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This crunchy tofu wrap has become my lunchtime favorite when I need something filling that stays light. The mix of grated tofu with za'atar seasoning brings a taste and feel that's won over even the most dedicated meat fans I know.
I first threw these wraps together during a hectic work period when I wanted food that would keep me going through afternoon meetings. These days I prep everything on Sundays so I can put them together quickly all week long.
What You'll Need
- Extra firm tofu: Creates the perfect shreddable foundation with great texture. Try to find the vacuum-sealed kind for best results
- Cornstarch: Helps make that can't-resist crispy outside when baked
- Smoked paprika: Brings a light smoky taste that makes the tofu better
- Cabbage: Gives you crunch and healthy stuff. Pick one that feels solid with snappy leaves
- Za'atar: This Middle Eastern spice mix adds herby flavors with a bit of tang
- Pistachios: Pack in protein and nutty crunch. Get them already shelled to cut down on prep time
- Fresh herbs: Make everything taste brighter. Don't swap for dried ones in this dish
- Hummus: Works as the creamy glue. Grab some from the store or whip up your own
How To Make It
- Get your tofu ready:
- Grate the tofu using a box grater on a parchment-covered baking sheet. This gives you a texture that feels like shredded meat. Mix with cornstarch, spices, tamari and oil until coated all over. Don't skip the cornstarch - it's what makes everything crispy.
- Fix up the cabbage:
- On another baking sheet, mix your shredded cabbage and onions with oil and spices. Spread it out flat so it browns nicely. The edges will get super crispy and add amazing texture.
- Bake it smart:
- Put the tofu tray on the middle shelf and cabbage on the bottom shelf in your hot oven. Cook for 10 minutes, then stir both trays and swap their positions for another 8-10 minutes. This way everything cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
- Mix your herbs:
- While everything's baking, combine your pistachios, herbs, and seasonings. All the good stuff happens when this mix meets the warm tofu and cabbage, letting out all the tasty herb and spice oils.
- Put it all together:
- Throw the baked cabbage in with the crispy tofu and herb mix. The heat helps blend all the flavors. Warm your pita, spread some hummus, add lettuce and your tofu mixture, then wrap it up.
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The za'atar spice mix really makes this dish stand out. I found it years back during a trip to Lebanon and can't get enough of it. It mixes thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac for a taste that feels both new and familiar.
Make-Ahead Planning
These wraps work perfectly for planning meals ahead. Make all the parts on Sunday and keep them in separate containers. The tofu mix stays good for about 4 days in the fridge. When you're hungry, just warm up the tofu mix in a pan or microwave until it's barely hot, then build your wrap with fresh hummus and lettuce. This keeps everything from getting soggy and keeps all the textures just right.
What To Serve With It
Make this a full meal by adding a basic cucumber and tomato salad with lemon juice and olive oil on the side. The tangy taste works really well with the earthy za'atar. For bigger appetites, try some lemon herb quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes too. My friends love adding quick pickled red onions or a drizzle of tahini sauce for extra flavor.
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Mix It Up
What's great about this dish is how flexible it is. Try swapping za'atar for curry powder and use cashews instead of pistachios for a totally different taste. You can throw in grated carrots or zucchini instead of some cabbage too. Want fewer carbs? Serve everything in butter lettuce cups instead of pita. In summer, I love adding diced cucumber and tomato to make it taste even fresher.
The Grating Method
Using a box grater on tofu is the trick that makes this dish special. Unlike crumbled tofu that can get mushy, grating creates thin strips that get really crispy in the oven. Make sure your tofu isn't too wet before grating. If it feels too soft to grate, pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up a bit. This works best with super firm tofu types.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What type of tofu works best?
Super firm tofu works best since it shreds well and stays firm when baked. You can try extra firm tofu too but watch out as it might break apart more.
- → What's the purpose of za'atar in this dish?
Za'atar brings a fresh herby flavor with touches of thyme and sesame, adding wonderful Mediterranean taste notes to the wrap.
- → Can I make the dish gluten-free?
You can definitely make it gluten-free by swapping for gluten-free wraps and making sure your tamari doesn't contain gluten.
- → How can I save time while preparing this?
Buy bags of pre-cut cabbage or coleslaw mix to cut down your prep work. You'll still get all the flavor without the extra chopping.
- → How can I customize this dish?
Throw in extra veggies like grated carrots or sliced peppers. You might also want to try different hummus flavors to switch things up.
- → What's a good substitution for pistachios?
If you don't have pistachios, try using walnuts or almonds instead. They'll give you that nice crunch and nutty taste too.