P.F. Chang's is delicious, but the bill can get pretty pricey if you're not careful. That's where these budget-friendly recipes come in. We found copycat dishes for all of your favorites (looking at you, lettuce wraps) that can be made for much less.
22 Budget-Friendly P.F. Chang’s Copycat Recipes
Updated on Jun. 09, 2024
1/22
Inspired by: Chang's Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 259 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/22
Inspired by: Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
3/22
Inspired by: House-Made Chicken Egg Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 146 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Want to try more recipes from their kitchen? Here’s the famous P.F. Chang’s Mongolian beef recipe.
4/22
Inspired by: Beef with Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/22
Inspired by: California Roll
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
64 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
These taste as good as any restaurant or store-bought California rolls. Plus, this is one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For the best results, use sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 35 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
6/22
Inspired by: Chili-Garlic Green Beans
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sauteed bits of garlic and shallot, with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, turn ordinary beans into something special. Keep the recipe in mind for your garden crop in summer. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 67 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/22
Inspired by: Hot & Sour Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We've tried several recipes for this hot and sour soup and couldn't find one that resembled the one we liked at a restaurant. So, I made my own and I must say it is on par with what you'll find when dining out. Regular or hot chili sauce can be used, according to taste. —Vera Leitow, Mancelona, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 240 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1779mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
8/22
Inspired by: BBQ Spare Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day of sledding, the aroma of these beautiful short ribs says welcome home. Warm and comforting, they make a worthy low-maintenance dinner. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 466 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1338mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
9/22
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 970 calories, 65g fat (30g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
10/22
Inspired by: Buddha's Feast
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 278 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
11/22
Inspired by: Hand-Folded Crab Wontons
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
12/22
Inspired by: Asian Caesar Salad with Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon Caesar salad was invented out of a need to serve my family a balanced meal when time was limited. Even my young son loves it! —Ann Bagdonas of Antioch, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 311 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 928mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
13/22
Inspired by: Egg Drop Soup
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We often start our stir-fry meals with this fast egg drop soup — it cooks in just minutes flat. There are many versions of the recipe, but we like the easy addition of cornstarch to thicken the soup and give it a rich, golden color. I got the recipe from my grandma’s old cookbook. —Amy Beth Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 39 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
14/22
Inspired by: Crispy Honey Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry: 249 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
15/22
Inspired by: Fried Rice with Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
16/22
Inspired by: Cauliflower Tempura
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These healthy little treats work well as a side or as fun bite size appetizers. Roasting the cauliflower adds deep flavor and gives it an irresistible crunch. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 129 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/22
Inspired by: Wok-Seared Spinach with Garlic
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a light, lively side to complement almost any entree you put on the table. A little test kitchen know-how helps to dress up everyday spinach with garlic, onion, a lick of sherry and a sprinkling of pine nuts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 47 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
18/22
Inspired by: Sweet & Sour Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use my slow-cooker to fix this stir-fry like supper. Adding the onions, pineapple and snow peas later in the process keeps them from becoming over-cooked. —Dorothy Hess, Hartwell, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 293 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
19/22
Chinese Pepper Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bell peppers, mushrooms and ginger provide the bulk of the flavor in this stir-fry that’s not too saucy. Hot rice makes it even better. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture: 241 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/22
Inspired by: Kung Pao Shrimp
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will doubt that "light" cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. — Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/22
Inspired by: Orange Peel Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 450 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
22/22
Inspired by: New York-Style Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich cheesecake is incredibly creamy. Even though the cake doesn't have a crust, I guarantee everyone will love it. —George Parsell, Flushing, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 330 calories, 21g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
