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Home Asian

AWESOME vegetarian lettuce wraps

By:Nagi
Published:8 Mar '23Updated:16 Aug '23
50 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

The meat-free version of Chinese san choy bow. You never knew vegetarian lettuce wraps could be so delicious! Crumbled tofu makes the filling meaty while vegetables add lovely texture, smothered in a glossy, savoury sauce. Healthy food was never so delicious. And interesting. And easy. {Just 245 cal for a generous serving}

Close up of Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow

Vegetarian lettuce wraps (san choy bow)

Today’s recipe is a meat-free version of the Chinese restaurant favourite san choy bow which is a lettuce wrap with a pork filling.

I hate that I used the word “awesome” for a recipe name (in caps! 😅) but I couldn’t think of another way to capture your attention for these lettuce wraps. A vegetarian one, no less, made with lots of vegetable and tofu.

So if you’re reading this, perhaps the somewhat childish name I’ve bestowed upon these lettuce wraps worked! Because they are Awesome – with a capital A. Not just “ok”, not just “good”. That doesn’t make the cut to be shared on my website. They. Are. AWESOME!

(I need a new word. My high school English teacher would be horrified if she read this post).

Right, let me go straight to an up-close-and-personal of this tofu and vegetable filling that is the star of today’s show. Try telling me this doesn’t look delicious!

Tofu and vegetable filling for Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow

And before it was that, it was this:

  1. Tofu crumbled up like mince (that’s ground meat, to you folks in the States). Much more effective for flavour absorption than dicing (plus, easier); then

  2. Sauced with san choy bow sauce that stains the tofu an enticing mahogany colour and coats everything in a glossy savoury sauce.

Crumbling firm tofu for Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow
Crumbling firm tofu into “mince”
Making the filling for Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow
Intsensely flavoured savoury sauce

Ready to see how to make these vegetarian lettuce wraps?? Let’s do this!


What you need for Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Here’s what you need:

The filling

Ingredients in Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow
  • Firm or extra-firm tofu – Use a firm or extra firm tofu, not silken tofu. It needs to be firm enough so you can crumble it like mince / ground meat. Tub label will give you clues – it will be labelled as such. 😂 Also, give it a squeeze. It should feel like soft rubber, rather than a very fragile jelly (silken tofu).

  • Vegetables – Green beans, carrot and mushrooms are the mix I’m using today. Love the texture the green beans and carrots give to the filling, and the savouriness the mushrooms bring.

    Having said that, feel free to use what you’ve got! Any sauté-able vegetables will work fine.

  • Garlic and onion – Aromatics. Don’t skip these – they become more important in vegetarian dishes!


San choy bow sauce for filling

The sauce used for these vegetarian lettuce wraps is the same as the one I use for my classic pork san choy bow. It’s glossy and savoury, and each ingredient contributes to the flavour so please don’t skip any. This sauce, it can make anything taste amazing – even tofu! (There, I said it, go ahead and call me immature 😂).

Ingredients in Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow
  • Cornflour / cornstarch – This makes the sauce shiny and thickens it so it coats the filling ingredients beautifully.

  • Oyster sauce – A whole lot of flavour, jammed into one bottle! As the name suggests, the sauce is made with oysters – not that you would ever pick it. It just tastes savoury and sweet.

    Alternatives – Vegetarian options available these days, even at large grocery stores in Australia. Else, Hoisin works great (though you get a five spice flavour which is lovely, just different!)

  • Light soy sauce provides salt but doesn’t stain things a brown colour and has a mild soy flavour. Can be substituted with all purpose soy sauce but not dark soy sauce (too intense). More on different soy sauces here.

  • Dark soy has intense colour (this is what makes the sauce and stains the tofu a brown colour) and much more intense soy flavour. It can be substituted with more light or all-purpose soy sauce but the sauce flavour will be more mild, and the tofu won’t go brown.

  • Chinese cooking wine (“Shaoxing wine”) is an essential ingredient for making truly “restaurant standard” Chinese dishes. It adds depth of flavour and complexity into sauces. More info on Chinese cooking wine here.

    Substitute with Mirin, cooking sake or dry sherry. Non alcoholic sub – use 1/2 cup (125 ml) low sodium chicken broth/stock instead of water + Chinese cooking wine.

  • Sesame oil (toasted) – For lovely sesame flavour in the dish. Use toasted (brown oil) not un-toasted (yellow oil) as it has stronger sesame flavour. For fellow Aussies, toasted is the standard sesame oil sold in grocery stores. Un-toasted is harder to find (generally in health food stores).


