If you are craving a dish that bursts with savory, tangy, and crunchy flavors all at once, let me introduce you to the magic of P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe. This vibrant, Asian-inspired appetizer combines tender ground chicken with a medley of aromatic ingredients wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, creating a fresh, satisfying bite that’s both wholesome and wonderfully addictive. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family, these wraps offer a deliciously light yet flavor-packed option that’s stunningly easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its signature taste and texture. From juicy chicken to crunchy water chestnuts, every element adds layers of flavor and excitement.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for browning the chicken evenly and keeping it tender.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauces and spices.
- Yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and a soft texture that balances the savory notes.
- Garlic, minced: Boosts the aroma with its rich, pungent flavor, making every bite more enticing.
- Freshly grated ginger: Brings a zesty warmth to the dish, brightening the overall flavor profile.
- Soy sauce: Provides the essential salty, umami depth.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity for that authentic Asian flair.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Oyster sauce: Elevates the savory notes with a silky, slightly sweet finish.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash for that unmistakable nutty aroma.
- Water chestnuts, finely chopped: Brings a satisfyingly crisp crunch that contrasts the tender chicken.
- Green onions, sliced: Offers a fresh, onion-like bite and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper: To perfectly season and enhance all flavors.
- Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves: Crisp, sturdy leaves that cradle the filling beautifully.
How to Make P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it until it turns a nice golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spoon to break up the meat evenly so it cooks through perfectly and you get a great texture in every bite.
Step 2: Add Onions and Aromatics
Once the chicken is nicely browned, toss in the finely diced yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it soften and slightly caramelize. Then stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook these fragrant ingredients just 30 seconds until they release their wonderful aroma, making your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauces
Next, pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil. Stir well so the chicken mixture absorbs all these rich, tangy, and savory flavors. This step is what truly transforms this dish into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Incorporate the Crunch and Green Onions
Gently fold in the finely chopped water chestnuts and sliced green onions. These ingredients add texture and a splash of freshness, ensuring every bite is balanced and exciting.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm everything through thoroughly. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. At this point, your savory filling is ready to be spooned into crisp lettuce leaves and enjoyed immediately.
How to Serve P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
For that irresistible finishing touch, try sprinkling chopped peanuts or crispy rice noodles on top for an extra crunch. A drizzle of extra hoisin or a few drops of chili garlic sauce can also add a pop of color and a little kick of spice, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps pair wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a light Asian slaw to round out the meal. You can also serve them alongside simple miso soup or edamame to keep the flavors fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider setting up a fun DIY lettuce wrap bar with bowls of the filling and various toppings like sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and fresh cilantro. Letting everyone build their own wraps adds a playful element that’s perfect for parties or casual family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crispness until you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
If you want to save the filling for longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat until it’s hot through. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry out the chicken. Once warm, spoon it back into fresh lettuce leaves and enjoy like you just made it.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a substitute in this P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe and offers a similarly mild flavor that soaks up all the seasonings.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves are the best choices because they’re sturdy and crisp, perfect for holding the filling without tearing or wilting.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and double-checking the hoisin and oyster sauces for gluten content, as some brands vary.
Can I make the filling vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground chicken for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms and add some extra seasonings to keep that rich umami flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The classic P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe is mildly seasoned without heat, but you can easily add chili sauce or fresh chilies to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of making and sharing P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe at home — it’s a perfect blend of fresh, savory, and crunchy elements made from simple ingredients you can feel great about. Give it a try and watch this once-restaurant favorite become a regular in your recipe rotation, guaranteed to delight family and friends alike.
Print
P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy appetizer featuring ground chicken sautéed with aromatic ginger, garlic, and savory Asian sauces, served in crisp butter or iceberg lettuce leaves. This quick stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, with a satisfying crunch from water chestnuts and green onions. Ideal for a low-carb, gluten-free meal or snack, these wraps are easy to prepare and great for a light dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, separated into leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring and breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced small yellow onion and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add aromatics: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Mix sauces: Pour in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the chicken mixture.
- Add crunch: Fold in the finely chopped water chestnuts from 1 (8-ounce) can and 2 sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble wraps: Spoon the savory chicken mixture into individual butter or iceberg lettuce leaves, serving immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make this recipe vegetarian or alter the protein.
- For extra texture and crunch, consider topping the filling with chopped peanuts or crispy rice noodles.
- These lettuce wraps can also be served cold, making them a convenient option for meal prep and packed lunches.
