Larb Inspired Tofu Lettuce Cups

This is such a delicious meal idea and is super easy to make. This is not a traditional recipe, but is sure one to keep in the books. I love the savory flavors of this dish paired with lettuce cups for a nice refreshing bite. The mint and basil is a must! I love added roasted crushed peanuts for texture, but you can also add toasted rice powder for a more authentic bite. I used tofu for this dish, but it also is great with ground turkey!!

What you’ll need:

Servings: 4

• 1 block firm tofu

• 2 tsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sweetener or sugar

• 1 lime

• 1 small shallot

• 2-4 garlic cloves

• thai chili peppers

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• toasted rice powder OR toasted crushed peanuts

• fresh mint

• fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Start off by preparing tofu

   -Remove tofu from package and drain out as much liquid as possible.

   -Gentley squeeze and rotate tofu block between hands over a large bowl. Discard liquid.

   -Break up tofu with your hands and place small chunks into a mixing bowl. Set aside.

2. Prepare sauce

   -Add fish sauce, lime juice, cornstarch, and sweetener to a separate mixing bowl; Combine well until cornstarch is dissolved. (If using prefrozen tofu, add 1/4 cup water) . Set aside.

3. Prepare vegetables. Rinse/ pat dry.

   -Finley mince garlic cloves

   -Slice shallot into long slices

   -Mince thai chili peppers

   -Roll up mint and basil leaves and slice into long slices.

   -Cut end off iceberg lettuce and separate leaves to create lettuce “cups”

   -Set aside.

4. To a medium-hot wok or skillet add some olive oil

5. Once wok is smoking add in tofu crumbles and spread evenly in one layer. Do not disturb for a few minutes so tofu can start to from golden crust. About 2-3 minutes.

6. Create a small hole in the middle of wok and add a little more olive oil.

7. Add garlic, shallot, and chili pepper and sauté til fragrant. About 1 minute.

8. Add sauce and stir fry all contents together until well combined. Cornstarch will start to thicken sauce, and tofu should start to stick together. About 2-3 minutes.

9. Transfer cooked tofu into a serving dish. Top with mint and basil.

10. Top with roasted peanuts OR toasted rice powder for a nice crunch (optional)

11. Arrange dish and serve with lettuce cups.

12. To enjoy, add a few spoonfuls of tofu mixture into lettuce cups and take a big bite1