Crumbled Tofu Lettuce Cups with Peanut Sauce

Spicy tofu lettuce cups are a delicious plant-based meal to incorporate into your weeknight dinners! Pan-fried tofu crumbles cooked in a delicious spicy sauce served in a lettuce cup and topped with a creamy peanut sauce.

Truly all the best flavors in one bite!

Earlier this week I asked my Instagram audience for recipe inspiration and what they wanted to see more of. So many people requested more tofu recipes, and I had some requests for vegetarian recipes that are “husband friendly.”

Let me tell you guys, this one was definitely a winner- especially with my non-tofu loving hubby.

I debated making him a serving with real meat, but he ended up loving it, and enjoyed it with some brown rice.

I think this technique to cooking tofu is going to be my new staple! There’s no tofu-pressing required, and its not as tedious as standing over the stove to flip each tofu cube.

The crumbled pieces get crispy and browned, and they absorb the flavors of the sauce so well.

Other ways to serve these Spicy Tofu Lettuce Cups

I truly enjoyed these in lettuce cups, but if you want more of a hearty meal, you can serve them in other ways!

1. Serve them over a bowl of brown rice and stir-fried veggies
2. Eat them with lettuce cups but add in a grain for extra volume
3. Toss them over noodles- like these take-out style sesame noodles!
4. Use them as your protein for a buddha bowl, and mix in all of your favorite veggies + grains

Can I omit the chili paste to make these non-spicy

You guys know I make just about everything spicy, it’s in my blood. But, if that’s not your jam, you can totally leave out the chili paste in the sauce, and the sriracha from the peanut sauce.

Personally, I found the amount of chili paste to be mildly spicy. You can always use a smaller amount if you still want a little kick.

These tofu lettuce cups are definitely going to be on repeat over there! They’re just as good as leftovers, so feel free to double the batch if you’re looking for a simple meal prep for the week.

More vegan dinner ideas:

Mushroom Broccoli Rice Bake

Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese

Lentil Meatballs

Spicy Tofu Lettuce Cups with Peanut Sauce

5 from 6 votes

Course: Dinner

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

NOTES:
You can make this recipe using any ground protein you like: chicken or turkey would be great options!

Ingredients

• 1 block of extra firm tofu, 14 oz

• 2 tbsp avocado

• 1 can of water chestnuts, chopped (8 oz)

• Lettuce leaves to serve, I love using butter lettuce

• Spicy Chili Sauce

• 1/3 cup coconut aminos

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• Pinch of salt

• 4 scallions, chopped

• Peanut Sauce

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 tbsp lime or lemon juice

• 1 tbsp coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1 tsp sriracha

• 1 clove of garlic, crushed

• 2 tbsp of water, or more if needed

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Drain your tofu and break it apart into a large strainer. You want to keep some pieces in large chunks.
• Heat a large skillet with the oil on medium/low heat. Swirl it around to coat the entire bottom of the pan.
• Place the crumbled tofu in the pan and flatten it down with a spatula. Cook the tofu for about 5-6 minutes on one side without flipping it. After about 5 minutes, give the tofu a toss and flatten it into the pan again. Let this side cook for another 5 minutes before flipping. Repeat until the tofu is completely browned- it should take about 25-30 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, mix in the chopped water chestnuts.
• While that cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Reserve some of the scallions to top.
• After about 25 minutes, add the sauce into the pan and mix it in with the tofu. Lower the heat to let it absorb the flavors for another 10 minutes.
• While that finishes cooking, mix together your peanut sauce ingredients.
• Serve the finished tofu in lettuce cups or over a rice bowl and drizzle with the peanut sauce and scallions.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @somethingnutritious on Instagram- I’d love to see your creations!