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Spicy Mapo Tofu Lettuce Wraps - Mapo tofu: craft these spicy vegetarian lettuce wraps in under 30 minutes. A flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for a quick week

Spicy Mapo Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Mapo tofu: craft these spicy vegetarian lettuce wraps in under 30 minutes. A flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
  • 3/4 cup Hot Water
  • 2 tablespoons Black Bean Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
  • 250 grams Firm Tofu (cut into small cubes)
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 8 Iceberg or Boston Lettuce Leaves
  • Sliced Green Onions
  • Roasted Peanuts
  • Sesame Seeds
  • 2 tablespoons Chilli Paste

Method
 

  1. Soak the shiitake mushrooms in 3/4 cup hot water for 15 minutes until soft. Drain and reserve the water. Chop the mushrooms finely and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the black bean sauce and chili paste until well combined, and set aside.
  3. Heat a wok and add vegetable oil. Add the chopped mushrooms and stir fry for a couple of minutes till they are slightly crisp. Add the ginger garlic paste and stir fry for another minute.
  4. Pour the whisked sauce (black bean and chili paste) into the wok and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the firm tofu cubes and simmer for a minute or two, stirring gently.
  5. Whisk cornstarch in 1/4 cup water (from the reserved mushroom water) and add to the wok. Mix gently and bring it to a boil until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. To assemble the lettuce cups, add two to three tablespoons mapo tofu mixture to each lettuce leaf and top generously with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and roasted peanuts. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

- To enhance the umami, use the reserved mushroom soaking water to mix with the cornstarch. This adds another layer of depth to the sauce.
- For a richer flavor, toast the sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling them on top.
- If you prefer less spice, adjust the amount of chili paste. You can always add more at the table if needed. When I first started making this, I used too much chili paste and learned quickly that a little goes a long way!
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.