Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Pan-seared tofu seasoned with sesame and ginger, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and drizzled with a creamy peanut sauce. This asian-inspired sandwiches & wraps (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, low sodium soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, pressed and diced into 1/2-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 6 large leaves romaine lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup julienned carrot
- 2 tbsp sliced green onion
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp warm water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz diced extra-firm tofu, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 clove minced garlic. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until tofu is golden and slightly crispy.
- Step 2: Pour 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce over the tofu and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the tofu.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp warm water, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: To assemble, lay 6 large romaine lettuce leaves flat and divide the cooked tofu evenly among them. Top each with 1/2 cup julienned carrot and 2 tbsp sliced green onion.
- Step 5: Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the fillings. Fold the lettuce leaves around the filling and serve immediately as handheld wraps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The ginger and sesame flavors were spot on.
- ★★★★★
The peanut sauce was amazing! My kids loved the tofu wraps as a healthier alternative to burgers.