PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Recipe Intro From eatwithalyssa
Make your own PF Chang's right at home with these quick and easy gluten-free chicken lettuce wraps recipe. In just a few simple steps, recreate the iconic flavors of PF Chang's with ground chicken, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a savory hoisin sauce, all wrapped up in crispy butter lettuce.
Recipe Description
The ground chicken, infused with aromatic sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, creates a flavor symphony reminiscent of PF Chang's signature dish. The secret weapon? A savory hoisin sauce that elevates every bite. What makes this recipe special is its ability to deliver the restaurant-quality taste you crave right in the comfort of your kitchen.
- PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Ingredients
Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark, sweet-savory condiment used in Asian cuisine. It contains soybeans, garlic, and spices, adding a rich, umami kick to stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
Chestnuts: Chestnuts are edible nuts with a starchy, sweet flavor and a meaty texture. They are often associated with autumn and contribute a crunchy and unique nutty taste to dishes like PF Chang's chicken lettuce wraps.
Gochujang: Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste with a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet taste. It adds depth to Korean dishes made from red chili peppers, rice, soybeans, and salt. Gochujang introduces a unique spicy and fermented undertone in PF Chang's chicken lettuce wraps.
Test Kitchen Notes
Ground Chicken Variations: Ground chicken with dark and white meat can add extra flavor and juiciness. Alternatively, try making this recipe use lean ground beef.
Sauce Thickness: Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired sauce thickness. Longer cooking times will result in a thicker sauce, while shorter times may leave it slightly more liquid. Be mindful not to overcook, as it can affect the overall texture of the dish.
Chestnut Substitutes: If chestnuts are not readily available, consider substituting with water chestnuts for a similar crunchy texture. Alternatively, toasted nuts like cashews or almonds can add a different but delightful crunch to the wraps.
Lettuce Options: While butter lettuce is the traditional choice, experiment with other lettuce varieties. Iceberg lettuce or Romaine lettuce leaves can provide a crisp and sturdy alternative for wrapping the flavorful chicken mixture.
Make-Ahead Preparation: The sauce and chicken mixture can be prepared in advance and stored separately. Assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce leaves.
Vegetarian Variation: Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions: For a more substantial meal, consider serving the wraps with steamed rice or quinoa. This recipe's versatility allows for various serving options based on personal preferences and dietary needs.
FAQs
What are PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps made of?
PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps typically consists of a flavorful mixture of ground chicken, diced onions, sesame oil, fresh ginger, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, optional gochujang, water, diced chestnuts, and green onions. This mixture is served inside crisp lettuce leaves.
What to serve with chicken lettuce wraps?
Chicken Lettuce Wraps can be served as a light meal or paired with complementary sides. Some suggestions include steamed rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even rice noodles. Fresh vegetables or a light salad can also enhance the meal. Consider options like pickled radishes, shredded carrots, or a side of sliced cucumbers for added texture.
Can I make PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it separately from the lettuce leaves. Assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the lettuce.
Can I freeze PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
While the chicken mixture can be frozen, the lettuce leaves do not freeze well. If you plan to freeze, store the chicken mixture separately and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. Assemble with fresh lettuce leaves upon serving.
What are some vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
You can substitute the ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms to make a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasonings accordingly for a plant-based alternative.
Can I make PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps spicy or mild?
Absolutely! Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of gochujang or omitting it altogether for a milder version. You can also customize the heat by adding hot sauce or chili flakes.
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Gochujang or sriracha (optional), to taste
- 8 ounces water
- Chesnuts, chopped
- Fresh green onion, chopped
- Butter lettuce, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for serving
Method
Step 1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add the ground chicken to the pan.
Step 2
Cook the chicken thoroughly until it is reduced and browned.
Step 3
Then, incorporate the diced onion, sesame oil, finely chopped fresh ginger, freshly minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce to your desired taste.
Step 4
If desired, include Gochujang to add extra flavor. Stir the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
Step 5
Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Once achieved, turn off the heat and carefully add 8 ounces of water to the mixture. Stir in the chopped chestnuts and fresh green onions.
Step 6
After incorporating all the ingredients, serve the chicken filled and wrapped in fresh butter lettuce.
Step 7
Store any leftover chicken it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, and assemble with fresh lettuce leaves when ready to eat.