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Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Name: Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 oz high protein super firm protein (cut into 1/2” cubes); 1 tsp garlic granules; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tsp nori flakes; 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (tapioca starch or cornstarch); ½ cup plain unsweetened vegan yogurt; 1 tbsp maple syrup; ¼ cup sriracha; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 cup sushi rice; 1 head romaine; 2 green onions (chopped); 1 tbsp black sesame seeds

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These Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps are a delightful and health-conscious meal option for anyone but also fit perfectly into a vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free diet. They satisfy just as much as bang bang shrimp, but they’re made with clean, whole food ingredients! These wraps are both nutritious and flavorful, consisting of crisp romaine lettuce leaves generously filled with sticky rice and topped with crispy, saucy tofu. The addition of fresh green onions adds a burst of flavor and color, making these wraps not only delicious but also visually appealing. Ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps offer a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick, embodying a perfect blend of textures and flavors that cater to the palate of health enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

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Easy Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Get ready for your new addiction because these Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps are easy to make, deliciously fresh and ready in under 30 minutes! This easy tofu lettuce wrap recipe combines the satisfying crunch of lettuce and crispy tofu with the sweet and spicy flavor of a creamy, oil free bang-bang sauce that’ll keep you coming back for more. This plant-based, vegan meal is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free, gluten free, flavorful dish that’s great for a social function appetizer, a light dinner or easy lunch.

Ingredients for Tofu Lettuce Wraps

High Protein Super Firm Tofu: Providing a meaty texture that’s both satisfying and protein-packed.
Garlic Granules & Paprika: These spices add depth and a hint of smokiness to the tofu.
Nori Flakes: Bring a necessary umami flavor to the dish and provide an aquatic flavor, giving this recipe a seafood vibe, perfect for emulating Bang Bang Shrimp.
Arrowroot Powder: Provides the crispiness for the bang bang tofu. Cornstarch can achieve a similar crispiness if you do not have arrowroot.

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

Plain Unsweetened Vegan Yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness to balance the heat.
Sriracha & Rice Vinegar: Provide the signature bang bang kick.
Garlic Powder: Adds the common garlicky flavor to this sauce that we love!

Ingredients For Serving

Sushi Rice: Offers a sticky base for the tofu. Quinoa or cauliflower rice could be used for a grain-free or low-carb option.
Romaine Lettuce: Perfect for the crisp wrapper. Butter lettuce or iceberg could also be used and will provide a slightly different texture.
Green Onions & Black Sesame Seeds: Add fresh, sharp garnish to top off the dish.

What Is The Best Lettuce For Lettuce Wraps

Romaine lettuce is ideal for these wraps due to its sturdy, crisp leaves that can hold the filling without tearing. Its mild flavor also complements the boldness of the tofu and sauce. It’s my preferred lettuce for wraps for these reasons. If you have Swiss chard on hand you could also use that for a heartier wrap, or any other lettuce option like butter lettuce or iceberg will also do.

Do These Tofu Lettuce Wraps Taste Like Shrimp?

Move over Bang Bang Shrimp! This recipe delivers all the shrimp vibes, even down to the texture, without harming any of the sea life! What’s the secret? Nori flakes. Often celebrated for their role in sushi making, nori flakes hold a remarkable secret: they can transform plain tofu into a delectable dish reminiscent of shrimp. But how does it mimic the flavor of shrimp, you may ask? Well, it’s all about the umami—the savory, fifth taste sensation that adds depth and complexity to dishes. Nori flakes are brimming with umami goodness, thanks to their natural glutamate content. When combined with tofu, this umami powerhouse creates a flavor profile reminiscent of the ocean, evoking memories of fresh seafood without a single crustacean in sight.

The Best Lettuce Wrap Sauce Ever

Let me just start by saying this bang bang sauce is BANGING! Not only is this sauce creamy and spicy – it’s also oil free and dairy free making it the perfect healthy alternative to many other bang bang sauces that are made with mayonaise. It coats the crispy tofu perfectly and delivers a delicious punch with each bite. It’s easy to make and can be adjusted for heat, making it a versatile addition to your sauce repertoire.

How to Make Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and preparing a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix all the spices, nori flakes, and arrowroot powder until well combined. Add the tofu cubes to this spice mixture and gently fold in using a rubber spatula, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Once coated, spread the tofu cubes out on the prepared baking sheet and place into the oven to bake. Let them cook for about 20 minutes or your desired crispness has been achieved.

While your tofu is baking you can cook your sushi rice according to the package and work on the bang bang sauce. To make the sauce combine all the sauce ingredients in a jar and mix well to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that’s packed with flavor; adjust the seasoning and spice to your liking. Once the tofu is baked and has had a few minutes to cool, toss it in the sauce to fully coat each crispy piece. Now you’re ready to assemble; take a romaine leaf and layer it with rice, then add your saucy tofu on top, finishing off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and black sesame seeds. Now, your Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps are ready to be enjoyed!

Assembling Tofu Lettuce Wraps

One thing I love about lettuce wraps is how easy it can be to personalize the experience. This recipe brings about an opportunity to get the whole dinner table involved. By placing all the ingredients in the center of the table, everyone can partake in the fun of customizing their own wraps, by layering the sticky rice, crispy tofu, and garnishes to their liking. Whether you prefer to make these wraps yourself or want to indulge in the activity of everyone doing it together, the process is effortlessly quick and ensures each wrap is packed with flavor and texture, tailored exactly to your preference.

What To Serve With Lettuce Wraps

These wraps can be enjoyed on their own or as a side or appetizer. The Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps pair wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup, making for a balanced and complete meal.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Lettuce Wraps

There is no reason not to love these wraps; unless of course, you don’t like flavorful, delicious and easy to make food! This lettuce wrap recipe is not only healthy but affordable and comes together quickly which means you can enjoy it anytime! It’s not only perfect for social gatherings but also for meal prep as you can make the ingredients ahead of time and carry this on a picnic or to a party.

Other fresh and easy tofu recipes to try!

Korean BBQ Tofu Wings

Coconut Crusted Tofu with Mango Salsa

Tofu Rainbow Nourish Bowls with Peanut Sauce

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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