Lettuce Wraps from P.F. Chang's feature savory minced chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh green onions, all wrapped in crisp iceberg lettuce leaves, delivering a refreshing and flavorful appetizer with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving platter or plate
- Spoon for serving filling
- Salad spinner (optional, for washing/drying lettuce)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup canned water chestnuts
- 1/2 cup green onions
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
Ground chicken should be freshly minced for the best texture and flavor in your lettuce wraps, while water chestnuts add necessary crunch, so opt for canned varieties that are well-drained. Fresh green onions enhance the dish's aroma, and be sure to finely chop garlic and ginger to evenly distribute their pungency throughout the filling. Use crisp iceberg lettuce leaves that are thoroughly washed and dried, as this creates the ideal sturdy yet refreshing wrapper for the savory mixture. Balancing soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauces, and rice vinegar brings layers of umami and tang, essential for the authentic P.F. Chang's taste. Your homemade Lettuce Wraps from P.F. Chang's copycat menu will achieve the restaurant-quality flavor and satisfying crunch when these ingredient tips are carefully followed.
Instructions
- Wash and dry iceberg lettuce leaves; set aside.
- Dice garlic, ginger, water chestnuts, and green onions.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken; cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up meat with a spoon.
- Stir in water chestnuts and green onions.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper.
- Pour sauce mixture into skillet; stir to coat chicken and vegetables.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly reduces.
- Transfer filling to a serving platter.
- Serve with iceberg lettuce leaves.
- Spoon chicken filling into lettuce leaves, wrap, and enjoy.
Substitution
Lettuce Wraps from P.F. Chang's copycat menu combine ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh green onions, wrapped in crisp iceberg lettuce for a light and tasty meal. You can substitute ground turkey or pork if chicken isn't available while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile. If fresh water chestnuts are hard to find, canned varieties or finely chopped jicama can provide a comparable crunch. Iceberg lettuce is preferred for its crispness, but butter lettuce or romaine leaves work well as alternatives. Adjust soy sauce and hoisin sauce amounts to suit your taste or dietary needs without sacrificing the savory essence.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the iceberg lettuce leaves using a salad spinner or paper towels to prevent sogginess when wrapping. When cooking the ground chicken, break it up evenly with a wooden spoon to ensure consistent browning and texture. Combine the sauce ingredients separately before adding to the skillet to evenly distribute flavors and prevent clumping. Your wraps will have the best crunch and freshness if you serve the filling immediately after cooking, so avoid letting it sit too long.
Nutritions
Lettuce wraps from P.F. Chang's provide a lean source of protein from ground chicken combined with crunchy water chestnuts, which add fiber and essential minerals. The dish is low in carbohydrates and rich in vitamins A and K due to the fresh iceberg lettuce leaves. Soy sauce and hoisin sauce contribute sodium, so you may want to monitor your salt intake if you're sensitive. Your meal balances flavor and nutrition, making it a satisfying option for a light yet nourishing appetizer.
Storage
Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep washed iceberg lettuce leaves dry, wrapped in paper towels inside a plastic bag, and store in the crisper drawer to preserve their crispness. When reheating, warm the filling on the stovetop or microwave, then assemble your wraps just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for ground chicken to create a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish. For extra texture, consider adding finely chopped shiitake mushrooms or bamboo shoots along with the water chestnuts. Swap iceberg lettuce with butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce for a more tender and buttery wrap experience. If you prefer a spicier kick, mix in some chili garlic sauce or Sriracha into the sauce blend before cooking.
Allergies
Lettuce Wraps from P.F. Chang's contain common allergens such as soy, found in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and shellfish, present in oyster sauce, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Sesame oil is another potential allergen that can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Your allergy concerns should be carefully considered before consuming this dish, especially if you have sensitivities to soy, shellfish, or sesame.
Why this recipe?
P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps are beloved for their crisp, fresh lettuce paired with a savory blend of chicken, mushrooms, and Asian spices that deliver bold, satisfying flavors. The combination of crunchy texture and well-balanced seasoning makes the dish a standout appetizer or light entree. You can recreate this popular menu item at home with ease, using simple ingredients that capture the authentic taste without the restaurant price tag. Making the copycat version allows you to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal tailored to your preference anytime.