FNS7 Episode 4 Finalist Justin Balmes' "Smoked Paprika Seared Tuna w/ Rustic Pesto, Olive and Herb Couscous" and Jeff Mauro's "Thai Basil Tofu Lettuce Cups" Dish Beauty for "Cougar Town" Star Challenge.
Recipe courtesy of Jeff Mauro

Thai Basil Tofu Lettuce Cups

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 3 hr 15 min
  • Prep: 1 hr 30 min
  • Inactive: 1 hr
  • Cook: 45 min
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Mix together the bell peppers and rice wine vinegar and marinate for 1 hour and up to a day in the refrigerator.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat, add the vegetable and sesame oils. Add the shallots, garlic and ginger and saute for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Add the tofu by crumbling into small pieces and saute for 15 minutes more.
  3. In the meantime, whisk together the hot sauce, salt, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and hoisin and add to the tofu. Cook until the sauce thickens, 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the chopped Thai basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
  4. To serve, spoon the tofu mixture onto a piece of lettuce and top with the marinated peppers, cashews, scallions, the chiffonade Thai basil and a couple dots of plum sauce. For more heat, add a few drops of hot sauce.