Garden Fresh Lettuce Wraps

Welcome to a culinary adventure that promises to transform your weeknight dinners! If you’ve ever craved the vibrant, savory flavors of your favorite restaurant-style lettuce wraps but wanted a delicious plant-based alternative, you’ve come to the right place. Our chicken lettuce wraps have always been a family favorite, but as dietary preferences evolved, I felt a pang of guilt that my daughter couldn’t partake in a meal we all cherished. This sparked a quest to create a vegetarian version that was not just good, but truly exceptional. And guess what? This recipe delivered beyond all expectations!

Crispy tofu and mushroom vegetarian lettuce wraps served on fresh lettuce leaves with garnishes. — Fresh and flavorful vegetarian lettuce wraps ready to be enjoyed.

I can confidently say that these vegetarian lettuce wraps taste remarkably similar to the famous PF Chang’s version – no exaggeration! The rich, umami-packed sauce, combined with perfectly textured tofu and crisp vegetables, creates an explosion of flavor that will have everyone at your table asking for more. We didn’t just like them; we absolutely adored them. It’s a testament to how incredible plant-based cuisine can be when done right.

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate more meatless meals into their routine, without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. It’s perfect for “Meatless Mondays” or simply when you’re in the mood for something light, fresh, and bursting with Asian-inspired goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Contents

The Allure of Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Why choose vegetarian lettuce wraps? Beyond their incredible flavor, these wraps offer a host of benefits. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a light yet filling meal, packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and plant-based protein from tofu. They’re also naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber, making them a healthy choice for various diets.

For those new to cooking with tofu, don’t be intimidated! Tofu is a versatile ingredient that readily absorbs flavors, and with the right preparation, it can achieve a satisfying texture reminiscent of ground meat. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through simple steps to transform firm tofu into a delicious, crumbled filling that forms the heart of these amazing wraps.

If you’re looking for another delightful vegetarian option, be sure to try our Basil Tomato Soup! It’s a comforting classic that pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or as a light appetizer.

Uncooked ingredients for vegetarian lettuce wraps, including tofu, mushrooms, and sauce ingredients. — Gathering the fresh components for our delicious wraps.

Effortless Preparation for a Flavorful Meal

One of the best aspects of these wraps is their straightforward preparation. Just like our popular chicken version, these tofu lettuce wraps are incredibly quick and easy, making them a perfect solution for a super easy weeknight meal. The key steps involve preparing your vibrant veggies and flavorful tofu, followed by a quick sauté and sauce infusion.

Let’s start with the heart of the flavor: the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the rich hoisin sauce, savory soy sauce, slightly sweet teriyaki sauce, zesty sriracha (adjust to your preferred spice level!), tangy rice vinegar, and aromatic sesame oil. This harmonious blend of ingredients creates that signature Asian-inspired taste that makes these wraps so addictive. Set this magical sauce aside; it’s going to bring everything together.

Close-up of the mixed sauce for vegetarian lettuce wraps. — The perfectly blended sauce, ready to infuse flavor.

Mastering the Tofu and Veggie Filling

The secret to a truly great tofu lettuce wrap lies in the preparation of the tofu. For this recipe, we use extra-firm tofu, which is essential for achieving a firm, crumble-like texture. First, you’ll need to press the tofu to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial; it prevents the tofu from becoming mushy and allows it to absorb the delicious sauce much more effectively. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap the block in several layers of paper towels, place it between two plates, and weigh it down with something heavy for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t skip this step!

Once your tofu is properly pressed, heat 2 teaspoons of canola oil (or olive oil for a slightly different flavor profile) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, crumble the tofu directly into the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into very small, uniform pieces as it cooks, mimicking the texture of ground meat. Sauté the crumbled tofu for about 5 minutes until it starts to turn golden and any remaining moisture has evaporated. This browning step adds depth of flavor and a pleasant chewiness.

Next, it’s time to introduce the aromatic vegetables that complement the tofu beautifully. Add the finely chopped Cremini mushrooms (also known as Baby Bella) to the skillet. Continue cooking until all the moisture from the mushrooms has completely evaporated and they’ve softened. This concentrates their umami flavor. Then, stir in the drained and finely chopped water chestnuts for a delightful crunch, minced garlic for a pungent base, a teaspoon of ground ginger for a warm spice, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick (this is optional, so adjust to your heat preference). Add about half of your finely sliced green onions at this stage to build layers of flavor. Sauté this mixture for another minute or so, allowing the flavors to meld and the aromatics to become fragrant.

