PF Chang’s Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

PF Chang’s restaurant inspired vegetarian lettuce wraps, totally a healthier version. I used texturized vegetable protein (TVP) to make these vegetarian wraps. These wraps can be easily made at home in less than 30 minutes ( time includes homemade Hoisin Sauce recipe making time). With homemade hoisin sauce, its totally guilt free wraps, and tastes so much better. Vegetarian lettuce wraps can be served as an appetizer or as an main entrée. Recipe includes detailed instructions with stepwise pictures and tips.

Unless you make and try the wraps with TVP, you will not know the delicious taste and meat like texture. It is a very healthier option for vegetarians or if you are looking for a different alternative to meat . Very easy to make these vegetarian lettuce wrap at home and it truly tastes much better than tofu.

Definitely homemade hoisin sauce is a highlight in this recipe. You can easily prepare TVP within minutes if you have the hoisin sauce made ahead of time. I usually make the hoisin sauce and have it in my refrigerator, because I use a lot in my Asian recipes. No addictive’s added to the sauce and made with pantry ingredients in less than 10 minutes. You can alternate this recipe with store brought hoisin sauce as well.

What is Texturized vegetable protein ?

Texturized vegetable protein (TVP) also known as soya chunks , soya granules, textured soy protein (TSP), or soy meat. It is a defatted soy flour product, a by-product of extracting soybean oil. It is often used as a meat analogue or meat extender. TVP is easier and quick to cook, with a protein content comparable to certain meats and it’s 100% vegetarian.

“Especially In today’s lifestyle. the challenge for all mom’s is to serve healthy and tasty food “.  So when it comes to vegetarian food, the options are less to choose. These soya chunks / soya granules is a very good meat substitute, taste and texture resembles meat. kids who refuse to eat vegetarian, will not find out the difference if it is meat or soya chunks. Totally worth it to try this nutritious TVP.

• Soya chunks or soya granules by it nature can easily absorb any flavor when cooked . And it is easy to prepare many healthy plus tasty dishes.
• To give a good flavor for the soya chunks – while boiling the water you can add 1 or 2 tsp of milk, and then boil chunks .

What is the difference between soya chunks and soya granules?

Soya chunks and soya granules are the same, the only difference between the two is their size and its in different forms. Chunks are bigger in size than soya granules. Soya chunks are about the size of a dice, whereas soya granules are about the size of small pellets. In addition to chunks and granules, textured vegetable protein is also available in different forms.

Where to buy soya chunks or soya granules ?

Usually I buy Soya granules and soya chunks from Indian Store. Nutrela brand is good from Indian market, this brand carries both chunks and granules, you can buy this Nutrela brand in Amazon online as well.  Alternatively you can buy other available brands (granules or chunks ) in online Amazon, or in any leading grocery store if available. Bob’s Red Mill brand Textured Soy Protein is also good.

Note – I do not recommend using soy protein powder for this recipe .

How to use soya chunks in this recipe?

If using chunks , cook the chunks ( see below for the cooking instructions) and then give a quick whip in the mixer / food processor once or twice ( Just to break down ). Do not grind too much it will be become mushy and loose its texture ( texture is very important).

How to use soya granules in this recipe?

If using Soya Granules, cook the granules ( see the link below for the cooking instructions) and use them directly in the recipe after cooking it, no need to grind in mixer.

How to cook textured vegetable proteins

You can find the complete instructions with step wise pictures on how to cook the soya chunks in the link given below.

• How to cook textured vegetable protein / soya chunks / granules

Can I make these lettuce wraps with other meats ?

Absolutely yes, I have made the wraps chicken. It is a similar recipe like these vegetarian wraps and tastes exactly like PF Chang’s restaurants signature chicken lettuce wraps appetizer. Recipe with stepwise pictures is given, check the link below ( picture below is the chicken lettuce wraps from the blog).

• PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

How to use other meats other than chicken ?

Make sure to use a minced meat or buy meat which is already minced and sold in the groceries frozen section. Cook / sauté the meat with pepper and salt until its completely cooked, cooking time may vary for different meat. After cooking the meat, add chestnuts sauce and spring onions.

How can I make homemade hoisin sauce?

It is a simple two step recipe using basic ingredients from your pantry and make it in less than 10 minutes. Absolutely no addictive’s added, taste and texture is much better than store brought sauce. For the recipe of how to make the hoisin sauce with stepwise pictures, check the link below.

• Homemade Hoisin Sauce Recipe.

What is water chestnuts used in the recipe?

• Eleocharis dulcis, the Chinese water chestnut or water chestnut, is a grass-like sedge native to Asia. It is grown in many countries for its edible corms.

