Are you ready to bring the taste of P.F. Chang's famous Lettuce Wraps into your kitchen? These crispy, fresh, and flavorful wraps are the epitome of comfort food for many, and today, we're going to show you how to make them at home. Let's dive into the recipe, which is surprisingly easy once you've got the right ingredients and techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 4-5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, separated into leaves
The Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
To make your P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps truly authentic, attention to the sauce is crucial. It's what gives these wraps their distinctive flavor:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and oyster sauce in a small bowl.
- In a separate small cup, dissolve the cornstarch in water to make a slurry.
- Combine this slurry with the other sauce ingredients, whisking until smooth. If you like a bit of heat, add the sriracha here.
⚡ Note: Adjust the spice level with sriracha to your taste. The original recipe is mildly spiced, but you can go as bold or mild as you like.
Steps to Make Lettuce Wraps
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, cooking until browned, breaking it into small bits with a wooden spoon. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the chopped water chestnuts and green onions. Pour in the prepared sauce, stir to combine, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each leaf, allowing guests to wrap their own.
Variations and Tips
- Protein Substitution: You can use ground beef, tofu, or chopped mushrooms if you prefer a vegetarian option.
- Lettuce: Butter lettuce or romaine can be used instead of iceberg for a different texture.
- Extra Flavors: Add some diced bell peppers for color and crunch, or a touch of sesame seeds for garnish.
🍽 Note: Letting the mixture cool slightly before serving helps to keep the lettuce crisp when you wrap.
The homemade version of P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly delightful. The recipe's genius lies in the balance of flavors, the crunch of the lettuce, and the tender, flavorful filling. These wraps are not only a hit for their taste but also because they're easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a fresh, healthy meal, these wraps are sure to satisfy.
Can I make these wraps gluten-free?
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Yes, to make these wraps gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and confirm that hoisin and oyster sauce are gluten-free, or use alternatives like fish sauce and coconut aminos.
What can I serve with Lettuce Wraps?
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Lettuce wraps pair well with fried rice, spring rolls, or even a simple Asian cucumber salad to complement the meal with light, refreshing flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
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Store the filling separately from the lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the filling gently in a skillet or microwave. Lettuce should stay crisp if refrigerated wrapped in damp paper towels or plastic wrap.
