Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Mia

These Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps bring the bold, vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your Optavia Lean & Green meal plan. Extra-firm tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture, then marinated in a powerful blend of fresh ginger, garlic, chili paste, and low-sodium tamari, allowing it to absorb every bit of that spicy, savory goodness. The tofu is then quickly stir-fried until golden and slightly crispy on the edges, creating a satisfying texture that stands up beautifully in crisp romaine lettuce cups.

This recipe is a perfect example of how plant-based protein can be both exciting and compliant with your dietary goals. Each serving delivers substantial protein while keeping calories, carbs, and fat in check. The lettuce wraps provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the warm, spicy tofu filling, while fresh vegetables like bell peppers and scallions add color, nutrients, and additional texture.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and speed. Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, it's ideal for busy weekday lunches when you need something satisfying but don't have time for elaborate meal prep. The marinade does most of the flavor work, infusing the tofu with complex, layered tastes that make each bite interesting. Whether you're a committed vegetarian, exploring plant-based options, or simply looking to diversify your protein sources, these wraps deliver restaurant-quality flavor without compromising your health goals.

The beauty of lettuce wraps lies in their interactive, hands-on eating experience. Each wrap is a perfectly portioned bundle of protein and vegetables that you assemble yourself, making lunch feel special and intentional. The combination of hot, spicy tofu against cool, crisp lettuce creates a dynamic temperature contrast that keeps your palate engaged from the first bite to the last.

Mia

Mia

Recipe Author: Welcome to Mia's Kitchen, where every recipe is plant-forward, anti-inflammatory, and full of flavor. Her meals make it easy to eat well, support gut health, and enjoy balanced, wholesome cooking at home.

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 15.00g
Protein 28.00g

Ingredients

7 ozextra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tbsplow-sodium tamari
1 tspfresh ginger, minced
2 clovesgarlic, minced
1/2 tspchili paste or sriracha
1 tsprice vinegar
1/2 tspsesame oil
1/2 cupred bell pepper, diced
2 wholescallions, sliced
6 large leavesromaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried
cooking spray
2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
2 wedgeslime wedges (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
paper towels
medium mixing bowl
sharp knife
serving plate
spatula or wooden spoon
large non-stick skillet or wok

Clean Eating

Fully aligned with clean eating principles, this recipe uses whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh tofu, vegetables, and simple seasonings, avoiding artificial additives and refined products.

Flexitarian Diet

A perfect flexitarian recipe that centers on plant-based protein (tofu) while offering a flexible, vegetable-rich meal that can easily accommodate occasional meat additions if desired.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating by featuring whole ingredients with varied textures and colors, encouraging slow, intentional consumption and sensory appreciation of the meal.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe is perfectly plant-based, featuring tofu as the primary protein source and utilizing vegetables like bell peppers and scallions. It completely excludes all animal products while providing a nutrient-dense, flavorful meal.

Vegan Diet

An ideal vegan recipe that uses tofu as a protein source and includes only plant-based ingredients like vegetables, lettuce, and seasonings. No animal products are used, making it fully compliant with vegan dietary restrictions.

Vegetarian Diet

This tofu-based recipe is an excellent vegetarian option, providing plant-based protein and a variety of vegetables in a satisfying lettuce wrap format.

Instructions

1

Press the tofu by wrapping it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, placing it on a plate, and weighing it down with a heavy object for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

10 min
2

While tofu is pressing, prepare the marinade by combining tamari, minced ginger, minced garlic, chili paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Whisk together until well combined.

2 min
3

Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes using a sharp knife.

2 min
4

Add the cubed tofu to the marinade, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5 min
5

While tofu marinates, dice the red bell pepper and slice the scallions, keeping the white and green parts separate.

3 min
6

Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce leaves, then arrange them on a serving plate.

2 min
7

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray.

1 min
8
6 min

Add the marinated tofu to the hot skillet, reserving any excess marinade. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until tofu is golden brown on multiple sides.

9
2 min

Add the diced bell pepper and white parts of scallions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.

10
1 min

Pour any reserved marinade over the tofu and vegetables, stirring to coat. Cook for 1 additional minute until the sauce slightly thickens.

11

Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the scallions.

12

Spoon the hot tofu mixture evenly into the prepared romaine lettuce leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

1 min

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