Finally, pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together until the filling is thoroughly coated. Continue to cook for just another minute, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly, ensuring it’s warmed through and perfectly integrated into the filling. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible!

Cooked vegetarian lettuce wrap filling in a skillet. — The savory tofu and vegetable filling, simmering in its rich sauce.

Assembling and Serving Your Perfect Wraps

With your delectable filling ready, it’s time for the fun part: assembly! Carefully spoon generous amounts of the warm tofu mixture into fresh lettuce leaves. For the best experience, I recommend using large, sturdy inner leaves of romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, or even crisp iceberg lettuce. Each offers a slightly different texture and “cupping” ability, so choose your favorite. Butter lettuce provides a tender, buttery texture, while romaine and iceberg offer a satisfying crunch.

To finish your wraps, top them generously with fresh, shredded carrots and the remaining finely sliced green onions. These garnishes not only add vibrant color but also introduce fresh, crisp textures that perfectly balance the rich filling. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. They add a nutty crunch and elevate the overall presentation.

Serve immediately and let everyone customize their own wraps. This interactive dining experience makes it a hit, especially for family dinners or entertaining friends. These wraps are truly satisfying and packed with fresh, invigorating flavors.

Looking for more amazing vegetarian soups? Be sure to check out our Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup! It’s another fantastic option to warm you up.

A finished vegetarian lettuce wrap with tofu, vegetables, and garnishes. — The final product: a perfectly assembled vegetarian lettuce wrap.

Why These Wraps Are a Must-Try

Even though I’m not strictly vegetarian, I absolutely adore these wraps and would happily make them over and over again. My daughter was in pure heaven when she first tried them, and that’s the highest praise a home cook can get! They’re such an easy vegetarian meal that truly shines as a healthy recipe option, especially for popular initiatives like Meatless Mondays.

These wraps strike the perfect balance: quick to prepare, incredibly easy to assemble, wonderfully healthy, and absolutely to die for in terms of flavor. They prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or complicated. With their fresh ingredients, savory sauce, and satisfying texture, these tofu lettuce wraps are destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. They offer a delightful blend of textures and tastes, from the crisp lettuce to the savory tofu and crunchy water chestnuts, all tied together by that irresistible sauce.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, looking to reduce your meat consumption, or simply eager to try a new and exciting recipe, these PF Chang’s style vegetarian lettuce wraps are a fantastic choice. They’re a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends. Get ready to impress everyone with this delicious and wholesome dish!

Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These vegetarian lettuce wraps taste just like PF Changs! So fresh, easy, and healthy!

4.67 from 3 votes

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Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
Asian, Vegetarian

Prep Time:

10
minutes

Cook Time:

15
minutes

Total Time:

25
minutes

Servings:
4

Calories:

190
kcal

Author:
Leigh Harris

Ingredients

Sauce

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (or more if desired)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
14 oz extra firm tofu (do not use silken)

Filling

2 teaspoons canola oil
8 ounces Cremini mushrooms, finely chopped (Baby Bella)
8 oz water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4-5 green onions, finely sliced green tops, divided
8 large inner leaves romaine lettuce (from a romaine heart or butter lettuce leaves)
1/2 cup grated carrots

Instructions

In a small bowl, stir together the hoisin, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Press the tofu between paper towels to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Refresh the paper towels and press again.
Heat the 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Once the oil is hot, crumble in the tofu, breaking it into very small pieces as it cooks.
Continue cooking for 5 minutes, then add the diced mushrooms. Continue cooking until any remaining tofu liquid cooks off and the tofu starts to turn golden, about 3 minutes more.
Stir in the water chestnuts, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and half of the green onions and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.
Pour the sauce over the top of the mixture and stir to coat. Cook just until it’s bubbling and the sauce is warmed through, about 1 minute.
Spoon the tofu mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Top with remaining green onions and grated carrots.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Recipe inspired by WellPlated