Are you craving a fresh, satisfying meal that won't weigh you down? Look no further than Pf Chang's famous lettuce wraps! These tasty bites, bursting with flavor and crunch, have won the hearts of foodies everywhere. But what is it about these wraps that make them so irresistible? Read on to learn more about Pf Chang's beloved lettuce wraps and why you must try them yourself!
What is PF's Chang lettuce wrap?
Pf Chang's lettuce wraps are a popular menu item at the Chinese-American restaurant chain Pf Chang's. They are made with a filling of ground chicken, water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions, which are stir-fried and served atop a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce leaves.
The wraps are meant to be assembled by the diner, who can add additional toppings such as hoisin sauce or diced peanuts to their liking. The dish is known for its balance of flavors and textures, with the savory filling and crunchy lettuce providing a satisfying contrast. The lettuce wraps are often praised as a lighter option on the menu, as they are wrapped in lettuce rather than a carb-heavy wrapper like a traditional chicken wrap or burrito.
Why would you love this pf chang's lettuce wrap recipe?
There are several reasons why readers might love this recipe for Pf Chang's lettuce wraps:
1 It's a healthy and light meal option: These lettuce wraps are filled with protein-rich ground chicken and vegetables, making them nutritious and satisfying.
2 It's easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time; this recipe is easy to prepare at home.
3 It's customizable: The recipe can be easily modified to suit individual tastes, whether using a different protein or adding other vegetables.
4 It's perfect for entertaining: These lettuce wraps are a great appetizer or main course for a dinner party or gathering.
5 It tastes delicious: The combination of savory ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and flavorful sauces makes for a tasty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients you'll need:
- vegetable oil
- ground chicken (or ground pork or beef)
- garlic (minced)
- onion (minced)
For the Sauce:
- hoisin sauce
- Tamari
- rice wine vinegar
- toasted sesame oil
- ginger paste
- Sriracha
Added ingredients:
- Water chestnuts (4.9 oz can (sliced, drained, and chopped)
- green onions (thinly sliced)
- Kosher salt (adjust according to your taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (adjust according to your taste)
Garnish:
- head butter lettuce
- mango (semi-ripe and diced)
- green onions (thinly sliced)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to break it up into small bits as it cooks.
Step 2
Push the meat to the edge of the pan and stir in garlic and onion and cook until onions have become translucent about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3
Add the hoisin sauce, Tamari, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, ginger, and Sriracha. Stir in to combine well.
Step 4
Add the water chestnuts and green onions and cook until tender, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and top with your favorite garnish (I added some diced mango).
PF Chang's Lettuce wrap recipe notes:
- Ground chicken: The main protein in the wraps provides a savory and satisfying filling. It is an essential component of the dish and helps to give the wraps their signature flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savory sauce made from fermented soybeans, hoisin sauce, adds depth and complexity to the wraps. It helps to balance out the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian dishes and adds a rich, salty flavor to the wraps. It helps to enhance the savory taste of the ground chicken and gives the wraps a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Rice wine vinegar: Rice wine vinegar adds a subtle tanginess to the wraps and helps to balance out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. It also helps to tenderize the chicken and gives the wraps a brighter flavor.
- Sesame oil: Sesame oil is a fragrant and flavorful oil that adds depth and richness to the wraps. Its nutty, toasty flavor helps to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a slight heat to the wraps and help balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. They are optional but add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the wraps and helps to balance out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. It is a classic ingredient in many Chinese dishes and helps to give the wraps a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Water chestnuts: Water chestnuts add a crisp and refreshing crunch to the wraps. They also help to add a subtle sweetness to the dish and provide a nice contrast to the savory ground chicken.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the wraps and help balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. They also provide a nice texture contrast with their meaty, chewy consistency.
- Green onions: Green onions add a fresh and mild flavor to the wraps and help balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. They also add a nice burst of color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. They help balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce and add depth and complexity to the wraps.
- Iceberg lettuce: Iceberg lettuce provides a crisp and refreshing base for the wraps and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the filling. Its crunchy texture also provides a nice contrast to the soft filling.
- Optional toppings: Diced peanuts, additional hoisin sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds are all optional toppings that can be added to the wraps to personalize them to your taste. They each add their unique flavors and textures to the dish and help to take the wraps to the next level.
Serving and Storage
These lettuce wraps are best served immediately while the leaves are still crisp and the chicken mixture is hot. For wrapping, you can also serve the chicken mixture with the lettuce leaves on the side. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
There are many ways you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
- Add diced bell peppers or carrots to the chicken mixture
- Use peanut sauce instead of hoisin sauce for a different flavor.
- Serve the chicken mixture over rice or noodles instead of in lettuce leaves.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or cilantro instead of green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips on making lettuce wraps
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making Pf Chang's lettuce wraps:
1 Choose fresh ingredients: To ensure the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality ingredients when making these lettuce wraps.
2 Adjust the seasoning to taste: Be sure to taste the ground chicken mixture and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, and chili garlic sauce) to your liking.
3 Use butter lettuce leaves: While you can use other types to wrap the chicken mixture, butter lettuce works particularly well as it is tender and has a slightly sweet flavor.
4 Use a wok or large skillet: It is the best choice for cooking ground chicken and vegetables, as it allows plenty of room to stir and toss the ingredients.
5 Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds: These optional garnishes add a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor and texture to the lettuce wraps.
6 Serve immediately: These lettuce wraps are best served while the leaves are still crisp and the chicken mixture is hot.
