Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps

This recipe is my take on a combination of two things, the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at Bonefish Grill and the Tofu Lettuce Wraps at PF Changs.

Bonefish’s Bang Bang Tacos contains shrimp,something I don’t eat by choice, and gluten but it smells SO good when friends order it.   I used to eat the PF Changs vegetarian lettuce wrap frequently, but they contain gluten.  I decided to combine the flavor of the Bang Bang sauce with tofu lettuce wraps.  Over the past two months, this has become a weeknight dinner favorite at our house.  I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!

Bang Bang Tofu Lettuce Wraps

1 block extra firm tofu, well drained and cut into 1″ cubes
3 T. of my favorite gluten-free flour blend
2 T. sesame oil

2 T. vegan mayonnaise (I like Vegenaise)
2 T. gluten-free soy sauce
1 T. honey
1 T. sriracha
1 inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated or 1 tsp. minced ginger

1 head iceberg lettuce
2 or 3  small carrots, cut into matchsticks
1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks
handful of bean sprouts
1 cup of steamed brown rice (optional)

Drain the tofu and cut into cubes.  Put the flour blend in a bowl large enough to toss the tofu in.  Have a skillet handy, it won’t take long to prep everything else and you’ll want to be ready to fry the tofu.

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, soy sauce, honey, sriracha and ginger. This is the sauce.

Remove the outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce, rinse in super cold water and store in the refrigerator until moments before using them.  I place mine upside down over a coffee cup to help get the cup shape.

Cut carrots and cucumbers into matchsticks.  Have these plus the bean sprouts and steamed rice ready to assemble your lettuce wraps.  I like to put my own so folks can build their own wraps.

In skillet, heat the 2 T. of sesame oil over medium heat.  Insert each piece of tofu individually into the oil. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you dump it from the flour into the oil, the excess flour will get into the oil and make a smoky mess.  Fry on each side until lightly browned, just a few minutes on each side.

Once the tofu is browned, add in the sauce and toss just to warm the sauce and coat the tofu.  Remove from heat.

Assemble lettuce wraps any way you would like.  I start with a little rice, veggies and top with tofu.