Hearty Tofu & Cabbage Wraps with Tuna Dipping Sauce: A Perfect Lunchbox
Hearty Tofu & Cabbage Wraps with Tuna Dipping Sauce: A Perfect Lunchbox
Diet-Friendly Lunchbox! Tofu Cabbage Wraps & Homemade Tuna Jang (Dipping Sauce) Recipe
Introducing a healthy and delicious lunchbox where rice is replaced with wholesome tofu and crisp cabbage for delightful wraps. This recipe features a flavorful, specially made tuna dipping sauce (‘ssamjang’), complemented by succulent grilled shrimp and fresh fruits, creating a light yet satisfying meal. It’s the perfect lunchbox option for those mindful of their diet.
Tofu & Cabbage Wraps- 1 block firm tofu
- 1 head fresh cabbage
- A pinch of salt
- A touch of sesame oil
Special Tuna Ssamjang (Dipping Sauce)- 1 can tuna in water, drained
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 2 red chilies, deseeded and finely minced
- 100ml water
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 5 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp honey
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 can tuna in water, drained
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 2 red chilies, deseeded and finely minced
- 100ml water
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 5 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp honey
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1 block of firm tofu. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible from the tofu.
Step 2
Crumble the prepared tofu in a pan. Season it with a pinch of salt and sesame oil. Sauté over medium-low heat until the moisture evaporates. Removing the water is key to achieving a texture similar to rice grains.
Step 3
[Making the Special Tuna Ssamjang] In a bowl, combine 1 can of drained tuna, 5 Tbsp doenjang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 finely minced onion, 2 finely minced red chilies (seeds removed), 100ml water, and 2 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix everything well. 
Step 4
Add 1 tsp of honey to the sauce to enhance its flavor profile and create a deeper taste. Honey adds a wonderful savory-sweet dimension that elevates the dipping sauce.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. This homemade ssamjang can be used for various dishes.
Step 6
The pan-fried tofu with reduced moisture is now ready.
Step 7
Steam the cabbage head for about 10 minutes until tender, using a steamer or an air fryer’s steam function (e.g., 10 minutes in a Ninja Air Fryer steam setting). Softened cabbage leaves are perfect for making wraps.
Step 8
Take one large, softened cabbage leaf. Place about 1 tablespoon of the sautéed tofu mixture in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf, then roll it up tightly to form a wrap.
Step 9
Using the larger, intact cabbage leaves, I managed to make 14 wraps. The total number might vary depending on the size of your cabbage leaves.
Step 10
Transfer the delicious tuna ssamjang you prepared earlier into a small container, ready to be served.
Step 11
Secure the tofu and cabbage wraps with pieces of green onion for a neat presentation. Slice the wraps in half for easier eating and arrange them on a plate. I also baked plump tiger prawns in the oven and added some fresh fruit, completing a satisfying and light diet lunchbox.
Step 12
Enjoying these hearty tofu and cabbage wraps with a generous dollop of the special tuna ssamjang is absolutely delightful! Savor this healthy and delicious meal.
