Savory Korean Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

• 8 large lettuce leaves 8 large lettuce leaves
• 200g (7oz) firm tofu, sliced into strips 200g (7oz) firm tofu, sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Optional: chili paste or sauce for added spice Optional: chili paste or sauce for added spice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the tofu strips to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the marinated tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned and heated through.
4. 4.
   Remove the tofu from the grill and set aside.
5. 5.
   Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
6. 6.
   Fill each lettuce leaf with a few strips of grilled tofu, julienned carrot, cucumber, red onion, and chopped green onions.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the wraps.
8. 8.
   Serve with chili paste or sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier kick.
9. 9.
   To enjoy, wrap the lettuce leaf around the filling, creating a neat bundle, and take a bite.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Press the tofu before slicing to remove excess moisture and enhance its texture.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown for a nuttier flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a non-vegetarian version, substitute the tofu with grilled beef or pork.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of tanginess.
• Experiment with different toppings such as kimchi, pickled radishes, or shredded cabbage for added variety.
• If lettuce is not available, you can use other leafy greens like Swiss chard or cabbage leaves as a substitute.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the lettuce wraps with steamed rice or Korean side dishes.

Serving advice

Arrange the lettuce wraps on a platter, garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions, and serve as an appetizer or main course. Encourage guests to assemble their own wraps for an interactive dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the lettuce wraps on a vibrant platter, showcasing the colorful ingredients. Arrange the lettuce leaves neatly and place the fillings in an organized manner. Serve with small bowls of chili paste or sauce for an added pop of color.