The lettuce wraps & toppings

Filling sorted, now here’s what you need to make the wrap. The peanuts and sriracha or other chilli paste/sauce is highly, highly recommended for a great lettuce wrap!

Ingredients in Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow
  • Lettuce leaves – Chinese san choy bow lettuce wraps served at restaurants here in Australia use iceberg lettuce. At fancy places, they cut into neat rounds!

    But honestly, any lettuce leaves where filling can be bundled inside, or have a natural cup shape works fine. Crispy (cos / romaine lettuce) or soft, pliable leaves (like butter lettuce).

  • Sriracha or other chilli sauce – Highly recommended. It just works so well to add a hit of spiciness to the freshness of the vegetable filling!

  • Peanuts – For an authentic san choy bow experience, chopped peanuts is also highly recommended!

  • Green onion – Sprinkle of fresh. Not as highly recommended, but it can be skipped if you don’t have it.


How to make vegetarian lettuce wraps

How to make Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow
  1. Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl in this order: cornflour/cornstarch and water first until lump free, then mix in everything else. Why? Because it’s easier to dissolve cornflour in less liquid than too much liquid.

  2. Crumble tofu – Drain tofu. Cut into 5mm/0.2″ slices then use your fingers to crumble into a mince. It will crumble with little effort. Don’t make the crumbs too fine, you can always break the tofu up more when cooking – just like cooking mince/ground meat!

    No need to press the tofu – There’s no need to press water out of the tofu using weights. The water contained in the tofu prevents it from being too dry.

  3. Filling – Using a large non stick pan, heat the oil over high heat then cook the onion, garlic and carrot for just 1 minute. Add green beans and mushrooms then cook for 2 minutes. The green beans should still be firm. This is good! The texture the green beans add to the filling is really nice.

  4. Add tofu and just toss through. Tofu doesn’t need to be cooked to eat it so for this recipe we just need to warm it through.

How to make Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow
  1. Sauce it! Pour in the sauce then let it come to a simmer. As it heats up, the cornflour in the sauce will make it thicken. Stir for 1 minute or until it becomes thick and glossy so it coats the mixture nicely. See the photo in step 6 for what the filling looks like once the sauce thickens. Look at all that flavour on the tofu and vegetables!

    If the sauce reduces and thickens too quickly (which might happen if you’re using an extra large pan or an extra strong stove <– I’d love this problem), then just add a splash of water.

  2. Serving – Transfer the filling into a bowl. Put it out on the table with the lettuce leaves, green onion, peanuts and bottle of sriracha. Then let everyone make their own wraps!

  3. DIY lettuce wraps – Spoon filling into lettuce leaf.

  4. Toppings – Drizzle with sriracha, sprinkle with peanuts and green onion. Bundle / wrap (for soft lettuce leaves) or fold like tacos (for crisper lettuce leaves) then devour!

Hand holding Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow

I have to confess, this recipe took me by surprise. I made it during one of those patches when I was trying to “be healthier”. (But then mango pancakes and chili dogs happened which derailed my good intentions, followed by pizza bread and carbonara which didn’t help.)

Even though I knew the san choy bow sauce had flavour-power, the thought of a tofu-vegetable medley wrapped in yet more vegetable (lettuce) wasn’t exactly making me excited.

How very, very wrong I was. It’s not just “good”. It’s extremely tasty. As in – I WANT to have it for dinner tonight.

The fact that it’s just 245 calories for a generous dinner-size serving is a bonus.

And with that, I’m done in my efforts to convince you to try this. Perhaps I didn’t even need to do all this writing and the excellent name I christened this dish was enough?? Awesome Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps. Full points for creative writing! 😂 – Nagi x


Watch how to make it

San choy bow = san choy bau = san choi bow = lettuce wraps!

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Close up of Vegetarian lettuce wraps - san choy bow

AMAZING vegetarian lettuce wraps

Author: Nagi
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Light mains, Main, Starter
Asian, Chinese
4.95 from 17 votes
Servings2 – 4 people
Tap or hover to scale
Print
Recipe video. The meat-free version of Chinese san choy bow. You never knew vegetarian lettuce wraps could be so delicious. I never knew either, until I made these!
Crumbled tofu lends the filling a meaty texture while vegetables add lovely texture, all smothered in a glossy, savoury sauce. Vegetarian food (and healthy, no less!) was never so delicious. And interesting. And easy. It's AMAZING!
Feel free to substitute the veg with other sauté-able vegetables of choice.

