Verike's Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

OK, so here is one of those recipes that DOESN'T have measurements! Sorry :( I sort of just do it all by taste, and if you don't have all the exact ingredients, you can sometimes improvise a bit too. But I would try to include as many as possible. Ryan even thinks these are super tasty (even w/o meat). And I'm sure they could be made with meat if you changed a few things...

Filling:

Wok-Seared Extra-Super-Duper-Firm Tofu (I used the Thai tofu from Trader Joe's)

Red Onions

Water Chestnuts

Mint (not too much, or it's over-powering)

Lime

Cilantro

Green Onions (just the green parts)

Rice Sticks (just a little bit for a little crunch)

Sesame Oil

Chinese 5 Spice

Bean Curds

Shitake Mushrooms (Trader Joe's sells these raw/fresh)

Garlic

**Iceberg Lettuce Cups (if you can find the mini ones those are the best...I think Safeway sometimes sells those)**

For the sauce:

Hoisin

Soy Sauce

Dry Sherry

Oyster Sauce (I don't always use this)

Water

Sesame Oil

Sugar

I also serve them with a spicy Chinese Mustard.

Just taste as you go along, and you'll eventually get the taste/texture you're looking for. Basically you should cook the mushrooms first (in the sauce), then add everything else (except mint & cilantro) in over super low heat. You don't want it to be too soupy, so slowly add in the amount of sauce you need. The tofu should go in last because otherwise it gets too crumbly. Remove from heat and stir in mint & cilantro. Put filling into a lettuce wrap. So delish!