4 to 6 Servings
1 square ( about 1 pound) extra-firm tofu
1 pound ground pork or chicken
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 cups water chestnuts (one 19 ounce can)
1 head Boston or leafy lettuce, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
3 tablespoons minced scallions, white parts only
Sauce (combine in a small bowl)
10 tablespoons hoisin sauce
4 1/2 tablespoons water
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 pound frozen shelled edamame defrosted
1. Cut the tofu horizontally in half and wrap in paper towels. Put a heavy weight, such as a pot, on top. Let drain while preparing the other ingredients, changing the towels once. Cut the tofu into 1/4-inch dice. Place the ground meat in a shallow dish, add the soy sauce and toss lightly.
2. Blanch the water chestnuts in boiling water for 10 seconds, refresh in cold water, and drain. Chop coarsely.
3. Trim and discard the core of the lettuce. Separate the leaves, trimming the stem ends, and flatten with a knife. Arrange in a serving bowl or basket.
4. Heat a wok or skillet with 1/2 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat until very hot, about 15 seconds. Add the ground meat and stir-fry, mashing to break up the large pieces, un-til the meat changes color and is cooked through. Drain in a colander.
5. Wipe out the pan and reheat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil until very hot. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and scallions and stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add the wa-ter chestnuts and toss lightly until heated through. Add the diced tofu and Sauce Mixture. Stir-fry to coat the tofu with the sauce, then cook, covered, for 1 1/2 minutes. Uncover and contin-ue cooking until the sauce has thickened. Add the cooked meat and edamame and toss to coat. Scoop onto a serving platter or bowl and serve with the lettuce. To serve, spoon some of the mixture into a lettuce leaf, roll it up, and eat with your fingers.
Note: Like soybeans, edamame is an excellent source of protein and fiber, and it helps lower the risk of heart disease.
Variations: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and double the amount of tofu. Replace the ground pork with turkey or beef. For extra spice, add 1 teaspoon chili paste with garlic or dried chili flakes.
