Hey there, my friend 
. You are about to make the easiest, healthiest, and most satisfying lettuce wraps ever. These tofu and brown rice lettuce wraps are packed with protein, crunch, and a peanut sauce that will have you licking your fingers.
Oh, and the best part? You can make everything ahead of time and just assemble when you are ready to eat. That means less stress and more time enjoying your meal. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large non-stick pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Large spoon
Important Info
- Servings: 6 lettuce wraps
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $8-$10, depending on your ingredients.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Calories per serving: 250
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Anytime
- Courses: Lunch, Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diets: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free
How to Make Tofu and Brown Rice Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Wraps:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 large lettuce leaves (Romaine or Butter lettuce work best)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Brown rice | Quinoa or white rice |
| Tofu | Tempeh or shredded mushrooms |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari |
| Peanut butter | Almond butter or sunflower seed butter |
| Maple syrup | Honey or agave syrup |
| Sriracha | Chili flakes or omit for no spice |
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the crumbled tofu, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and salt. Stir and cook for about 8 minutes until the tofu turns golden brown. Set aside.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sriracha, and water. Keep whisking until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay out the lettuce leaves on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of cooked brown rice to each leaf, followed by a scoop of tofu. Top with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and chopped green onions.
- Drizzle the sauce: Spoon some peanut sauce over the filling.
- Wrap and eat: Gently fold the sides of the lettuce leaf and enjoy immediately. If serving later, keep the filling separate and assemble when ready to eat.
Helpful Tips
- If your lettuce leaves are stiff, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to make them more flexible.
- Make the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Press your tofu well to remove excess moisture so it crisps up nicely.
- If you want extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top.
- To make it a full meal, serve with extra brown rice or a side of steamed veggies.
What to Serve with Tofu and Brown Rice Lettuce Wraps
These wraps are light, so pairing them with a side dish makes for a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- A bowl of miso soup
- Fresh fruit like pineapple or mango
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- A simple cucumber salad
How Do You Serve the Wraps?
I like serving these wraps on a large platter with extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping. If you’re packing them for lunch, wrap them in parchment paper for easy handling.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These wraps are perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, and even light dinners. They are also great for picnics because they don’t need to be reheated. If you are hosting a party, serve them as appetizers on a tray with small dipping bowls.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep unassembled lettuce leaves, rice, and tofu filling at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
- The peanut sauce can sit out for up to 4 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store the tofu filling and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- The peanut sauce stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
- Lettuce leaves should be wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a bag for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- The tofu filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Peanut sauce can be frozen for 3 months. Stir well after thawing.
- Do not freeze the lettuce leaves, as they will become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of romaine?
Yes, you can. Iceberg lettuce works, but it’s crunchier and may not hold as much filling as romaine or butter lettuce.
How do I make this nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and skip the chopped peanuts.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the tofu with grilled chicken or shrimp if you want a non-vegetarian version.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, kids love assembling their own wraps, and you can leave out the sriracha if they don’t like spice.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the tofu and rice in advance and store them in the fridge for easy meal prep. Just warm them up before assembling the wraps.