Emily Carter
Pei Wei's chicken lettuce wraps are a popular choice for those looking for a healthier option when eating out at Asian restaurants or ordering takeout. The wraps are also a favourite recipe to recreate at home, with many recipes available online. The wraps are made with ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, water chestnuts, and garlic, wok-tossed in a savoury soy sauce and served with lettuce cups and crispy rice sticks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 670 |
| Protein | Chicken |
| Lettuce | Bibb or Butter lettuce |
| Toppings | Roasted cashews, roasted sesame seeds, Sriracha |
| Filling | Shiitake mushrooms, scallions, water chestnuts, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken filling
The chicken filling is the most important part of the Pei Wei chicken lettuce wraps. The recipe originated in Southeast Asia, and most Asian restaurants use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast as they pack more flavour. However, chicken breast can be used if preferred. The chicken is cooked in a skillet with oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. It is then broken up and cooked until it is finely ground and golden.
The other ingredients that go into the chicken filling include onions, peppers, mushrooms, scallions, water chestnuts, ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. These ingredients are cooked and then mixed with the chicken. The filling can be made spicier by adding Sriracha or chili garlic sauce. It can also be made healthier by substituting the ground chicken with ground turkey.
The chicken filling is then spooned into the centre of a lettuce leaf, taco-style. The lettuce used is typically Bibb or butter lettuce as these varieties have wide, pliable, and sturdy leaves that can hold the filling without falling apart.
The chicken filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve. It is a versatile recipe that can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or party finger food.
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Vegetables
Pei Wei chicken lettuce wraps are a popular choice for those looking for a healthy, tasty, and satisfying meal. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to personal preferences and dietary needs. While the chicken is the star of the dish, the vegetables play a crucial role in adding flavour, texture, and nutritional value.
Onions, peppers, and mushrooms are commonly used in chicken lettuce wraps. The onions and peppers are finely chopped, while the mushrooms are thinly sliced. This trio of vegetables provides a savoury base for the filling, adding depth of flavour and a soft texture that complements the crispiness of the lettuce.
Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are a signature ingredient in Pei Wei's chicken lettuce wraps. They offer a distinct earthy and umami flavour, enhancing the overall taste experience. Additionally, mushrooms are known for their nutritional benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants and vitamins.
Water chestnuts are another key vegetable ingredient in these wraps. They add a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Water chestnuts are typically coarsely chopped, providing a contrasting texture to the other softer vegetables. They also contain various nutrients, such as potassium and fibre.
Scallions, also known as green onions, are often used in Asian cuisine and play a dual role in this dish. They are added during the cooking process to impart a mild onion flavour and are then used as a topping for a fresh burst of flavour and a pop of colour. Scallions are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.
While not a vegetable, it is worth mentioning that garlic is also a common ingredient in Pei Wei chicken lettuce wraps. It adds a pungent kick to the filling and pairs well with the savoury and slightly sweet flavours of the other ingredients.
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Seasoning
When seasoning chicken lettuce wraps, salt and pepper are the most commonly used spices. Seasoning the chicken filling with a light sprinkling of salt and pepper is essential, as recommended by some recipes. This simple step helps to bring out the flavours in the chicken and enhance the overall taste of the wrap. However, it is important to be cautious when seasoning with salt, as the filling and sauces already contribute a significant amount of salt to the dish.
In addition to salt and pepper, garlic and ginger are also commonly used to season chicken lettuce wraps. These ingredients not only add flavour but also bring health benefits to the dish. The garlic and ginger are typically grated or minced and added to the chicken filling, infusing the wraps with their distinctive aromas and flavours.
Some recipes suggest adding soy sauce to the filling, which not only seasons the chicken but also adds a savoury, umami flavour to the dish. It is recommended to use reduced-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content of the dish without compromising on flavour.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, Sriracha or chilli garlic sauce can be added to the filling. This adds a bold and spicy dimension to the wraps, appealing to those who relish a tingling sensation on their palate.
Lastly, while not strictly a seasoning, the choice of lettuce can also impact the overall taste and texture of the wraps. Bibb or butter lettuce is recommended due to its wide, pliable, and sturdy leaves, which can hold the filling without falling apart.
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Sauce
The sauce is a key component of Pei Wei's chicken lettuce wraps, adding a burst of flavour to the dish. The sauce used in the wraps is a combination of several ingredients, carefully measured and mixed to create a unique taste. Here is a breakdown of the sauce's ingredients and preparation method:
Ingredients:
- Ginger: Grate or mince a tablespoon of ginger to add a spicy, pungent flavour to the sauce.
- Garlic: Mince or grate 2 teaspoons of garlic to bring a savoury, pungent note to the sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: Add 1/3 cup of hoisin sauce, which provides a sweet and tangy flavour with hints of garlic and spices.
- Soy Sauce: Include 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to contribute a salty, umami taste. It is recommended to use reduced sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar bring a mild acidity and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: A tablespoon of sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavour.
Preparation:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well incorporated.
- Heat Oil in a Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, in a large skillet over high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and allow it to cook undisturbed for about a minute. Then, break up the chicken and continue cooking until it is fully cooked through and golden in spots.
- Add Vegetables: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the onions, peppers, mushrooms, and scallions. Cook this mixture until everything is softened, about 7 minutes.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until everything is coated in the sauce, fragrant, and the sauce has slightly thickened. This should take about a minute.
- Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and season the sauced mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it with lettuce leaves, fried noodles, and toppings like cashews, sesame seeds, and Sriracha, if desired.
The sauce in Pei Wei's chicken lettuce wraps is a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty flavours, bringing the various ingredients in the wraps together. It is versatile, allowing for adjustments to suit personal preferences or dietary needs, such as reducing the sodium content or making it spicier with additional seasonings.
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Toppings
Vegetables
Vegetables add freshness, crunch, and nutritional value to the wraps. Mushrooms, such as shiitake, provide a meaty texture and a savoury flavour. Water chestnuts offer a satisfying crunch and a mild, sweet taste. Onions, specifically red or green onions, bring a sharp kick to the dish. Other vegetables like peppers, especially red bell peppers, can be included for added colour, sweetness, and texture.
Nuts and Seeds
Roasted cashews, coarsely chopped, provide a contrasting texture to the soft lettuce and a rich, nutty flavour. Sesame seeds, preferably roasted, add a subtle crunch and a nutty aroma to the wraps.
Herbs and Spices
Scallions, also known as green onions, bring a mild onion flavour and a bright, fresh touch to the wraps. Ginger and garlic are essential aromatics, providing warmth and depth of flavour. They can be grated or minced to create a more subtle effect.
Sauces and Condiments
Hoisin sauce, a sweet and salty Chinese condiment, adds a distinctive flavour to the wraps. Soy sauce, preferably reduced-sodium, enhances the savoury notes without making the dish too salty. Rice vinegar, or rice wine vinegar, contributes a mild acidity that brightens the other flavours. Sesame oil brings a nutty aroma and a unique, slightly smoky flavour. For those who enjoy spice, Sriracha or chilli garlic sauce can be drizzled on top or mixed into the filling for a kick.
Crunchy Extras
Fried rice noodles or crispy rice sticks add an extra crunchy element to the wraps. These can be made by frying maifun noodles in hot oil until they puff up.
The versatility of toppings allows for customisation to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. It is important to note that the key to a great chicken lettuce wrap is finding the right balance of flavours and textures, so feel free to experiment and adjust the toppings to your liking.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients are ground chicken, onions, peppers, mushrooms, scallions, water chestnuts, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and lettuce.
The chicken filling consists of ground chicken, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey.
