Name: Crunchy PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey, beef, or pork); ½ cup yellow onion, minced; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 8-10 cremini mushrooms, diced; 8 ounces whole water chestnuts, drained and diced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 pinch crushed red chili pepper flakes; 1 head butter lettuce (or baby Romaine lettuce or similar); 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil; 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 ½ teaspoons lime juice (plus extra for garnish); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Green onions, chopped, for garnish; White sesame seeds, for garnish; Peanuts, roughly chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 64 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that iconic restaurant favorite at home, today’s the day because I’m sharing the ultimate Crunchy PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe. This dish is all about the perfect harmony between savory ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and rich umami mushrooms, wrapped in crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves. It’s light yet satisfying, bursting with flavor and texture in every bite, making it an unbeatable starter or even a main course at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to favorite for quick dinners and casual entertaining alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan filled with cooked ground turkey that is light brown and beige in color, mixed with small pieces of sautéed onions. A wooden spoon with a round flat edge is resting inside the pan, partially lifting some of the turkey. The pan is set on a wooden cutting board and placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Crunchy PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe is in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s incredible depth of flavor and texture. From the juicy ground chicken to the crunchy water chestnuts and the tangy sauce, every element comes together to create a symphony of taste and color.

1 pound ground chicken: The tender base that soaks up all the delicious sauce flavors perfectly.
1 tablespoon vegetable (or peanut) oil: For sautéing, helping everything cook evenly and adding subtle richness.
½ cup yellow onion, minced: Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
2 large garlic cloves, minced: Gives a punch of savory warmth to brighten the dish.
1 pinch crushed red chili pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things exciting.
8–10 cremini mushrooms, diced: Earthy flavor and meaty texture enhance the filling.
8 ounces whole water chestnuts, drained and diced: The key crunch that makes these wraps unforgettable.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: A zesty spice that lifts the whole mixture.
1 head butter lettuce (or baby Romaine): Crisp, cool, and perfect for wrapping up all those savory bites.
5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): The salty backbone of the sauce, keeping it balanced.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy kick to the sauce.
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory, it brings everything together in harmony.
1 ½ teaspoons lime juice: A splash to freshen and brighten each bite.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly.
Green onions: For garnish and a fresh, mild onion crunch.
Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty texture on top.
Peanuts: Optional, for an extra crunch and toasty flavor.

How to Make Crunchy PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the sesame oil, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Setting this aside lets the flavors meld, which will elevate the whole wrap filling later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat a bit of your chosen cooking oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced mushrooms and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds an earthy richness to your filling.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the ground chicken. Cook it until it’s about halfway browned, stirring frequently to break it up into nice, even crumbles. This creates the hearty, meaty base of your wraps.

Step 4: Add the Aromatics and Spice

Once the chicken starts to brown, toss in the minced onions, red chili flakes, garlic, and grated ginger. These aromatics infuse the dish with warming flavors and just a hint of heat. Let everything cook together until the onions soften.

Step 5: Combine Mushrooms, Water Chestnuts, and Sauce

Return the mushrooms to the skillet, add the diced water chestnuts, then pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a minute or two so all the flavors blend beautifully and the filling becomes glossy and delicious.

Step 6: Assemble the Wraps

Lay out your crisp butter lettuce leaves or baby Romaine. Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of the warm filling into each lettuce cup. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors instantly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top your wraps generously with green onions, sesame seeds, and peanuts if you have them on hand. These final touches add extra crunch and visual appeal that make these wraps irresistible.

How to Serve Crunchy PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe

A clear round bowl filled with a dark brown sauce that has small visible specks of seasoning floating throughout. The sauce has a smooth, glossy surface and fills most of the bowl evenly. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with subtle warm tones. A crumpled light purple cloth is placed near the top left corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Green onions give a fresh pop of color and mild bite, while sesame seeds add texture and a toasty note. Crushed peanuts or even a sprinkle of chia seeds can provide that extra crunch to complement the tender filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider light and fresh sides such as a crisp cucumber salad or Asian slaw. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice or simple miso soup can also be wonderful companions if you want something a bit more filling but still balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the filling in decorative small bowls alongside individual lettuce leaves, so everyone can build their own wraps. You could also offer a variety of dipping sauces like extra hoisin, spicy Sriracha mayo, or a squeeze of fresh lime on the side for personalized flavor kicks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover filling to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to avoid sogginess, so your wraps stay crisp and fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

The filling can be frozen for longer storage. Spread it out on a baking sheet to freeze quickly, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the filling on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the water chestnuts crisp. Assemble fresh lettuce leaves just before serving to preserve their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in the Crunchy PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe and will give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have water chestnuts?

While water chestnuts are essential for that signature crunch, you can substitute diced jicama or peeled peanuts for some extra texture, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, try substituting the ground meat with finely diced tofu or a plant-based ground alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times and seasoning to keep the texture and flavor balanced.

What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?

Butter lettuce and baby Romaine lettuce are perfect because they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling but tender and crisp enough to complement it without overpowering the flavors.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a mild kick from the crushed red chili flakes, which can be adjusted higher or lower according to your preference for heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly nothing quite like the homemade satisfaction of the Crunchy PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat — ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a light meal any day of the week. The combination of textures and bold flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. So, pull out your skillet and give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!