PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe – I have so many wonderful memories of favorite foods of the past, which I hate to revive. You may wonder why that is, and the answer is simple, most of these foods aren’t readily available.
And those sweet, wonderful memories torture me by setting off a slew of cravings that start with the deep fried tacos from my youth, float gently to the Big Foot Pizza from Pizza Hut and more recently end with chicken lettuce wraps that are a specialty of PF Chang’s.
I don’t even know if the restaurant offering deep-fried tacos is still open and even if it was, I couldn’t reach it in under 24 hours, even driving too fast for safety. I do know that Pizza Hut no longer offers the Big Foot.
I remember what a sad day it was when that occurred since it had been a staple at most of our parties, like cooking the egg rolls. While the other pizzas at the Hut tasted pretty much the same, there still is no substitute for that huge pizza that fed the entire group.
I guess it wasn’t the taste that I loved, the association with good times and good friends. The only fond food memory within a two-hour drive that I know is still available is the chicken lettuce wrap from PF Chang’s.
Of course, as with many of my cravings, my lack of desire to drive that distance far outweighs my desire to enjoy the food.
I decided to shop around for a substitute for all of my cravings and found that nothing will ever compete with the original. The only way to satisfy them is to recreate the foods in my kitchen.
There’s no way to recreate the Big Foot Pizza, part of the magic was in the packaging, delivery, and ambiance of the moment.
I’ve managed, however, to recreate others, with my biggest success the PF Chang lettuce wrap recipe, saving not only a long drive but also a quite a bit of money in the process, particularly when you add in the cost of gas to get to the closest Chang’s location.
Each time I make this delectable dish, I think back on all the wonderful moments with family and friends I spent talking, laughing and eating the chicken wrap. Just the smell brings back sounds and sights from the past, which always bring a smile.
Maybe that’s where the cravings come from, not the taste of the food, but rather the memories that the food trigger. You can check my Thai Basil Chicken recipe also.
Ingredients
-
- 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
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.
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.
3 Add the hoisin sauce, Tamari, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, ginger, and Sriracha. Stir in to combine well.
4 Add the water chestnuts and green onions and cook until tender, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5 Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and top with your favorite garnish (I added some diced mango).
Disclosure: This is not the PF Chang’s actual recipe but a “copycat” recipe.
Copycat PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp 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 tbsp Tamari
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tsp 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!