20 Economical Homemade Versions Of PF Chang's Dishes

Craving your PF Chang’s favorites without the check shock? You can cook those bold, craveable dishes at home with simple swaps and budget friendly techniques.

These homemade versions capture the signature flavors while trimming costs and time. Grab a wok or skillet, and let’s turn takeout cravings into weeknight wins you will make again and again.

1. Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps bring that sweet-savory crunch you crave, for less. Ground chicken cooks quickly with garlic, ginger, and soy, then gets texture from diced water chestnuts and green onions.

A simple hoisin-sesame sauce ties everything together so you can pile it into cool lettuce cups.

Use iceberg or butter lettuce, whichever is cheaper locally. Swap in turkey or finely chopped mushrooms to stretch the meat.

Serve with rice for a fuller plate, and save leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

2. Budget Mongolian Beef

You can nail that sticky-sweet Mongolian sauce at home with pantry staples. Thinly slice an economical cut like flank or sirloin tip, then sear fast to keep it tender.

Simmer with soy, brown sugar, garlic, and a touch of cornstarch until glossy and clinging.

Green onions bring freshness without adding cost. Serve over rice or thin noodles to stretch portions.

If beef is pricey, use sliced chicken thighs or even tofu, and keep the same sauce.

3. Homestyle Chang’s Spicy Chicken

This fiery favorite can be weeknight-friendly. Toss chicken thigh pieces in cornstarch, pan-fry until crisp, then coat with a punchy sauce of garlic, ginger, soy, rice vinegar, and chile paste.

A little sugar balances the heat while cornstarch keeps the sauce shiny.

Control the spice so everyone is happy. Add steamed broccoli to bulk it up without stretching your budget.

The leftovers reheat beautifully, keeping that sticky bite you love.

4. Crispy Honey Chicken On A Budget

Get that crunchy-sweet magic at home with affordable chicken thighs. Lightly batter with cornstarch and a splash of club soda for airy crispness, then shallow fry.

The sauce is simple: honey, soy, a hint of lemon, and a cornstarch slurry for that restaurant-style sheen.

Toss quickly to keep the crust from softening too much. Serve over steamed rice and broccoli for balance.

It tastes indulgent without the markup, and you control the sweetness.

5. Easy Beef And Broccoli

Skip takeout and stir-fry tender beef with crisp broccoli in minutes. Marinate thin slices in soy, baking soda, and cornstarch for velvety texture.

A quick sauce of oyster sauce, soy, garlic, and ginger delivers that signature depth without specialty ingredients.

Blanch broccoli briefly for color and crunch. Serve over rice, or bulk with extra veggies when beef prices spike.

It is comforting, quick, and friendly on your wallet.

6. Savory Chicken Fried Rice

Turn leftovers into a PF Chang’s style fried rice that tastes like a splurge. Day-old rice fries up fluffy, while diced chicken, peas, and carrots bring substance.

Add scrambled eggs, garlic, and soy with a touch of sesame oil for undeniable flavor.

Use whatever vegetables are on sale. A hot pan and patience give you that toasty wok aroma.

Perfect as a side or a complete dinner when time and money are tight.

7. Kung Pao Chicken For Less

Kung Pao flavors pop with tangy heat and nutty crunch. Use chicken thighs for savings and moisture.

Stir-fry with bell peppers, peanuts, garlic, and dried chiles, then splash in a sauce of soy, vinegar, sugar, and a hint of Sichuan pepper if you have it.

Swap bell peppers with carrots or celery to keep costs low. Serve with steamed rice to tame the heat.

It is fast, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.

8. House Lo Mein At Home

Lo mein is all about slurpable noodles and savory sauce. Cook inexpensive egg noodles or spaghetti, then toss with soy, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar.

Add a mix of vegetables and whatever protein deals you find, from chicken to shrimp or tofu.

Stir-fry quickly to keep everything springy, not soggy. The sauce clings beautifully, giving that takeout flavor you crave.

It makes generous portions for lunches all week.

9. Orange Chicken Without The Splurge

Bright citrus and gentle heat make orange chicken irresistible. Use zest and fresh juice for vibrant flavor without bottled sauces.

