Caramelized Tofu Lettuce Cups
Sweet, sour, and salty, these lettuce cups are ripe for improvisation and can be served with all sorts of accompaniments. Crunchy raw vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots can add heft alongside the caramelized tofu, and a drizzle of chili oil is a must for spice lovers.
Direction:
1. Begin by preparing the tofu. Drain the block of tofu and use a paper towel to gently press out any excess liquid. Cut the tofu into small cubes.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This will be the marinade for the tofu.
3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the cubed tofu and let it cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown.
4. Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add in another tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the tofu back into the pan and pour the marinade over it. Let the tofu cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to evenly coat the tofu in the sauce.
7. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of water with a teaspoon of cornstarch. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan with the tofu and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. While the tofu is cooking, prepare the lettuce cups by gently separating the leaves from the head of lettuce and washing them thoroughly.
9. Once the tofu is caramelized and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. To assemble the lettuce cups, place the tofu in the center of a lettuce leaf and wrap the leaf around the tofu. Repeat with the remaining tofu and lettuce leaves.
11. Serve the caramelized tofu lettuce cups as an appetizer or a light meal. Enjoy!