Where can I find these water Chestnuts ?

• I used canned water chestnuts from Walmart. You can find these canned (or in a jar) water chestnuts in any grocery store like Target, Safeway, any Asian groceries or in Amazon online. Usually they sell in a 8 ounce can ( either sliced or whole).  Drain the water content from the can. Chop the required quantity of chestnuts into small pieces, and use it in the recipes .

What variety lettuce are the best for making the wraps?

I’ve used Iceberg lettuce in the recipe which is what many Asian restaurants would serve with the wraps. You can alternatively use Butter lettuce / butter-head lettuce too. Leaves are little flexible in the butter lettuce.

How to make and serve the rice noodles with the lettuce wraps ?

• Buy the thin variety rice noodle, they are sold in Asian market or in any grocery store like Walmart , Target or Safeway in International food section or buy them from Amazon online.
• Heat enough oil in the pot / kadai . Once the oil is hot, break the noodle into two and put it into the hot oil and fry till it puffs up ( take few seconds only) . Drain the fried noodles on the paper towel to remove excess oil.
• Serve the noodles on the sides with the TVP and lettuce, or layer the bed of noodles on the bottom of the plate, then add the TVP on top the noodles and serve the lettuce on the sides. When eating, garnish the fried noodles on the top of TVP placed on the lettuce for crunchy texture, and eat immediately. Fried noodles gives a good crunchiness for every bite.

Serving suggestions

• Serve the TVP, chopped lettuce, sauce and fried noodles separately on a plate ( like shown in the profile picture).
• You could also serve the fried noodles on the bottom of the plate ( like a bed of noodles), then place the cooked TVP on top of the noodles and serve the sauce and lettuce on the sides.
• Thirdly you can place each lettuce separately and place the TVP on each lettuce ( like shown in the above picture), drizzle with some sauce/ and garnish with fried noodles and serve/ eat immediately.

Storing and reheating instructions

• Store any leftovers in a clean dry air tight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. Do not store the lettuce  filled with TVP, it will become soggy. Store chopped lettuce, and cooked TVP separately, and the fried noodles separately in a zip lock / air tight box to retain crunchiness ( noodles does not need refrigeration).
• When serving, place the bowl of chicken in the microwave and heat it on high power covered with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes or heat just until warm depending upon the quantity. Do not microwave very hot, TVP will become dry and will loose its taste. Serve TVP, lettuce , noodles and sauce separately.

What is the sauce served on the side with the vegetarian lettuce wraps?

• Sauce recipe is given below, this sauce is a commonly used sauce which can be served as a sides to many Chinese / Asian dishes like dumplings, wontons , any wraps, noodles, fried rice, any Chinese food appetizer, and many more.
• For these vegetarian lettuce wraps, drizzle the sauce on the TVP before eating. The juiciness from the sauce, taste from the chicken and lettuce combined gives an addictive flavor and excellent texture.
• You can add water and dilute the sauce from the given recipe to your preferences.

Other Recipes using Texturized Vegetable Protein , check the links given below.

• Instant Pot Soya Keema Biryani
• Instant Pot Spaghetti And Soy Protein Meatballs
• Soya Chunks Cutlets 
• Soya Chunks Burger

Other Chinese cuisine recipe, I’ve listed few below. For the complete list of the recipe check the link here – Chinese Cuisine recipes

• Veggie Fried Rice
• Gobi Manchurian Gravy
• Easy Vegetable Noodles Recipe
• Wow Bao Spicy Kung Pao Chicken Bao – Instant Pot, A complete guide given with video and stepwise pictures.

Step by step pictures of how to make the vegetarian lettuce wraps

Ingredients required – Sesame oil , minced garlic , cooked textured vegetable protein , pepper powder , salt , yellow chopped onions , minced garlic , chopped water chestnuts , soy sauce , rice vinegar , prepared homemade hoisin sauce , green portion of the spring onions , lettuce and fried noodle for garnishing.

Sauté the cooked vegetable protein

Add sesame oil in a wide pan / wok and heat. Once hot add the cooked textured vegetable protein  , pepper powder , and salt and sauté for ONE minutes .

Now add chopped yellow onions and minced garlic and sauté for ONE more minutes .

Add chopped water chestnuts and sauté for ONE minute.

Add soy sauce , rice vinegar and prepared homemade hoisin sauce and sauté for until mixed ( few seconds). Switch off the flame. Garnish with chopped green spring onions , remove from flame immediately.

Mixing the sauce

In a bowl combine all the ingredients under sauce, and mix / whisk well. Serve on the side with the cooked TVP and lettuce and drizzle the sauce on the top of the TVP before eating it.