Speedy & Savoury Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Pf Chang's Inspired)

Recipe Introduction

Ever crave something light, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat? then let's talk about making your own lettuce wraps recipe ! it's seriously the perfect meal when you want all the takeout vibes without the takeout guilt.

Quick Hook

Want a Pf Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps experience at home? This recipe is a flavor explosion! These chicken lettuce wraps are inspired by that iconic dish but made simpler and healthier.

Brief Overview

While many associate it with chains like pf chang's, similar concepts are rooted in asian cuisine. this stir fry lettuce wraps version is quick.

It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. this recipe makes 4 servings perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about lettuce wraps pf changs recipe healthy is the nutritional value. they're packed with protein and veggies.

It's also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or even turkey lettuce wraps pf changs if you're feeling adventurous! it's super customizable and fresh.

Honestly, i started making lettuce wraps recipe years ago because i wanted a lighter alternative to heavier asian dishes. i found that they are so versatile.

You can load them up with whatever you like and they're always a crowd pleaser!

Making the chicken for lettuce wraps mixture is also surprisingly simple. it's mostly stir frying with a few key ingredients. getting a good sauce is the key to achieving that copycat of chang lettuce wraps taste.

I remember one time i was short on time and used crock pot lettuce wraps to cook the chicken in advance.

It worked like a charm. i shredded the chicken and added it to the stir fry later. talk about a time saver! if you’re in a pinch, that's the way to go.

Enjoy your very own pf chang lettuce wraps copycat at home.

Alright then, let's get cracking on this Lettuce Wraps recipe ! Think of this as your blueprint to building a flavour bomb that's lighter than your average Sunday roast. Cheers!

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, let’s break down what you’ll need for these awesome lettuce wraps recipe . honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff. and hey, if you're anything like me, you’ve probably already got half of it in your pantry.

We're aiming for something similar to chicken wraps pf changs , but, you know, even tastier, and healthier!

Main Ingredients

• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml )
• Ground Chicken: 1 pound ( 450g ) - Look for a nice pink color, not grey!
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely diced (about 1 cup/150g )
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons )
• Fresh Ginger: 1 inch ( 2.5cm ), peeled and minced (about 1 tablespoon )
• Water Chestnuts: 1 (8 ounce) can , drained and diced ( 225g ) - Adds that awesome crunch!
• Green Onions: 2 , thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml )
• Hoisin Sauce: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml )
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml )
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) (Optional, but adds a great depth of flavor.)
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml )
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste) - For a little kick!
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon ( 10g )
• Water: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml )
• Lettuce: 1 head of butter or romaine

Seasoning Notes

The secret sauce! the seasoning in this copycat of chang lettuce wraps is what really makes it sing. we're talking soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar and sesame oil - that's where the magic happens.

Don't be afraid to experiment here, you know? if you like a bit more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.

Sometimes I add a dash of fish sauce to amp up the umami, but that’s just me being extra. For those Pf Chang Lettuce Wraps Copycat , The hoisin and soy sauce are doing a lot of heavy lifting!

Equipment Needed

Honestly, you don’t need a ton of fancy gear for Chicken For Lettuce Wraps . The essential are as follow:

• Large skillet or wok - For stir frying. A wok is fun, but not essential.
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl for sauce mixture

And if you don't have a wok? no sweat! a regular large skillet works just fine for these stir fry lettuce wraps .

I've even made these in a pinch using an electric frying pan - you do you! honestly, sometimes i use the crock pot lettuce wraps method too, works great!

Next up, we're diving into the actual cooking process. Get ready to stir fry !

Alright then, let's get cracking on this lettuce wraps recipe ! Think of this as your blueprint to building a flavour bomb that's lighter than your average Sunday roast. Cheers!

Speedy & Savoury Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Inspired by PF Chang's)

These flavour packed chicken lettuce wraps are a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, inspired by the ever popular version at pf chang's chicken lettuce wraps .

Ground chicken is stir fried with a vibrant blend of asian inspired sauces, crunchy water chestnuts, and crisp green onions, then served in refreshing lettuce cups.

A delightful combination of savoury, sweet, and umami flavours! think a little bit of a chinese takeaway, without all the dodgy fats and extra salt, you know? some people are trying to find a pf chang lettuce wraps copycat .

Prep Like a Pro

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, get organised. dice your onion, mince your garlic and ginger. drain and dice those water chestnuts. slice those green onions thin.

Measure out all your sauces. honestly, getting this done first makes everything smoother. think of it like assembling a lego set all the pieces ready to go.

Time Saving Organization

While the skillet heats up, whisk together your sauce ingredients. a little bowl works great. you want that soy sauce, hoisin sauce , rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes all happy together.

Then, make your cornstarch slurry. this is just cornstarch and water. don't skip this!

Safety Reminders

Ground chicken cooks fast, but make sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe. And please, watch that hot oil! I once splattered myself and learned my lesson. Ouch!

step-by-step Stir Fry Lettuce Wraps

Alright, let's get cooking! This Stir Fry Lettuce Wraps recipe is a total winner.

