Name: PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps with Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons soy sauce; 2 Tablespoons mirin; 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 pound ground chicken breast; 1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and minced (about 1 cup); 10 fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and chopped (about 2/3 cup; if dried, soak in warm water until soft before chopping); 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated; 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish); Lettuce cups (such as iceberg or butter lettuce) for serving; 3 Tablespoons soy sauce; 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar; 1–3 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust based on heat preference); 1/2–1 teaspoon Chinese hot mustard paste; 1/8 teaspoon chili oil; 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 46 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the unforgettable flavors from your favorite Asian bistro, you are going to fall head over heels for this PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps with Dipping Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together juicy ground chicken, crisp water chestnuts, and aromatic shiitake mushrooms all wrapped in refreshing lettuce cups. The real magic happens with the customizable dipping sauce that dances on your taste buds, perfectly balancing salty, tangy, and spicy notes for an irresistible bite every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a mix of three main layers: on the right is a pinkish layer of ground meat soaking partly in a dark soy-colored sauce around the bowl’s edge; above it on the left side are small, dark brown chopped mushrooms; below the mushrooms near the center and left is a chunky pile of pale beige water chestnuts or similar crunchy vegetable; and a small pile of finely chopped light yellow garlic or ginger sits between the meat and vegetables. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of making these lettuce wraps at home is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component adds a specific texture, flavor, or color that elevates the overall dish, making it a harmonious crowd-pleaser.

Soy sauce (3 Tablespoons): This salty umami base ties the marinade and sauce together beautifully.
Mirin (2 Tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the marinade for tender, flavorful chicken.
Oyster sauce (1 Tablespoon): Provides a rich, savory punch that boosts the meatiness of the ground chicken.
Rice vinegar (1 Tablespoon + additional in sauce): Brings a bright tanginess that lifts the whole dish.
Vegetable oil (1 Tablespoon): Perfect for a high-heat stir-fry without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ground chicken breast (1 pound): The star protein that keeps these wraps moist and healthy.
Water chestnuts (1 can, minced): Adds a delightful crunch and fresh texture contrast.
Shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried, chopped): They infuse earthy richness and umami.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential aromatic that gives the dish a fragrant kick.
Green onion (for garnish and sauce): Adds a mild oniony freshness and color pop.
Lettuce cups: Crisp and refreshing vehicle for your flavorful filling.
Chili garlic sauce (1–3 teaspoons): Customizable heat for your dipping sauce.
Chinese hot mustard paste (½–1 teaspoon): Adds a bold, spicy twist to the sauce if you like some extra zing.
Chili oil (⅛ teaspoon): For subtle warmth and fragrance in the sauce.

How to Make PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps with Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken Mixture

Begin by mixing together soy sauce, mirin, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar to create the marinade. This blend will tenderize and flavor the ground chicken beautifully. Combine your ground chicken with the minced water chestnuts, chopped shiitake mushrooms, and garlic, then pour in the marinade. Let this mixture rest for about 15 minutes so the flavors infuse fully.

Step 2: Make the Special Dipping Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare your dipping sauce. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and green onions in a bowl. Depending on your spice preference, add chili garlic sauce and Chinese hot mustard paste accordingly. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, this sauce complements the wraps perfectly and lets everyone tailor their flavor experience.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Filling

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or sauté pan over high heat. Once sizzling, add the marinated chicken mixture. Stir-fry vigorously, breaking up the meat with your spatula until it is cooked through and fragrant. The aromas at this stage are truly mouthwatering!

Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy

Spoon the warm chicken mixture into crisp lettuce cups and serve alongside your delicious dipping sauce. Each bite is a beautiful melody of savory, crunchy, fresh, and spicy flavors that makes this PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps with Dipping Sauce Recipe an absolute joy to eat.

How to Serve PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps with Dipping Sauce Recipe

A top view of a single large pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of light brown vegetables or mushrooms, all evenly spread to fill the pan. The pan is black with a long handle, placed on a white marbled surface. The texture of the meat mixture looks crumbly with some soft chunks scattered throughout, showing a warm, browned color with some darker browned spots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions sprinkled on top add a bright pop of flavor and color that immediately elevates your presentation. For an extra touch, you can add finely chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to enhance the nutty depth and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve the wraps alongside a simple vegetable stir-fry or steamed jasmine rice to round out the meal. Alternatively, a light cucumber salad with a tangy dressing will provide a cooling contrast to the warm, spicy filling and sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, offer a platter with multiple lettuce types like butter lettuce, romaine, and bibb, so guests can customize their wraps. You can also present the filling in small bowls for DIY assembly, perfect for entertaining and encouraging interaction around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover filling, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the lettuce cups separate to maintain their crisp texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken filling in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. However, avoid freezing the lettuce cups or dipping sauce to preserve their freshness and texture.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Warm the sauce slightly if preferred, but it’s often best served at room temperature for that vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even finely chopped shiitake mushrooms for a vegetarian version work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked and flavorful.

What type of lettuce works best for these wraps?

Crisp varieties such as butter lettuce, iceberg, or even bibb lettuce are ideal. Their sturdy yet tender leaves create the perfect edible vessel to hold all the delicious filling without tearing.

How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The dipping sauce is completely customizable. You control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce and hot mustard paste. Start with small amounts and add more until it reaches your preferred spice level.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and marinate the filling a few hours in advance and prep the dipping sauce earlier in the day. Just keep everything refrigerated and assemble right before serving for the best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps with Dipping Sauce Recipe gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without worry.

Final Thoughts

There is something so satisfying about crafting this PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps with Dipping Sauce Recipe at home. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat, making it a perfect dish to share with family and friends. Give it a try and watch how this easy yet elegant recipe quickly becomes one of your go-to favorites for a quick weeknight meal or casual entertaining.