Go Back
–+ servings
best Asian tofu lettuce cups recipe

Tofu Lettuce Cups

This tofu lettuce cups recipe is so simple, quick, and absolutely healthy without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Appetizer, Entree, lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: lettuce, tofu
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Calories: 29kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • saucepan
  • Small Bowl - mix the sauce
  • whisk
  • mixing spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Paper Towel

Ingredients

For the tofu:

  • ½ block firm tofu cut into small 1/2" cubes
  • Butter lettuce leaves separated, washed, and patted dry
  • ¼ tsp Avocado oil light oil for the baking sheet

For the tofu Asian sauce:

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tbsp mirin
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
  • Pinch garlic powder
  • Pinch onion powder
  • Pinch ginger powder
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

Cook the tofu

  • Preheat oven or air fryer to 350°F.
  • Pat the tofu dry of excess moisture and then cut the tofu into small cubes and spread in a single layer on foil or parchment paper that has a touch of avocado oil spread on it.
    Cook for 12–15 minutes until lightly browned and slightly crisp.
    ½ block firm tofu, ¼ tsp Avocado oil
    before after tofu cubes in air fryer

Make the sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, mirin, sugar or honey, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, water, and cornstarch until very smooth.
    1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tbsp mirin, 1 tsp brown sugar or honey, Pinch garlic powder, Pinch onion powder, Pinch ginger powder, 2 tbsp water, 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • Place sauce in a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it thickens into a glaze consistency, remove from heat immediately.
    before after simmering asian sauce in pan

Toss the tofu

  • Add the cooked tofu into the sauce and toss with a spoon until evenly coated.
    toss tofu in Asian sauce

Assemble

  • Lay butter lettuce leaves on a platter. A platter with sides works best to hold the lettuce leaves. Be sure the "cups" of the lettuce leaves are facing out so they can hold the filling.
    Spoon the seasoned tofu into each leaf.
    Butter lettuce
  • Serve immediately as is or with dips and sauces for drizzling. Garnish with optional scallions, sesame seeds, chili flakes, and cucumber slices or other vegetables (julienned carrots and bean sprouts).
    platter or Asian tofu lettuce cups

Notes

See in the article for FIVE additional tofu style recipes for the filling in these lettuce cups.
 
  • Pat tofu dry before cooking for better browning
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer
  • Keep the tofu cubes small for better texture
  • Let the sauce fully thicken before adding tofu
  • Always pat lettuce dry so it stays crisp
 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Tofu Lettuce Cups
Amount per Serving
Calories
29
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Sodium
 
135
mg
6
%
Potassium
 
5
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Calcium
 
32
mg
3
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.