Mary KellyWhen enjoying P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, there are several great options to round out the meal and enhance the flavors. For a light and protein-packed side, steamed edamame offers a perfect complement to the wraps.
Vegetable spring rolls, with their crisp, fresh crunch, provide a delightful contrast to the softness of the lettuce wraps. Coconut rice, with its subtle sweetness, balances the savory flavors of the chicken and adds a tropical twist. A warm bowl of miso soup makes for a comforting starter, setting the tone for the meal.
To add some brightness and crunch, an Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing is a refreshing addition that ties everything together. These pairings create a balanced, flavorful meal that elevates your dining experience.
Ah, lettuce wraps! They are the perfect combination of healthiness and flavor. P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a crowd-pleaser, but who says you need to trek to the restaurant every time you crave them?
I’ve spent countless weekends experimenting in my kitchen to bring you a homemade version that you can whip up in no time. Trust me; once you taste this dish, you’ll feel like a culinary genius!
Let’s break down the magic behind these wraps. They’re like a delicious food hug, comforting yet light—perfect for any meal. Whether you’re prepping for family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is bound to impress.
What is P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat?
Let’s get to the heart of the matter. P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a signature appetizer. They feature seasoned ground chicken served in crisp lettuce leaves, accompanied by an assortment of sauces.
The beauty of these wraps lies in their versatility. You can stuff them with veggies or customize the sauce to suit your taste.
This copycat version brings all the renowned flavor without the restaurant price tag. Plus, you get that satisfying crunch you crave without all the guilt. It’s all about recreating the experience of your favorite restaurant meal in the comfort of your own home.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile is a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and a touch of spice. Let me break it down:
Savory: Ground chicken sautéed with garlic and onion creates a base that is rich and fulfilling.
Sweet: Hoisin sauce and honey offer a naturally sweet element that contrasts beautifully with the savory notes.
Umami: Soy sauce deepens the flavor, creating that umami hit any good dish has.
Spicy: A little chili garlic paste adds some heat; you can adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Freshness: Wrap it all in butter lettuce, and you have that fresh crunch that elevates the dish.
By blending these assorted flavors, you create a dish that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a tiny explosion of flavor with every bite.
What Makes This Recipe Different from Other P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat Recipes?
You might wonder, “What’s special about this recipe?” Well, here’s the scoop: it uses everyday ingredients and emphasizes health without compromising flavor.
No MSG: Many restaurant recipes include additives for flavor enhancement. This copycat recipe skips those for a cleaner profile.
Fresh Ingredients: By using fresh veggies and lean ground chicken, you’re getting all the flavors without the unnecessary calories.
Customizable Heat: Whether you’re a heat-seeker or prefer mild, you can adjust the spiciness to fit your palate.
Easy Steps: The process is straightforward, even for those who don’t consider themselves cooking pros.
You won’t find a recipe that offers this blend of simplicity, healthiness, and vibrant flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for this mouthwatering dish. Grab your apron, and let’s get started!
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 medium or large sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste (you can substitute with sriracha if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- ⅓ cup sweet hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 2 to 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Butter lettuce leaves, for wrapping and serving
Most of these ingredients are common pantry staples. I promise; once you try this, you’ll want to make it regularly!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and green onions. Drain and chop the water chestnuts. This ensures everything is ready to go when you begin cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Oils
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and toasted sesame oil over medium heat. The combination of these oils imparts a beautiful flavor that’s hard to beat.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent. Now, throw in the minced garlic and ground ginger. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with delicious smells!
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Next, stir in the ground chicken. Cook it until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the chicken into smaller pieces.
Step 5: Add the Flavorings
Once the chicken is cooked, mix in the chili garlic paste, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir this mixture well to ensure the chicken gets coated with all those fantastic flavors.
Step 6: Add the Crunch
It’s time to add the chopped water chestnuts and sliced green onions. Give everything a good stir and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional minute.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Taste your filling and then add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy—seasoning is the key here!
Step 8: Serve in Lettuce Leaves
Remove the skillet from heat. Now it’s time to arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf. Top with sesame seeds for an extra touch.
And voilà! Your delectable Chicken Lettuce Wraps are ready to be devoured!
Tips on Making P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat
Here are some tips to ensure your wraps turn out perfectly:
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Avoid dry wraps. Just cook until no longer pink.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh produce for a crisp finish.
Customize Your Wraps: Add additional veggies like carrots or cucumbers for more crunch.
Make It Ahead: You can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Serving Style: Offer the filling in a bowl alongside the lettuce leaves for a fun DIY wrapping party.
How Can I Store This P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat?
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store it:
Refrigeration: Place any leftover filling in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the mixture. Just make sure it’s cooled completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Fresh: It’s best to wrap fresh, as the lettuce can wilt if left to sit with the filling.
Enjoying the dish fresh is the way to go!
Ingredient Substitutions
Ran out of an ingredient? Here are some alternatives you can easily use:
Ground Chicken: Substitute with turkey or lean ground beef for a different flavor.
Hoisin Sauce: You can replace it with a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for a similar taste.
Water Chestnuts: For a similar crunch, try diced bell peppers or jicama.
Butter Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg lettuce can work if butter lettuce is hard to find.
These substitutes can help you whip up a delicious meal without the stress of a missing ingredient.
P.f. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and green onions. Drain and chop the water chestnuts. This ensures everything is ready to go when you begin cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and toasted sesame oil over medium heat. The combination of these oils imparts a beautiful flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent. Now, throw in the minced garlic and ground ginger. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with delicious smells!
- Next, stir in the ground chicken. Cook it until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the chicken into smaller pieces.
- Once the chicken is cooked, mix in the chili garlic paste, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir this mixture well to ensure the chicken gets coated with all those fantastic flavors.
- It’s time to add the chopped water chestnuts and sliced green onions. Give everything a good stir and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional minute.
- Taste your filling and then add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy—seasoning is the key here!
- Remove the skillet from heat. Now it’s time to arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf. Top with sesame seeds for an extra touch.
- And voilà! Your delectable Chicken Lettuce Wraps are ready to be devoured!
Nutrition
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Avoid dry wraps. Just cook until no longer pink.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh produce for a crisp finish.
- Customize Your Wraps: Add additional veggies like carrots or cucumbers for more crunch.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Serving Style: Offer the filling in a bowl alongside the lettuce leaves for a fun DIY wrapping party.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Making P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat at home is not just about filling your belly; it’s about enjoying the creative process of cooking. This recipe is straightforward but yields an impressive dish that’s healthy and delightful.
Armed with fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a crowd-pleaser that rivals the restaurant version. Plus, the learning experience and satisfaction of cooking at home add that extra spice to your meal!
