Copycat (better than) P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Year's ago, I ventured out to my first P.F. Chang's restaurant. They boasted of fresh, quality food with natural ingredients. Well, I am sorry to say, that unless massive amounts of grease and over-processed food have suddenly become natural ingredients, this wasn't to be so. I was disappointed to say the least. Overpriced and very overrated for those of us who appreciate authentic Chinese dishes.

One of the dishes I had ordered was their "famous" lettuce wraps. Grease seemed to be the main ingredient. I did love the concept behind them, however, so when perusing the internet, I found iowagirleats.com copycat recipe, a much healthier version, I had to try them.

This is what P.F. Chang's boasts of. Absolutely yummy! Not a drop of grease to be found! I shamelessly admit I ate them until I couldn't take another bite.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground chicken breast

1/2 medium onion, minced

1 dash each of salt and pepper

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 inch nob fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1 TBLS. sesame oil

2 1/2 TBLS. soy sauce

1/2 TBLS. water

1 TBLS. natural peanut butter

1/2 TBLS. honey

1 TBLS. + 1 tsp. rice vinegar

2 tsps. chili garlic sauce

dash of pepper

3 green onions, chopped

1/2 of an 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

10 - 12 large outer lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Heat a large non stick skillet on high. Add chicken, onion, salt and pepper and cook until chicken is nearly done, stirring often to break up the meat. Add in minced garlic and ginger and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink.

Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, water, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce and pepper. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add into skillet and stir to combine.

Add green onions and water chestnuts to the skillet, then cook for 1 -2 minutes until the onions are soft and the water chestnuts are heated through. 

Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and serve on cold lettuce leaves.

Amazing!