baking

Orange-Soy Tofu Lettuce Cups

These Orange-Soy Tofu Lettuce Cups are a bright, fresh way to enjoy a meal that feels light yet satisfying. I love how the sweet and tangy orange sauce pairs beautifully with the crisp lettuce and savory tofu.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Orange-Soy Tofu Lettuce Cups - Vegan recipe hero image

I remember the first time I made these Orange-Soy Tofu Lettuce Cups for a family gathering.

Everyone was surprised at how much flavor could come from simple plant-based ingredients!

These cups remind me of sunny days and gatherings with loved ones, and they’re super easy to whip up.

Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies!

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
  • No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
  • Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not

Ingredients & Substitutions

Extra-firm tofu holds up best in this recipe and absorbs all the yummy flavors from the orange sauce. If you want a nutty flavor, feel free to add some toasted sesame oil when cooking the tofu. And don’t shy away from experimenting with different greens—collard greens or even cabbage can work beautifully too!

Tips & Notes

  • I love to prep the tofu the night before and let it marinate for an extra flavor boost!
  • These cups are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, just store the filling and lettuce separately to keep them crisp.

Recipe Variations

  • Sometimes, I’ll add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the tofu mixture for an extra crunch.
  • If you’re looking for a spicy kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce can elevate the flavors!

Storage & Freezing

Store any leftover tofu mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I recommend keeping the lettuce leaves separate until you're ready to serve to maintain their crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of protein instead of tofu?

Absolutely! Tempeh or chickpeas would be great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

No problem! You can use store-bought orange juice, just make sure it's 100% juice with no added sugars.

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These Orange-Soy Tofu Lettuce Cups are a bright, fresh way to enjoy a meal that feels light yet satisfying. I love how the sweet and tangy orange sauce pairs beautifully with the crisp lettuce and savory tofu.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Start by draining and pressing your tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps it absorb the flavors better.

  2. 2

    While the tofu is pressing, you can prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fresh orange juice, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

  3. 3

    In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth to create a slurry.

  4. 4

    Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or a little sesame oil.

  5. 5

    Add the tofu cubes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown.

  6. 6

    Pour the orange sauce over the cooked tofu and let it simmer for a minute.

  7. 7

    Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

  8. 8

    Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare your lettuce cups.

  9. 9

    Scoop a generous amount of the orange-soy tofu mixture into each lettuce leaf.

  10. 10

    Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if using.

  11. 11

    Enjoy your refreshing and vibrant lettuce cups right away!

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