Lightly coat chicken in cornstarch, pan-fry until crisp, then toss with a glaze of orange, soy, garlic, and a kiss of chile.

It is sweet, tangy, and comforting. Broccoli or snap peas stretch the meal affordably.

You will skip delivery once you taste this fresh version.

10. Sesame Chicken Skillet

This sesame chicken hits that sweet-savory balance with pantry staples. Shallow-fry lightly coated chicken, then simmer in a sauce of soy, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar until sticky.

Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness without extra cost.

Thighs stay juicy and forgiving. Serve with quick stir-fried greens or cabbage to keep things thrifty.

It is a reliable, repeatable weeknight win.

11. Crispy Green Beans With Spicy Dip

These crunchy green beans scratch that appetizer itch. A light cornstarch batter fries quickly, giving shatter crisp results without heavy oil.

Whisk a simple dip with mayo, sriracha, and a touch of honey to mimic the restaurant sauce.

Use frozen beans if fresh prices spike. Fry in batches for best texture, then serve immediately.

They disappear fast, so make plenty and enjoy the savings.

12. Dynamite Shrimp On A Dime

You can recreate that creamy-spicy shrimp without overspending. Use small shrimp, pat dry, and coat lightly in cornstarch before frying.

Toss in a sauce of mayo, sriracha, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar for that familiar tang.

Serve in lettuce cups or over rice to round it out. Bake instead of fry if oil is tight.

The texture still satisfies, and the flavor sings.

13. Ginger Chicken With Broccoli

Ginger-forward sauce keeps this dish bright and comforting. Stir-fry chicken with plenty of fresh ginger and garlic, then add broccoli and a light soy stock.

A little cornstarch glosses the sauce so it coats every bite.

Serve with rice or cauliflower rice if you prefer. It is soothing, simple, and easy on the budget.

Leftovers make an excellent lunch the next day.

14. Shrimp With Lobster Sauce Alternative

Skip pricey lobster and keep the lush sauce. Stir-fry shrimp, then simmer a garlicky chicken stock with soy and a cornstarch slurry.

Stream in beaten egg for velvety ribbons, finishing with peas and scallions.

Serve over steamed rice for comfort in a bowl. It tastes elegant without luxury ingredients.

You will love how quickly it comes together on a weeknight.

15. Sesame Garlic Noodles

These slurpable noodles use wallet-friendly pantry items. Whisk soy, sesame paste or peanut butter, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil into a silky sauce.

Toss with hot noodles, scallions, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Add shredded chicken or tofu if you need more protein. It is fast, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.

Make extra for meal prep and late-night cravings.

16. Buddha’s Feast Stir-Fry

This veggie-packed classic is satisfying and budget friendly. Tofu, mushrooms, broccoli, and snow peas simmer in a light soy-garlic sauce.

A splash of sesame oil at the end adds aroma without breaking the bank.

Use whatever vegetables are affordable and seasonal. Serve with brown or white rice to make it hearty.

It is a simple, nourishing dinner that keeps things flexible.

17. Wok-Seared Steak And Peppers

Steak and peppers deliver big flavor with minimal ingredients. Choose a value cut like sirloin tip, slice thin against the grain, and marinate briefly.

Stir-fry with onions and bell peppers, then finish with a soy-ginger sauce that clings beautifully.

Serve sizzling over rice or noodles. It feels restaurant special while staying within budget.

The leftovers are excellent in lunch bowls.

18. Coconut Curry Chicken Lite

Comforting curry does not need to be expensive. Simmer chicken thighs with onions, garlic, curry paste, and coconut milk for a lush, gently spicy sauce.

Add bell peppers and a handful of basil for freshness.

Stretch with chickpeas or extra vegetables to feed more mouths. Serve with jasmine rice to soak up every drop.

It is cozy, aromatic, and doable on a weeknight budget.

19. Egg Drop Soup Starter

This soothing soup costs pennies per serving. Bring chicken stock to a simmer with ginger and a dash of soy, then swirl in beaten eggs for delicate ribbons.

White pepper and scallions finish it with warmth and aroma.

It is perfect before a stir-fry or as a light lunch. Add corn or peas if you want extra body.

The comfort factor is real and immediate.