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Magazine Monday: Soy-Sesame Lettuce Wraps

in Entrees, Other

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So far, so good!  I have been cooking my way through my stack of magazine recipes, and I am quite pleased at how far I have come with this “clean up” process.  Not only am I becoming more organized, but I am also enjoying some tasty dishes.

For the most part, I rarely ever seem to follow a recipe exactly.  I don’t know what it is, but for some reason I always need to put my own twist on a new-to-me dish.  Sometimes I do this in order to change a meat-containing dish into a vegetarian dish.  Sometimes I do this to turn a vegetarian dish into a vegan dish.  And sometimes I do this because I am unable to find all of the necessary ingredients that a specific recipes calls for.  This recipe came about with the inspiration from a recipe in the June 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, but I changed it up a bit since the bok choy at my grocery store was looking pretty sad.  I also added coleslaw mix from my fridge to bulk up the recipe and to ensure that I used up the mix before it went bad.  Sometimes, if we are lucky, improvising actually produces an even more delicious dish than the original recipe.  I believe that this was definitely one of those instances.

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Soy-Sesame Lettuce Wraps

Adapted from a recipe for Soy-Sesame Bok Choy Rolls in the June 2013 Vegetarian Times magazine.

Servings: 2

Ingredients

1/2 block extra-firmed tofu, drained and  pressed
water, for cooking
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
3 cups coleslaw mix
3/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
1 tsp sriracha sauce
black pepper, to taste
Romaine hearts (I used about 6-8 leaves per serving)

Directions

1. Cut tofu into small cubes.  Set aside.

2. Line a large skillet with a thin layer of water.  Heat over medium-high heat until very hot.  Once hot, lower the heat to medium and add garlic, green onions, carrots, and coleslaw mix.  Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.  Add additional water, as necessary.

3. Stir in the tofu, liquid aminos, sriracha sauce, and pepper.  Heat over low heat, or until all of the ingredients are warm.

4. Spoon the tofu and vegetable mix into the leaves of the hearts of Romaine lettuce.  You can roll up the leaves, or eat them more in the form of a taco (which is what I did).

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I have been pretty obsessed with using hearts of Romaine in my cooking, lately.  In fact, I am even using them as a part of tonight’s dinner.  They are a much healthier version than tortillas, but (in my opinion) are just as delicious!  I love the crunchy texture of the leaves, and they certainly pair very well with Asian-inspired and Mexican-inspired dishes.

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This Asian-inspired recipe was absolutely delicious and flavorful.  If you are new to tofu and are looking to try it for the first time, this is the perfect simple recipe to do so.  Seriously, don’t be afraid..give it a try! 🙂

