Copycat PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Quick Facts

• Difficulty: Medium
• Servings: 4 as appetizer, 2 as main course
• Cuisine Type: Asian-Fusion

The first time I made these PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps at home, my family couldn’t believe they weren’t from the restaurant. This popular appetizer features savory Asian-spiced chicken stir-fried with vegetables, served in cool, crisp lettuce cups for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. High in protein and lower in carbs than traditional egg rolls, these lettuce wraps deliver incredible taste without weighing you down.

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Why This Recipe Works

This copycat recipe succeeds by faithfully recreating the complex flavor profile that makes the original so addictive. The key is striking a perfect balance of umami-rich sauces, fresh aromatics, and varied textures, from crunchy water chestnuts to tender chicken. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with flavor, while the quick stir-fry method preserves the crispness of the vegetables.

Ingredients

• Lettuce – Creates the fresh, crisp vessels for serving
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Provides lean protein that takes on flavors beautifully
• Cornstarch – Tenderizes chicken and thickens the sauce
• Sherry or red wine – Adds depth and acidity to balance the savory flavors
• Soy sauce – Creates the umami foundation of the dish
• Vegetable or peanut oil – High smoke point oil perfect for stir-frying
• Fresh ginger – Adds aromatic warmth and distinctive Asian flavor
• Garlic cloves – Provides essential aromatic base notes
• Green onions – Contributes fresh, mild onion flavor and color
• Shiitake mushrooms – Delivers meaty texture and earthy flavor
• Bamboo shoots – Adds unique crunch and subtle flavor
• Water chestnuts – Creates signature crunch that contrasts with the soft filling
• Chinese cellophane noodles – Adds interesting texture and helps absorb sauce
• Hoisin sauce – Provides sweet and savory complexity
• Oyster sauce – Contributes rich umami depth
• Sesame oil – Adds nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor
• Sugar – Balances the savory elements with subtle sweetness

What lettuce do you use for lettuce wraps?

Any variety of lettuce with a mild flavor and large leaves is suitable for this recipe.

Butter lettuce’s round, bowl-like leaves and mild taste make this type of lettuce almost perfect. However, if you can’t find Butter lettuce, another good option is iceberg lettuce with its large and very bland leaves

How to make PF Chang Lettuce Wraps

1. In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sherry, oyster sauce, water, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch.

2. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, sherry, soy sauce, and water. Add chicken and stir to coat thoroughly.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of oil to the chicken mixture and let sit for 15 minutes.

4. Chop chicken into small pieces. Discard marinade.
5. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add 3 tablespoons oil to the wok and then add chicken and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.

7. Remove chicken to a plate or bowl and set aside.
8. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok.
9. Add ginger, garlic, and onion, and stir-fry for a minute or so.
10. Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.

11. Return the chicken to the wok. Add cooking sauce to the wok. Stir to combine.

12. Cook until thickened and hot. You may want to taste these and see if you need to season them with salt or additional soy sauce.
13. Prepare noodles according to package instructions.
14. Remove the lettuce leaves from the core while the noodles are cooking.

15. Break cooked cellophane noodles into small pieces and cover the bottom of serving the dish with them.
16. Pour chicken mixture on top of noodles.
17. Serve with lettuce leaves.

If you are planning to serve this for guests as an appetizer, I recommend going with smaller leaves of lettuce, such as butter lettuce. This way, guests will be restricted to spooning a lesser amount of filling.

Tips for copycat PF Changs Lettuce Wraps

• Make Ahead of Time – You can easily make this recipe in advance. Go ahead and make the filling up to two days before then reheat it in the microwave or a large skillet.
• Reheating the Filling – From fresh: Sprinkle a little bit of water on the filling, then reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet for 3-4
  minutes. From frozen: Let the filling defrost in the fridge overnight, then follow the same instructions above. Add to fresh lettuce and enjoy!
• Storing Leftovers – The leftovers from this recipe will last up to five days in the fridge. But don’t save leftover filling on the lettuce because the lettuce will get soggy.
• Freezing the Filling – You can freeze the filling in glass containers for up to three months.
• Taking it to Work – A good idea is to store the filling in the bottom of a mason jar and then add chopped lettuce on top so that the two ingredients stay separated. Have a yummy Thai lunch at your desk.

How do you serve lettuce wraps? 

When you serve these copycat PF Chang Lettuce Wraps, keep the lettuce and warm chicken filling separate to prevent the leaves from wilting. Let your guests roll their own wraps, and don’t forget to provide some extra hoisin, duck, and chili sauces for people who want to add a little more flavor. May want to serve this with the PF Chang’s Chang Mai Tai and the PF Changs Orange Chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options:

• Ground chicken – For a texture closer to the restaurant version
• Ground turkey – A leaner alternative that works well
• Tofu – For a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu crumbled

Vegetable Options:

• Bell peppers – Add color and crunch
• Carrots – Contribute sweetness and texture
• Jicama – Provides a water chestnut-like crunch if unavailable

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check hoisin sauce for gluten
• Lower-carb – Skip the cellophane noodles and reduce or omit the sugar
• Spicy version – Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to taste

Storage and Serving

• Meal prep: Store filling in the bottom of a mason jar with chopped lettuce on top for work lunches
• Make ahead: Prepare filling up to two days in advance and reheat before serving
• Storage: Keep filling refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezing: Freeze filling in sealed containers for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Sprinkle with water before microwaving for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through

Love yummy Thai food? Try these recipes!

• Instant Pot Yellow Curry
• Thai Shrimp Pasta
• CPK Thai Chicken Pizza

Popular Asian recipes

• Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad
• Best Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
• Chinese BBQ Ribs
• Crabmeat Casserole
• Egg Foo Young
• Homemade Wontons
• Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Japanese Katsu
• Panda Express Chow Mein
• PF Chang’s Orange Chicken

Be sure to check out more of my easy Asian recipes and the best restaurant copycat recipes here on CopyKat.com!

And, I would love to hear what your favorite Thai dish is – feel free to drop me a line in the comments.

Thanks to MarcyG76 for sharing this recipe.