If you’ve ever dined at PF Chang’s, you’ve probably heard of their signature lettuce wraps. Crispy, savory, and perfectly seasoned, this crowd-favorite starter has become a must-order dish for millions. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to eat out to enjoy them anymore.
In this exclusive breakdown, we’ll show you how to bring the flavor and freshness of PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps into your own kitchen—using simple ingredients and a quick, step-by-step recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
And the best part? It’s low-carb, customizable, and surprisingly budget-friendly.
Table of Contents
A Little Backstory: Why Everyone Loves PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
There’s something about that combination of warm, seasoned ground chicken and cool, crisp lettuce cups that just works. Maybe it’s the contrast in textures. Maybe it’s that rich, umami-packed sauce made with hoisin and soy. Or maybe it’s the nostalgic connection diners feel when scooping a bite with their hands.
“I tried them once and never looked back,” says Emily R., a home cook from Austin, Texas. “Now I make them every week!”
Whether you’re eating light or feeding the whole family, these wraps have earned their place at the dinner table.
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What’s Inside PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps?
While the restaurant keeps its exact blend under wraps, most food bloggers and chefs agree the magic lies in a few pantry staples:
- Ground chicken (though turkey or tofu works too)
- Water chestnuts for crunch
- Garlic and ginger for bold aroma
- Soy and hoisin sauces for that rich, deep flavor
- Green onions for freshness
- Butter or Bibb lettuce to hold it all together
PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps contain ground chicken, water chestnuts, soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and ginger, all served in cool lettuce cups.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 4)
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ground chicken | 1 lb |
Water chestnuts (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Ginger (minced) | 1 tbsp |
Soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
Hoisin sauce | 2 tbsp |
Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Green onions (sliced) | 3 stalks |
Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Lettuce leaves | 8–10 (Bibb or Butter preferred) |
Recommended Equipment
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Lettuce Wraps Like a Pro
Step 1: Cook the Garlic & Ginger
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Toss in the ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well. Mix in the chopped water chestnuts and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Freshen It Up
Turn off the heat and add green onions and sesame oil. Stir and let it rest for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a few tablespoons of the warm filling into each lettuce cup. Serve immediately, with extra hoisin or chili sauce on the side.
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Why This Recipe Beats Takeout
- Ready in 25 minutes – Faster than delivery.
- Healthier – No MSG, less sodium, and cleaner ingredients.
- Flexible – Make it keto, gluten-free, or plant-based.
- Affordable – One recipe serves 4 at the price of one restaurant order.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for finely chopped mushrooms or firm tofu for the same satisfying texture.
Tips for Perfect Lettuce Wraps Every Time
- Use Butter or Bibb Lettuce – These varieties are soft, flexible, and hold the filling without tearing.
- Don’t Overfill – Two to three spoonfuls per wrap keeps them easy to handle and eat.
- Pair Smartly – Serve with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or a tangy slaw for a full meal.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per 2 Wraps)
Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 290 |
Protein | 24g |
Carbs | 12g |
Fat | 16g |
Fiber | 2g |
Where to Find the Best Ingredients
You can grab everything you need from Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or even Amazon Fresh.
Pro tip: Go for low-sodium soy sauce, organic hoisin, and fresh ginger to level up your dish.
Real Reviews from Real Kitchens
“This tastes just like the restaurant version—maybe even better.”
– James P., food blogger
“I meal prep this every Sunday. It’s healthy, filling, and my kids love it.”
– Rachel S., mom of two
Final Thoughts: Bring the Restaurant Home
If you’re craving something light yet satisfying, PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps deliver every time. And with this simple recipe, you won’t need reservations—or a delivery app.
Just 25 minutes, a few ingredients, and your favorite skillet, and you’ll be scooping up fresh, flavorful bites that taste like they came straight from the chef’s kitchen.
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Key Takeaways:
- PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps are a restaurant favorite, known for their savory ground chicken filling and crisp lettuce cups.
- This homemade version is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and water chestnuts for an authentic flavor.
- Low-carb, high-protein, and customizable for keto, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets.
- Butter or Bibb lettuce is best for wrapping; avoid overfilling to keep wraps easy to eat.
- Nutritionally balanced at just ~290 calories for 2 wraps.
- Ingredients can be found at major grocery stores or online (Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Amazon Fresh).
- Cheaper and healthier than takeout—ideal for clean eating and portion control.
- Loved by home cooks for being tasty, fast, and family-friendly.
PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps (Better Than Takeout)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add ground chicken. Break it apart with a wooden spatula and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Add chopped water chestnuts and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
- Turn off heat. Stir in sliced green onions and sesame oil. Let it rest for 1 minute.
- Spoon filling into individual lettuce leaves. Serve warm with optional dipping sauces like hoisin or chili garlic sauce.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or crumbled tofu.
- For meal prep: Make filling ahead and store separately. Assemble wraps fresh.
- Goes well with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or Asian slaw.
Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.Blog, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.