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{ 71 comments… add one }
  • Christine June 17, 2013, 5:33 pm
    Yum that looks so good! I'm the same with recipes, I have no patience to follow a recipe exactly for the most part ;)
  • moderngirlnutrition June 17, 2013, 5:53 pm
    Yum! I love tofu, especially in a sauce like this one. It's just so versatile!
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats June 17, 2013, 6:46 pm
    Yum this looks delicious! I need to make this :)
  • chasingchels June 17, 2013, 7:00 pm
    I like to put my own spin on recipes, too, usually because I rarely have everything it calls for and I'm too lazy and poor to go to the store :P I think it usually turns out better ;)
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 17, 2013, 7:57 pm
      Haha, SO true! I definitely get too lazy to go to the store so I just make do with what I have!
  • Sarah @ Feeeding the Brain and Body June 17, 2013, 8:14 pm
    Soy and I don't agree well, but I love lettuce wraps! This sauce sounds delicious!
  • Nicole @ FruitnFitness June 17, 2013, 8:31 pm
    This sounds amazing! I love lettuce wraps but I have never tried them with tofu before.
  • jessiebearwhat June 17, 2013, 8:47 pm
    Mmm lettuce wraps are the perfect summer meal!
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog June 17, 2013, 9:16 pm
    I'm totally with you when it comes to adding my own spin to recipes. Usually I change them up because I don't have an ingredient and I don't want to purchase it to only use a small amount. I like to look as recipes as guides and it's more fun to experiment in the kitchen a little bit.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 18, 2013, 7:17 am
      I agree. I used to always follow recipes to a T, but I find that it is much more fun to be a bit creative with it!
  • Michelle @ Eat Move Balance June 17, 2013, 9:36 pm
    I agree--lettuce wraps are an awesome swap for tortillas. I need to start working my way through magazine recipes. My pile is getting out of control!
  • blonde hair blue eyed runner June 17, 2013, 11:15 pm
    We had lettuce wraps tonight too! I love how fresh it makes everything taste and the extra crunch you don't get from a bun.
  • Julia June 17, 2013, 11:25 pm
    I have a difficult time following recipes to a T also. These lettuce cups look awesome - I'm thinking I need to follow your lead and do some cleaning up, myself!
  • AnnaTheApple June 18, 2013, 2:07 am
    I think it's great you put your own twist on recipes, it's more fun that way. I never follow recipes as im a bit haphazard that way. The recipe looks really tasty!
  • The Candid RD June 18, 2013, 5:53 am
    Anything that involves lettuce wraps and sesame has my name written all over it!! Sounds amazing (and I too have been trying to use my magazines and cookbooks more. That way I can finally get to all the recipes I've pinned!)
  • Her Happy Balance June 18, 2013, 6:17 am
    I haven't tried liquid aminos yet, do they taste similar to soy sauce? What would you compare it to? Do you always use it as an added sauce?
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 18, 2013, 7:19 am
      Yes, they taste very similar to soy sauce, but have A LOT less sodium! I love them! I use them in any recipe that calls for soy sauce.
  • Alex (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) June 18, 2013, 6:45 am
    I love the crunch of lettuce too! I remember eating lettuce wraps all the time when I was little. I think it's time to bring them back! And I always have that same need to tweak recipes. I don't always tweak for the better, but I mean life is all about taking chances right? ;)
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 18, 2013, 7:19 am
      Haha, trust me, I don't always tweak them for the better either! But you don't know until you try!
  • kelly @ Hidden fruits and veggies June 18, 2013, 6:46 am
    I always change up a recipe a little bit too. The person who wrote the recipe doesnt know exactly what you like, but YOU do. I love lettuce so so much but don't use it as lettuce cups/wraps nearly often enough. This must change!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 18, 2013, 7:20 am
      Yes, it should! I have been LOVING lettuce wraps lately :). There is just something about that extra crunch that I love!
  • Alyssa @ Road to RD June 18, 2013, 7:37 am
    That sounds like an awesome lettuce wrap combo! Right up my alley :D
  • Tiff June 18, 2013, 7:52 am
    These look so good! It appears as if there's more sauce than there is. :) Mmmmm
  • megbek June 18, 2013, 8:24 am
    I totally agree with you - lettuce wraps are so much better! And romaine is my favorite. I love lettuce wraps that are Mexican themed, I'll have to give something like this a try! :)
  • Marie @ Little Kitchie June 18, 2013, 8:26 am
    Sounds delicious! I love me a lettuce wrap!!
  • Katherine June 18, 2013, 8:35 am
    I always end up changing a recipe if it means avoiding a grocery store run! These lettuce wraps look amazing! I think I'm in love with lettuce wraps! You're fueling the obsession!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 18, 2013, 10:52 am
      Yes, going to the grocery store for only one ingredient or two is something that I definitely try to avoid.
  • eatgreatbegreat June 18, 2013, 9:30 am
    Mmmm...these wraps look great! I like tofu, but I rarely make it myself (I usually get it when we go out to eat), but I really need to cook with it at home more often. Although, I do buy silken tofu every once in a while to put in my smoothies.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 18, 2013, 10:53 am
      You should definitely cook with it more often because it is SO easy to make and very versatile!
  • Erin June 18, 2013, 10:49 am
    Yum love lettuce wraps and anything remotely asian tasting!
  • Ashley June 18, 2013, 10:49 am
    I love lettuce wraps - I just always somehow forget to make them at home! I should fix that .... this version sounds delicious!
  • makingthymeforhealth June 18, 2013, 11:55 am
    These look really good and made me realize I need to start eating more lettuce wraps! They're perfect for summer!
  • Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie June 18, 2013, 12:26 pm
    Yes, please!! I love tofu and this looks so so good! I can't wait to try it!
  • ashley June 18, 2013, 1:34 pm
    I love your magazine recipes you share. They all look yummy!! Lettuce wraps are a favorite of mine, especially in the summer.
  • Angela @ Another Bite Please June 18, 2013, 2:55 pm
    isn't it such a great feeling to go through a stack of magazines and actually use a recipe....love that..and love that you put your own twist on it...what cooking is all about :-)
  • Simply Life (@SimplyLifeBlog) June 18, 2013, 4:36 pm
    I LOVE lettuce wraps but haven't made them in way too long- thanks for the reminder!
  • Eating 4 Balance June 18, 2013, 6:13 pm
    I have that same problem of never being able to follow a problem exactly either! Good to know I'm not alone :) Great use of liquid aminos. I bet that stuff is awesome.
  • GiGi Eats Celebrities June 18, 2013, 6:45 pm
    Romaine Lettuce Boats - Nature's Taco Shell!!! I LOVE THEM! :D
  • kelly @ racesrepsramblings June 18, 2013, 7:16 pm
    Wow! These look divine. I'm normally too lazy to cook, but this recipe looks absolutely delicious...probably worth the effort ;)
  • Em June 18, 2013, 8:03 pm
    I love the warm/cold combination with lettuce wraps! This recipe looks quick and easy to make, perfect for a hot summer day in the kitchen :)
  • jessielovestorun June 18, 2013, 10:21 pm
    I'm always on the hunt for new tofu recipes, so girl thank you! This one sounds great & so simple to make.
  • Kelly @ Vegan Iowan June 20, 2013, 9:54 am
    Yuuum! I can't ever seem to follow a recipe, either - I usually can't justify buying something I have no plans on using in the future for just for one recipe, so I do without or make a substitute.
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