Fried Cheese Lettuce Wraps

Inspired by the popular chicken lettuce wraps from a famous restaurant chain, these vegetarian lettuce wraps offer a delicious twist by replacing the chicken with fried cheese. Tropical Queso de Freír gets perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while staying juicy and soft on the inside. The fried cheese lettuce wraps are filled with savory mushrooms, crunchy cashews, sweet onions, and carrots, all cooked together in a flavorful special sauce that brings everything to life. With the perfect balance of textures and bold flavors, these lettuce wraps are not only healthy, delicious, and satisfying but also photogenic.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. Tropical Queso de Freir, cubed
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1-2 teaspoons oil, as needed to cook
• 12 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced into strips
• ⅓ cup raw cashews
• ½ shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 stalks green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
• 2 large carrots, finely shredded
• 12 lettuce wraps

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 ½ tablespoons sriracha
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Preparation

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat and fry Queso de Freir cubes, a few at a time, until browned on all sides, about 20 seconds. With a slotted spoon, remove the cheese to paper towels to drain and set aside for later use.
2. In another skillet with 1-2 teaspoons of oil, add the mushrooms and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until some of the water is released.
3. Add the cashews and cook until toasted, reducing the heat to medium-low for about 4-5 minutes more. 
4. Add the shallot, garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions and stir to combine; cook for about 2-3 more minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil.
6. Add the shredded carrot and the fried cheese cubes back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over all ingredients, toss to combine, and cook until thickened, about one to two minutes more.
7. Remove from the heat and divide into lettuce cups. Garnish with the green parts of the onions.