Make that famous restaurant's vegetarian lettuce wraps tastier and cheaper than they do. It's simple and quick to make. Enjoy as an appetizer, or as part of the meal.
3 T. hoisin sauce
3 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 T. rice vinegar
1 t. sesame oil
2 t. canola or grape seed oil
12 to 14 oz. package extra-firm tofu (DO NOT use silken)
8 oz. baby bella or cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 t. freshly grated ginger
1/4 t. red pepper flakes, optional
4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
8 large inner leaves of romaine lettuce from a romaine heart or butter lettuce leaves
For serving: grated carrots, additional red pepper flakes, optional
In a small bowl, stir together hoisin and soy sauces, rice vinegar and sesame oil; set aside.
Press the tofu between paper towels to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Refresh the paper towels; press again.
Heat the canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high. When oil is hot, crumble in the tofu, breaking it into very small pieces as it cooks; continue cooking for 5 minutes; add the chopped mushrooms. Continue cooking until any remaining tofu liquid cooks off and tofu starts to turn golden, about 3 minutes.
Stir in water chestnuts, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and half of the green onions; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour the sauce over the top of the tofu mixture; stir to coat. Cook just until you hear bubbling and the sauce is warmed through, 30 - 60 seconds.
Spoon the tofu mixture into the individual lettuce leaves. Top with remaining green onions, grated carrots and additional red pepper flakes, as desired. Serve immediately.
4 servings.
The tofu filling can be refrigerated for 3 - 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a bit of water or stock to prevent it from drying out, or in a skillet over medium heat.