Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls

Summer rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a light, healthy, and refreshing meal or snack. This recipe for Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls is not only easy to follow but also packs a flavorful punch, making it perfect for gatherings or a family dinner. Below, we outline the ingredients and steps needed to make these delicious rolls, complete with a savory seasoning mix and a rich filling.

Ingredients

For the Seasoning Mix:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, or Sambal Oelek
• 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (optional)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 12 oz cremini mushrooms, chopped
• 8 oz extra firm tofu, drained, pat dry, and crumbled
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup water chestnuts, drained and diced
• ¾ cup carrot, grated
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 cup green onion, chopped, plus more for garnish

For the Spring Rolls:

• ~15 rice paper sheets
• 1 head of butter leaf lettuce
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Crispy wonton strips
• Spicy soy sauce, for serving
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:

• In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the seasoning mix. Whisk them together until well mixed and set aside.

2. Cook the Filling:

• Heat avocado oil in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the chopped mushrooms and crumbled tofu. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the tofu starts to crisp.
• Reduce the heat to medium, then add the diced onion, water chestnuts, grated carrot, minced garlic, and ginger.
• Season with the prepared seasoning mix and continue to cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in the chopped green onions, remove from heat, and let the mixture cool.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

• Fill a large bowl with cool water. Dip one rice paper sheet at a time until it becomes pliable, which should take about 12-15 seconds.
• Place the softened sheet on a dampened work surface. Lay a lettuce leaf in the center, top with a portion of the filling, sprinkle some cilantro, and add crispy wonton strips.
• Carefully fold the rice paper over the filling once, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly to secure the contents.
• Repeat this process with the remaining sheets.

4. Serving:

• Serve the rolls immediately with spicy soy sauce for dipping.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure that the rice paper is not overly soaked to avoid tearing.
• Keep the filling ingredients prepped and ready to streamline the assembly process.
• These summer rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the refrigerator for a day if needed.

Conclusion

Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls are not only a treat to the taste buds but also a visually appealing addition to any meal. With the crunch of fresh vegetables, the richness of tofu and mushrooms, and the aromatic flavors of the seasoning mix, these rolls promise a delightful eating experience. Enjoy crafting this beautiful, tasty, and healthy dish that is sure to impress!