Ingredients

San choy bow sauce:

  • 1 1/4 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce (Note 1)
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce (Note 1)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (Note 2)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil , toasted
  • 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or sub Mirin or dry sherry, Note 3)
  • 1 tsp white sugar
  • 1 tsp finely grated ginger (sub garlic)

Filling:

  • 250g/8oz extra firm tofu (Note 4)
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 garlic , finely minced
  • 1/2 onion , finely diced
  • 1/2 cup carrot , chopped into 5mm/ 0.2″ pieces
  • 1/2 cup green beans , sliced into 5mm/0.2″ rounds
  • 1/2 cup mushroom , chopped into 5mm/ 0.2″ pieces

Wraps:

  • 12 lettuce leaves (+/- depending on lettuce size, Note 5)
  • Peanuts , finely chopped (I like salted, but unsalted fine)
  • Green onion , finely sliced
  • Sriracha , for drizzling (highly recommended)

Instructions

  • Sauce – Mix cornflour/cornstarch with water until lump free. Add everything else, then mix.
  • Crumble tofu – Drain tofu, then cut into 5mm/0.2" slices. Use your fingers to crumble into a mince. Not too fine crumbs, can always break up more when cooking (just like cooking mince/ground meat!).
  • Filling – Heat oil over high heat in a large non stick pan. Cook onion, garlic and carrot for 1 minute. Add green beans and mushrooms. Cook 2 minutes – green beans should still be firm.
  • Sauce it – Add tofu and toss through. Pour in the sauce. Stir for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens and is coating the mixture nicely. (If it evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water)
  • Serving – Transfer filling into a bowl. Lay out on the table with lettuce leaves, green onion, peanuts and bottle of sriracha.
  • DIY lettuce wraps – Spoon filling into lettuce leaf. Drizzle with sriracha, sprinkle with peanuts and green onion. Bundle / fold, eat!

Recipe Notes:

Serves 2 as a meal (or 3 with small appetites), or 4 if you add a side like fried rice (try the miracle emergency baked fried rice, if you don’t have day-old rice).
1. Oyster sauce – vegetarian options available these days, even at large grocery stores in Australia. Else, Hoisin works great (though you get a five spice flavour which is lovely, just different!)
2. Soy sauces:
* Light soy sauce can be substituted with all purpose soy sauce but not dark soy sauce (too intense). More on different soy sauces here.
* Dark soy can be substituted with more light or all-purpose soy sauce
3. Chinese cooking wine (“Shaoxing wine”) is an essential ingredient for making truly “restaurant standard” Chinese dishes. Substitute with Mirin, cooking sake or dry sherry. More info on Chinese cooking wine here.
Non alcoholic sub – use 1/2 cup (125 ml) low sodium chicken broth/stock instead of water + Chinese cooking wine, expect to simmer filling for an extra 1 minute as it will take slightly longer to thicken.
4. Tofu – Use a firm or extra firm tofu, not silken tofu. It needs to be firm enough so you can crumble it like mince / ground meat. Tub label will specify it is firm tofu (also, give it a squeeze!).
5. Lettuce leaves – Chinese san choy bow lettuce wraps served at restaurants here in Australia use iceberg lettuce. At fancy places, they cut into neat rounds! But honestly, any lettuce leaves where filling can be bundled inside, or have a natural cup shape works fine. Crispy (cos / romaine lettuce) or soft, pliable leaves (like butter lettuce).
6. Leftover filling will keep for 3 days in the fridge. Not suitable for freezing.
Nutrition per serving, assuming 2 servings. Excludes toppings.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 245cal (12%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Protein: 15g (30%)Fat: 12g (18%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 1437mg (62%)Potassium: 802mg (23%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 9g (10%)Vitamin A: 16198IU (324%)Vitamin C: 34mg (41%)Calcium: 130mg (13%)Iron: 4mg (22%)
Keywords: Lettuce wraps, San Choy Bow, vegetarian food
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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50 Comments

  1. Malini says

    October 25, 2023 at 5:58 pm

    Hi Nagi,
    Love your recipes!

    Could I used cooked rice as well as the tofu?

    Ta

    Reply
  2. Jen says

    October 9, 2023 at 7:01 pm

    5 stars
    Brilliant meal thanks Nagi. Sooo much flavour! Served with your Dump & Bake fried rice which was perfect. Thumbs up all round.

    Reply
  3. Lucy says

    October 3, 2023 at 5:09 pm

    5 stars
    I made these for my family last night. Big hit!! I replaced the tofu with a sliced omelette and added red capsicum and sliced snow peas to the mix. Kids loved it and my meat loving husband said they were better than the meaty version. Will definitely be making these again. Thanks for the recipe!!