7 Store leftovers in the refrigerator: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Full Recipe
Copycat PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground chicken (or ground pork or beef)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (minced)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoon Tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 teaspoon Sriracha
Added ingredients:
- 1 can water chestnuts (4.9 oz can, sliced, drained and chopped)
- 2 stalks green onions (thinly sliced)
- Kosher salt (adjust according to your taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (adjust according to your taste)
Garnish:
- 1 piece head butter lettuce
- 1 mango (semi-ripe and diced)
- 2 stalk green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to break it up into small bits as it cooks.
- Push the meat to the edge of the pan and stir in garlic and onion and cook until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the hoisin sauce, Tamari, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, ginger, and Sriracha. Stir in to combine well.
- Add the water chestnuts and green onions and cook until tender, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and top with your favorite garnish (I added some diced mango).
Nutrition Information:
Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
Anne Dela Cruz says
I really like these chicken lettuce wraps. I will make this one tomorrow and I am pretty sure that my friends will totally love this chicken lettuce wraps.
Calleigh says
@Ali Rost,
Glad you liked it 🙂 This recipe is actually good, my family loves it.
Ali Rost says
I made these last night for a group of girlfriends and it was a hit! Such a fun meal to entertain with. I wouldn’t change a thing to it. I served it with a side of stir-fried vegetables with just sesame oil and soy sauce. So simple and easy! I think they were even better than PF Chang’s original chicken lettuce wraps. Thanks for posting the recipe! Loved it!
Jennifer L says
Oh don't you just dislike when a comfort food or dish stops being served at your fav place. There was a taco place that had an amazing corn drink and it gave me the nostaglic feels. They discontinued and I was heartbroken. I've never had the lettuce wraps at PF changs but now with your recipe no need to make the drive out. Love how customizable these are.
Elena says
I have never tried lettuce wrap before. I live in Eastern Europe so our food is way different. Me an my sister in law were watching some youtube tutorials and we tried to make tacos but the result was not so good. I think we also miss some spices here as well.
ellie says
oh my gosh, I adore lettuce wraps, I've never tried PF Chang's though, I've been past a few but never been in due to timing. I'm definitely going to have to try and make this on the weekend, all those flavours sound amazing.
CATALINA NINI says
I am dying in here !! This looks incredible. We do a similar dish called sarmale but we use cabbage or grape leaves instead of lettuce.
Aditi says
I have to admit that I loved PF Chang's lettuce wraps when I visited them a couple of years back. Little did I know at that time that it was a national favorite. This recipe looks great, I might as well try substituting the chicken with tofu or soya nuggets for a vegetarian option. Thanks for sharing these.
Joanna says
I agree that it's not about what the food is but the memories it brings back. These chicken lettuce wraps look very yummy and I am sure that shared with your friends will make you remember the good times spent together at the restaurant.
yukti says
These chicken lettuce wraps recipe is so easy to make and would love to follow your recipe. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe and I would like to share your post among my friends too.
Alicia Trautwein says
These look so amazing! I am love their lettuce wraps, so we are definitely going to have to try these very soon!
Alicia Trautwein | https://themomkind.com
five little doves says
Oh I love this idea! I'm gluten free so I'm always looking for ways to have my favourite meals without the gluten! lettuce makes a great wrap!
Ana says
Would you believe that I have never tried a lettuce wrap before this looks so much better than a regular wrap. It's making my mouth water just looking at it x
Jolina says
PF Chang’s is the best! The one nearest us is actually a little ways away so it's great being able to recreate our favourite dishes at home. Love copycat recipes! This looks amazing.
Odette says
This lettuce wrap recipe is so similar to a lettuce prawn boat that I make. I must try this out.
Neha kulshrestha says
I have been to PF Changs many times but never tried it..Probably should try at home now..
Great recipe..Thanks for sharing..
Natalie says
Mmmm looks tasty and sounds simple enough to make. I never thought about using lettuce as wrap- great idea
zina says
I loved this recipe! healthy and easy to make it! thank you for sharing it with us
Star harford says
Ooo this looks like a fun recipe to make! My kids like lettuce wraps so maybe I will give it a go this week
Calleigh says
@FamilyEarthTrek,
Yes, The PF Chang is a very famous Asian cuisine fine restaurant.
Calleigh
Familyearthtrek says
Ohh lettuce wrap! I have totally forgotten abozt them! Perfect for me who is on diet! Thanks for a reminder! I just noticed youe recipe and it seems as you are making it asian style with asian ingrediens. I dont know pf chang...is it asian food chain?
karyn says
I had forgotten how much I loved Lettuce wraps!! SO thank you for reminding me. I love the flavours you used so refreshing and healthy.. P.S. your photos are amazing.
Jagruti says
Your lettuce wrap recipe pics are fabulous
Ginny says
Copycat recipes are so much fun and lettuce wraps are one of my favorite lunches. Love hoisin sauce too!
Jeni @ Biscuits & Booze says
I remember those Big Foot pizzas too! It reminds me always of the last week of school because each class would take a turn having a pizza party and we'd always get those, lol. What fun you recreated the PF Chang's lettuce wraps! They actually look like they'd make a great party app too!
swayam singh says
I love lettuce wraps!! The filling here is so flavorful. Cant wait to make this soon
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
I order these EVERY time I'm at PF Changs, now I don't have to spend the big $$ to satisfy my cravings...and I love how BIG yours are ~
Jagruti says
I totally get what you mean, I get the nostalgic feeling when thinking of the food I used to eat out!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
I love lettuce wraps! It's all the flavor undiluted by a potential carb-attack!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I always forget lettuce wraps but they are such a good idea, especially if you want to cut down on calories. Thanks for the reminder.
Kristen says
I don't have a PF changs near me. Thanks for the great idea! I can't wait to make these!