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet. Add 1 pound (450g) of ground chicken and cook, breaking it up. Drain any fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves , and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger . Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add Water Chestnuts and Green Onions: Stir in 1 can of diced water chestnuts and 2 sliced green onions .
4. Pour in the Sauce: Pour in that sauce you mixed earlier.
5. Thicken Magic: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute .
6. Serve It Up: Spoon that delicious chicken into your lettuce cups!

Pro Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken is a killer. it gets dry and sad. watch it carefully and pull it off the heat when it's just cooked through.

Also, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. it's what makes the sauce cling to the chicken. i once forgot, and it was a watery mess!

make-ahead Options

You can totally make the chicken filling a day ahead. just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to eat.

I do this all the time when i'm short on time.

Chicken wraps are one of my favorite things. I’ve got a friend who's obsessed with the Pf Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Healthy options.

Also, Turkey Lettuce Wraps Pf Changs is a great variation you can make.

I had a crazy night with those Copycat Of Chang Lettuce Wraps recipe!

Recipe Notes

So, you're diving into this lettuce wraps recipe ? Awesome! Honestly, these ain't your grandma's lettuce wraps. They're inspired by Pf Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps , but with a home cooked touch, know what I mean? It all boils down to those delicious details!

Let's Talk Serving Suggestions

Okay, presentation matters, right? think about it. pile the chicken for lettuce wraps high in a pretty bowl. serve with vibrant green lettuce leaves.

I love using butter lettuce, but romaine totally works too. a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds? chef's kiss. as for sides, keep it light.

Maybe some steamed rice or a simple asian slaw. an iced green tea completes the whole experience.

Storage Situation Sorted

Made too much filling? no biggie! let it cool completely. then, stash it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days. freezing? yeah, you can do that too. just expect the texture might change a little.

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. add a splash of water if it seems dry.

Variations, Baby!

Got dietary needs? we can tweak this. for a chicken wraps pf changs style with less sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.

Want a vegetarian twist? crumble firm tofu. sauté it till golden brown. add some chopped mushrooms for that umami punch.

For a seasonal swap, use whatever veggies are in season. diced bell peppers or zucchini in the summer? why not!

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, quick nutrition rundown. each serving clocks in around 350 calories. it packs a good punch of protein (about 30g).

The fat content is moderate (15g). the carbs are reasonable (20g). now, sodium can be a bit high. depends on the soy sauce you use.

It is pf chang's lettuce wraps copycat, and its healthy!. so, choose wisely. the real benefit? you are control your food ingredients.

Honestly, making these stir fry lettuce wraps or even attempting crock pot lettuce wraps is easier than you think. don't be intimidated! get in the kitchen.

Experiment with your favorite flavors. and most importantly, have fun. you got this! soon enough you'll be making great turkey lettuce wraps pf changs .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this lettuce wraps recipe vegetarian or vegan?

No worries, going meat free is easy! Simply swap the ground chicken for crumbled firm or extra firm tofu (press it well first to remove excess water!) or a plant based ground meat alternative.

For an extra boost of flavour, consider adding a pinch of dried mushroom powder to the tofu or plant based meat for that crucial umami punch. You'll want to double check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are vegan, or swap them out with tamari and other suitable substitutions, and Bob's your uncle!

Can I prepare the chicken filling for this lettuce wraps recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great way to save time during the week. Prepare the chicken filling as directed in the recipe, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Give it a good stir and you are good to go! I usually prep it on a Sunday afternoon.

My lettuce wraps are soggy! How can I prevent this?

Nobody wants a soggy bottom! First, make sure your lettuce leaves are completely dry after washing a salad spinner is your best friend here. Don't overload the lettuce cups with filling; a little goes a long way.

Also, try to assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving to prevent the filling from sitting in the lettuce for too long. If you are really worried about it, serve the filling on the table so everyone can fill their own lettuce wraps!

What kind of lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?

Butter lettuce (also known as Boston lettuce) is a classic choice because of its soft, pliable leaves that form perfect little cups. Romaine lettuce is another good option, offering a bit more crunch and structure.

You could also try using iceberg lettuce, but it is not as easy to work with, and provides less flavour in the wrap. Avoid using baby spinach, you are trying to make a lettuce wrap, not a spinach wrap!

Can I freeze the chicken filling from this lettuce wraps recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken filling! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container or bag. It'll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Reheat thoroughly before serving in fresh lettuce cups. It's as easy as pie!

Is this lettuce wraps recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

These lettuce wraps are a relatively healthy option, especially compared to some takeaway alternatives. They're packed with protein from the chicken, and you're getting some veggies in there too! The biggest things to watch out for are the sodium content (from the soy sauce and hoisin sauce) and added sugars.

Choose low-sodium soy sauce and be mindful of portion sizes. You can load up on veggies in your wraps too. It is worth remembering that moderation is key, as always!