I love a fresh summer dish: light and airy that leaves you feeling energized instead of lethargic. Lettuce wraps make the perfect quick and easy snack or meal when you just can’t take the heat. As I’m in Korea, I’m somewhat limited in the produce department. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the concoction that I came up with. You can eat it warm or save it for later. Enjoy!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: about 7 minutes
Ingredients:
- a handful of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- a large handful of brachen, washed
- 150 g tofu, cubed
- 1 handful glass noodles
- 1 chili, finely chopped
- half a carrot, julienned
- half a head of lettuce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 2 tsp cumin
- dash of lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 c water
Method:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add glass noodles and allow to cook for about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, brachen, mushrooms, and chili. Sprinkle spices over the mixture and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tofu and cook for 3 more minutes, turning the cubes frequently. Drizzle lemon juice on the mixture and move to a bowl.
Place a spoonful of mixture, a few noodles, and several raw carrot slices inside a lettuce leaf. Roll and pin with a toothpick.
Yields 3 servings
Great post! Those look delicious! How long have you been in Korea? Forgive me if you have a post somewhere here that addresses this. I am just tuning in… My partner and I are leaving for Gwangju city this Tuesday. We are a bit apprehensive — aware that there is not even a word in Hangul for “vegetarian.” Anyway — re: raw foods… apparently you’re eating them. Did they make you sick upon arriving? Thanks for any advice
-Amanda
Nope the food hasn’t made me sick yet! Although the smells in the market I live in get damn close every day. I’ve been in Korea for 10 months and will be leaving in two. I’ve loved my time on Jeju, but it’s time to move on for me. Let me know how Gwangju is- I’ve never been there. Good luck!