PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at PF Chang’s, you know their famous lettuce wraps are an absolute must-try. These little bundles of flavor are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home! With a savory blend of ground chicken (or turkey), crunchy water chestnuts, and just the right amount of kick from sriracha, they are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Let’s dive into this PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispness of the butter lettuce pairs beautifully with the savory filling, making each bite a joy. The use of ground chicken or turkey keeps it lean, while the hoisin and soy sauces provide that signature sweet and salty flavor. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to heavier, fried appetizers, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead!

What You’ll Gather

• 1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and diced
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 head butter lettuce (for wrapping)

Appliances & Accessories

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken and mixing the ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the meat.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping your green onions and water chestnuts.
• Serving platter: To present your lettuce wraps beautifully.

PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the green onions, drain and dice the water chestnuts, and grate the ginger. Having everything ready will make the cooking process seamless.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 4: Mix in Additional Ingredients

Add the diced water chestnuts and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Incorporate Sauces

Pour in the hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, and sriracha hot sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the chicken mixture is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the sriracha according to your spice preference.

Step 6: Prepare the Lettuce

While the filling is cooking, gently separate the leaves of the butter lettuce. Rinse them under cool water and pat dry with a paper towel. You’ll want to choose the largest leaves for wrapping.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

To serve, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf. Wrap it up like a taco and enjoy! Repeat until all the filling is used up. These wraps are best enjoyed fresh!

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Gluten-free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce.
• Vegetarian: Substitute ground chicken or turkey with finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
• Paleo-friendly: Skip the hoisin sauce or make a homemade version with almond butter, coconut aminos, and spices.
• Keto-friendly: Ensure the hoisin sauce is low-carb or make a homemade keto-friendly version.

What Could Go Wrong

While this PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe is straightforward, a few things can go awry:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from drying out. Cook just until browned.
• Too Much Sauce: Adding too much hoisin or soy sauce can make the filling overly salty. Measure carefully!
• Wilted Lettuce: Use fresh butter lettuce leaves. If they are wilted, they won’t hold the filling well.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

These lettuce wraps are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them properly:

• Filling: Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Lettuce: Keep the lettuce leaves wrapped in a damp paper towel in a sealed bag to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through before serving.

Quick Q&A

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken or turkey?

Yes, ground beef can be used, but it will change the flavor profile and make the dish richer. Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.

Is it possible to make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the wraps right before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze the filling?

Absolutely! The filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What should I serve with these lettuce wraps?

These wraps are great on their own, but you can serve them with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Let’s Eat

Now that you have this PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe in your hands, it’s time to get cooking! The combination of flavors and textures in these wraps is sure to impress, whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in. Gather your friends or family, and enjoy wrapping up these delicious bites together. Happy cooking!