Asian Lettuce Wraps

If you have ever been to P.F. Chang's, you have probably tried their Asian lettuce wrap appetizer. They are freaking delicious, and everyone loves P.F. Chang's. Especially the company that sells them their massive stone horse sculptures.




The problem, however, is that if you have a craving for these lettuce wraps, it involves getting in your car, driving to P.F. Chang's, waiting in line forever, and spending $10. Why not skip all that and make it yourself? I'll show you how!


Food Porn Description: Cool, crisp lettuce surrounds a warm mixture of ground turkey, savory onion and mushroom, and crunchy water chestnuts, all simmered in delicious Asian spices. With just the faintest hint of creamy peanut butter, your mouth will think it died and went to....well, P.F. Chang's!


Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground turkey. You can also use ground chicken like Chang's does, but I like the flavor of ground turkey better.

• 2 green onions. These add a delicious mild onion flavor, as well as a nice pop of green color.

• 1/2 package white button mushrooms. Not necessary, but they add another layer of flavor and texture to the mixture.

• 1 can water chestnuts, drained. Awesome and crunchy.

• 1 tbsp. sesame oil

• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp. minced ginger. I buy the kind in the tube from the grocery store, but you can mince your own.

• 1 tbsp. minced garlic

• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

• 3 tbsp. creamy peanut butter. I know you are probably thinking "WTF?" but it helps bind the mixture, adds a nutty undertone of flavor, and you have it in your pantry anyways!

• Head of green leaf lettuce. You can also use Bibb, but green leaf is less expensive and works great. Just peel off the individual leaves and snap off the crunchy base for a better wrapping experience.

• Shaved carrot to garnish. Optional, but it looks great and is super easy. Just peel some strips off a carrot with a vegetable peeler.

This recipe makes for a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a very filling main course. It is VERY messy though, so I would advise you not to make this when the President comes to visit your house.




Directions:

Chop up your green onion, mushrooms, and water chestnuts into small pieces.




Heat a high-sided skillet to medium high heat and add your sesame oil, vegetable oil, veggies, garlic, and ginger. Stir to coat the veggies with the oil and garlic/ginger.




Once the veggies have softened up and the garlic and ginger are nice and fragrant, add your ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns.




Once the turkey is cooked and no pink remains, add your teriyaki sauce and peanut butter. Stir until the peanut butter melts into the mixture.




Spoon the mixture into a bowl and garnish with the carrot. Serve with individual lettuce leaves for everyone to make their own. That's a wrap! Har har.




Do YOU have any recipes to re-create your favorite restaurant dishes?