BBQ Tofu Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps

Name: BBQ Tofu Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½-1 Cauliflower broken into florets; 1 block tofu ((pressed and patted dry, cut into cubes)); 2 tsp paprika; 2 tsp cumin powder; 2 tsp chilli powder; 2 tsp garlic powder; ¾ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; ground pepper (to taste); 4 tbsp tamari; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 3 tbsp sriracha or favourite hot sauce; 3-4 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste

My BBQ Tofu is taking Lettuce to another level. Don't skip next until you've saved this bad boy!

There is a restaurant here in Toronto that makes the meanest lettuce wraps. I find it exceedingly difficult to order anything BUT them when I dine there. Dining in isn’t happening at this time so what does one do instead? Why create them yourself that’s what. I love going to restaurants. I myself worked in them for 20 years. They were my bread and butter, my other lover, my downfall and my resurrection. I grew up there, cultivated my addictions there and got sober there. I miss the energy, the camaraderie and the guests that became friends BUT I don’t miss the late nights, long days and the endless, thankless work that came with the job.

All that to say I learned a thing or two about a thing or two in those establishments. From how to manage my time to how to cook. Grateful doesn’t begin to cut it. What does this little rant have to do with today’s post? Not much except that I love lettuce wraps and now you will get to make them too!

I took my BBQ TOFU recipe and doubled it for this dish. If you haven’t made my life changing BBQ TOFU yet, you really should. It is beyond delicious.

I added 1/2 head of cauliflower to a block of tofu but a whole head of cauliflower would work too as my recipe here was very saucy. Extra sauce = happiness.

This dish has all the elements!

Sweet and spicy with a touch of acidity
Soft and crunchy textures
Using your hands for a more tactile experience

If you’d like garnish, here’s what you’ll need:

Gem or butter lettuce
Herbs to your liking. I used cilantro and mint.
Fresh lime and green onion
Turmeric candied cashews. Any nut will do!
White and black sesame seeds
Thinly sliced cucumber
Thinly sliced watermelon radish

This dish has some heat from the sriracha and cayenne. I love spice so it works for me, BUT if you are making it for kids or don’t have a tolerance for spice reduce them.

Once the tofu and cauliflower are done, the rest is easy peasy! This dish would be perfect for a jazzed up weeknight meal or a dinner party. Set up all your elements on plates and bowls and let each individual create their own wrap.

Let’s gooooo!