot sauce: Optional heat boost—you can leave it out or add more if you love spicy.
Butter lettuce leaves: Soft, delicate, and perfect for wrapping everything up without overpowering the flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s a wonderfully flexible base you can make your own, whether you want extra veggies, a different sauce, or a whole new protein twist.

Variation: I sometimes swap cremini mushrooms for finely chopped shiitake for a deeper umami flavor; you’ll notice it adds a lovely earthiness.
Dietary: Gluten-free friends, just swap in tamari and gluten-free hoisin, and you’re all set.
Spice Level: Adjust the Sriracha to your liking or try a drizzle of chili-garlic sauce if you want a different kind of heat.
Seasonal: In summer, adding diced bell peppers or fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten it up even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Tofu to Crispy Perfection

Start by heating your oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the super-firm tofu with your fingers right into the pan. I find using fingers helps keep the pieces uneven and rustic, which is perfect here. Stir it frequently for about 5 to 10 minutes until those little tofu bits turn golden and crispy on the edges—this is where the flavor starts developing. Don’t rush this step or overcrowd the pan; you want the tofu sizzling and browning, not steaming.

Step 2: Mushroom and Crunchy Goodness

Next up, toss in your finely chopped cremini mushrooms. Let them cook down for about 3 minutes until they soften and start releasing that lovely earthiness. Then add the chopped water chestnuts, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, and half the green onions. Stir everything together and cook for just about 30 seconds—don’t let the garlic burn, but you want to wake up those flavors.

Step 3: Sauce It Up and Simmer

Turn down the heat to low-medium, then pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and Sriracha. Stir well so every bit of tofu and veggies gets coated in the rich sauce. Let it bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes—this step brings all the flavors together and thickens the mixture just right. Once the sauce clings to everything, remove from heat.

Step 4: Wrap and Enjoy!

Spoon the savory mixture into your soft butter lettuce leaves and top with the remaining sliced green onions and a little extra Sriracha if you like it hot. These wraps are finger food perfection—grab one, fold it like a taco, and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Choosing Tofu: I swear by super firm tofu that’s vacuum-packed—it crumbles easily and doesn’t need pressing.
Avoid soggy wraps: Make sure to pat your tofu dry before cooking and keep the lettuce chilled until serving for the best crunch.
Don’t overcook the garlic and ginger: Add them last and stir quickly to avoid bitterness and maintain fresh aromas.
Adjust sauce to taste: Everyone’s palate is different—feel free to tweak hoisin, soy, and Sriracha amounts to find your perfect balance.

How to Serve Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Tofu Lettuce Wraps, vegetarian lettuce wraps, healthy tofu stir-fry, vegan lettuce wraps, easy tofu lettuce wraps - The image shows five large green lettuce leaves arranged on a white plate with a wood surface in the background. Each leaf holds a serving of cooked ground meat mixed with small diced vegetables, with a brown color and a slightly moist texture. The meat mixture is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small bits of green herbs. The lettuce leaves are fresh with visible veins and crinkled edges, creating a bright green contrast to the darker meat filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I usually stick to extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—they add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that elevate every bite. Sometimes I like adding fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish, especially on warmer days.

Side Dishes

These tofu lettuce wraps are great on their own but pair wonderfully with a light cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even some quick pickled carrots and daikon for that tangy contrast. I love serving them alongside a cold Asian slaw when I’m entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, try arranging the tofu mixture and lettuce leaves on a large platter with little bowls of garnishes—like chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, and chili flakes—so guests can customize their wraps. It’s such a fun, interactive meal that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the tofu mixture has cooled, I store it in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for up to 4 days. The lettuce leaves are best kept separate and wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a container to maintain their crispness.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing the tofu filling for these wraps as it can change the texture and make the water chestnuts a bit soft, but if you do freeze it, try thawing it slowly in the fridge and reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This brings back some crispness to the tofu. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Always add fresh toppings when serving for that bright crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular tofu instead of super firm for this Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe?

Yes, you can—but if you use extra-firm or firm tofu, I highly recommend pressing it well to squeeze out excess moisture. Without this step, the filling might turn out soggy rather than crispy and crumbly.
Are these wraps gluten-free?

They can be! Just swap out regular soy sauce and hoisin sauce with gluten-free tamari and gluten-free hoisin. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this Tofu Lettuce Wraps Recipe?

The heat level depends on the amount of Sriracha you add. I start with 1 tablespoon but often add a little more at the table depending on how spicy I’m feeling. You can leave it out entirely if you prefer mild flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tofu mixture earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just wait to assemble the lettuce wraps until right before serving to keep the leaves crisp.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about these Tofu Lettuce Wraps that keeps me coming back, especially when I want something quick but still packed with flavor and texture. They’re easy to pull together, versatile, and such a crowd-pleaser—even with friends who usually avoid tofu! I hope you’ll give them a try and make them your own. Once you do, I’m betting they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!