    Reply
  4. Kiri says

    July 12, 2023 at 7:22 pm

    5 stars
    Made tonight for my family of 4 – meat lover husband, vegetarian me, very fussy 5yo and 2yo who eats everything. Delicious from 3/4 of us and the 5yo ate it so that’s a massive win. I’ll definitely make again but maybe add some water chestnuts because I love them.

    Reply
  5. Ausilia says

    July 12, 2023 at 1:49 am

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi, thanks for making our Meatless Monday Night Meal a great success. It’s so refreshing and delicious. Though I adjust oyster sauce and soy sauces a bit lesser. Can’t thank you enough, you’re amazing. It’s also a joy to see pictures of you and sweet Dozer. It’s an extra bonus. Thank you.

    Reply
  6. Christin says

    May 24, 2023 at 8:09 am

    Let me tell you, the levels of doubt in this house were high in thinking this would be good (not me, of course), but every single member loved it. I just have to mention “it’s a Nagi recipe” and everyone tries it (and inevitably loves it). Thanks for another hit!

    Reply
  7. Laura says

    May 18, 2023 at 5:26 pm

    This is so good.
    Family loved it.
    More vegetarian recipes pls Nagi

    Reply
  8. Debi says

    May 9, 2023 at 1:19 am

    4 stars
    The only things I tolerate tofu in are hot and sour soup and sukiyaki… until now!
    Made this with leftover tofu from your amazing hot and sour soup recipe.
    The peanuts helped with the tofu-texture-thing!!!
    Delicious!!

    Reply
  9. Dianne says

    April 18, 2023 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    Very tasty and easy. Also did separate pan with 300g pork mince

    Reply
  10. Heidi says

    March 28, 2023 at 10:01 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks fantastic vegetarian meal, even my meat eating husband was impressed. Will be making it again

    Reply
  11. Samantha says

    March 26, 2023 at 2:06 am

    5 stars
    Fantastic recipe! Thank you!
    Made this for friends tonight who are vegetarian.
    Honestly I found the flavour as good as chicken version. Our friends loved it too! Will definitely be making again!

    PS Also served with some bean shoots and coriander as sides in addition to those recommended in your recipe!

    PPS Goldies are the best from one Goldie mum to another!

    Reply
  12. Emma says

    March 22, 2023 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    This is a great recipe. Delicious, easy and makes you feel good. Thank you Nagi

    Reply
  13. Diana Lee says

    March 22, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    This was another great recipe!! A little on the salty side so would add more veggies and I also served it on rice to absorb the sauce. Also added some dried chili flakes to add some heat. Would definitely make this again!

    Reply
  14. Antoinette says

    March 20, 2023 at 1:59 am

    Yummmm…can’t wait to make this. Finally arrived in Brisbane from South Africa to visit my daughter for 3 months. First thing I asked for was my “Dinner” cookbook she ordered for me. I am so thrilled Nagi, like a kid in a toy store with a bag of money 😂 I am going to cook up a storm for the next three months using all your recipes. The first recipe I ever tried was your slow oven cooked lamb shank. That was in 2019 & since then been a loyal & avid addict of RTE. Thank you so much for the beautiful cookbook & hard work to continue bringing us amazing choices of food to cook everyday.
    PS My first attempt at Profiteroles a week ago…..BRILLIANCE!!! I was in heaven ☺️

    Reply
  15. Nancy says

    March 18, 2023 at 6:01 am

    Delicious! This will be a regular dinner choice for us!

    Reply
  16. Renee says

    March 16, 2023 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    Just fantastic. Followed he recipes exactly, including the toppings and it was soooo good!

    Reply
  17. Anna says

    March 15, 2023 at 10:45 am

    I can’t wait to try this one. Thanks for a vegetarian recipe. I was never a big fan of tofu but have recently learnt that it will absorb flavours better when pressed first – just putting it under a stack of books for 30mins works wonders.
    P.S.: Dozer, my dog can feel your pain.

    Reply
  18. Cathy Goforth says

    March 12, 2023 at 10:13 pm

    5 stars
    Like all of your recipes, this one was excellent and was perfect for a casual dinner party with vegetarians

    Reply
  19. Edie C. says

    March 12, 2023 at 3:49 am

    5 stars
    I made these last night and my friend who absolutely hates tofu couldn’t believe how good they were. She was gob-smacked that they were so delicious and she even asked me for the recipe. Thanks Nagi for making me look so discerning. LOL It’s a great tasting recipe full of protein for Meatless Mondays.

    Reply
  20. Annalise says

    March 11, 2023 at 7:49 am

    5 stars
    YEs they are awesome!! Hope to see more veg dishes around here thanks so much Magi. Keeper!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 11, 2023 at 5:26 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it Annalise! N x

      Reply
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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