Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Pickled Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-fried tofu tossed in a sesame-ginger sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves with crunchy pickled carrots and daikon for a fresh Asian-inspired wrap. This Asian-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe (vegan), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey to create the sesame-ginger sauce.
  3. Step 3: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Toss to coat and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup shredded carrot and 1/2 cup thinly sliced daikon radish. Let sit while tofu cooks to lightly pickle in their own juices.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 8 large butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the tofu evenly into each leaf, top with some pickled vegetables, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 2 thinly sliced scallions.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, folding the lettuce leaves like cups for a fresh and crunchy wrap experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Pickled Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pickled Vegetables?

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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Pickled Vegetables?

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 Pickled Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pickled Vegetables vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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