Welcome to the vibrant world of P.F. Chang’s, where vegans and vegetarians are in for a treat!
P.F. Chang’s, a popular American-Chinese dine-out, vegan menu is not quite extensive, it’s crucial to know which dishes are vegan by default and how others might be modified to suit a vegan lifestyle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to enjoying a vegan meal at P.F. Chang’s.
Jump to:
Vegan Appetizers
Edamame
These young soybeans are steamed and lightly salted, making a simple, nutritious start to your meal. Edamame is both vegan and gluten-free.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
P.F. Chang’s vegetable spring rolls are typically vegan, and filled with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables. However, it’s advisable to confirm with the server as recipes can change and sometimes include non-vegan ingredients like egg in the wrapper.
Chili Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are stir-fried in red chili sauce, fresh garlic and Sichuan preserves.
Vegan Main Courses
Buddha’s Feast
Available in both a steamed and a stir-fried version, this entrée is a mix of tofu, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots. The steamed version is particularly appealing if you’re looking for something light and minimalistic, whereas the stir-fried version is cooked in a savory soy sauce. The steamed version of Buddha’s Feast is vegan. However, those opting for the stir-fried version should confirm with the server as sometimes sauces can contain animal-derived ingredients.
Ma Po Tofu
This dish combines tofu with a spicy bean sauce, often along with shiitake mushrooms and sometimes green peas. It’s important to specify that you want it vegan to ensure that no animal products are included in the preparation, such as chicken stock, which is commonly used in non-vegan preparations.
Stir-Fried Eggplant
Featuring Chinese eggplant cooked in a spicy hoisin sauce, this dish is full of flavor. The hoisin sauce should be checked for any non-vegan ingredients, such as fish sauce, which can occasionally be found in hoisin.
Coconut Curry Vegetables
The "Coconut Curry Vegetables" at P.F. Chang's is a delightful dish that is a combination of vibrant vegetables and tofu enveloped in a rich and aromatic coconut curry sauce. This dish combines the creamy sweetness of coconut milk with the complex spices typical of curry, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and exotic.
Learn more about how you can eat vegan and vegetarian at Subway, Olive Garden, Starbucks, Wendy's, and Red Lobster.
You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.Vegan Sides
Sichuan-Style Asparagus
A vibrant and flavorful side dish that draws on the bold flavors characteristic of Sichuan cuisine. It’s known for its spicy kick and aromatic ingredients, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meals.
Wok'd Spinach with Garlic
The "Wok'd Spinach with Garlic" at P.F. Chang’s is a simple yet flavorful side dish that highlights the freshness of spinach wok-fried with fragrant garlic. This dish is appealing not only for its health benefits but also for its versatility.
Steamed Brown or White Rice
At P.F. Chang's, both Steamed Brown Rice and Steamed White Rice are staple side dish options that complement many of their main courses. These simple yet essential dishes provide a mild-flavored base that pairs well with the more intensely flavored Asian dishes offered by the restaurant.
Noodles
Plain wheat and glass noodles are vegan you can ask them to stirfry in veggies and sauces of your choice.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Teas
P.F. Chang’s serves several types of tea which are inherently vegan. This includes traditional choices like black and green tea and more specialized options like jasmine, mango, leaf tea, or oolong tea.
Soft Drinks
As with most restaurants, P.F. Chang’s offers a selection of standard soft drinks like Coca-Cola products, which are vegan-friendly.
Lemonades and Specialty Drinks
Check the ingredients in specialty drinks like flavored lemonades. These are often vegan, but it's good to verify whether any non-vegan additives are used.
Vegan Modifications
Many dishes at P.F. Chang’s can be modified to be vegan-friendly:
- Lettuce Wraps: Typically made with chicken, ask if a substitution of tofu or extra vegetables is possible.
- Noodle Dishes: Opt for dishes like Lo Mein or Singapore Street Noodles and request they be made without meat or eggs. Ensure sauces used are free of animal products like oyster sauce.
- Fried Rice: This can often be made vegan by omitting eggs and any animal proteins, and replacing them with extra vegetables or tofu.
PF Chang Vegetarian Options
Here’s a roundup of additional vegetarian options at P.F. Chang’s that might not be strictly vegan but are popular among vegetarians.
- Crispy Green Beans (Tempura-battered fried green beans with spicy dipping sauce)
- Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps
- Kung Pao brussels sprouts (Wok-charred Brussels sprouts, peanuts and, chili pods in Kung Pao sauce).
- Asian Ceasar Salad without protein
- Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetarian Desserts
In addition to the vegan and vegetarian dishes previously mentioned, vegetarian diners can also savor the following desserts:
- The Great Wall of Chocolate (6 layers of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting)
- Banana Spring Rolls (Crispy fried banana in pastry with caramel drizzle and coconut pineapple ice cream.
- Chocolate Soufflé
- New York Style Cheesecake
Tips for Dining Vegan and Vegetarian at PF Chang’s
Here is a list of tips that can help you to get maximum out of PF changs's vegan menu.
- Communication: Clearly communicate your dietary restrictions to your server. Ask specific questions about ingredients and request modifications if necessary.
- Customization: Don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions. Most restaurants, including P.F. Chang’s, are accommodating of dietary restrictions and can modify dishes by leaving out non-vegan items.
- Sauces: Inquire about the ingredients in sauces, as Asian cuisine often uses products like fish sauce or oyster sauce that are not suitable for vegans.
- Cross-contamination: If you are concerned about cross-contamination (e.g., shared woks or utensils), discuss this with the server.
Frequently Asked Questions
P.F. Chang's Vegetable Lo Mein is not vegan by default due to oyster sauce, egg, and meat.
P.F. Chang's Pad Thai is not vegan as it traditionally contains fish sauce and eggs.
Yes, plain noodles at PF Chang's are vegan make sure to get them stir-fried in some vegan sauces.
Yes, P.F. Chang's offers tofu as an option in several of its dishes. You can choose tofu as a protein in various vegetarian and customizable meals, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans alike.
Want to Cook Something Asian?
If this post has left you craving Asian flavors, you can try making these vibrant, completely vegan dishes at home.
Conclusion
While P.F. Chang’s menu predominantly caters to an omnivorous clientele, the chain does offer a selection of dishes that can be enjoyed by vegans or adapted to fit a vegan diet. With careful selection and specific inquiries regarding food preparation and ingredients, vegans can enjoy a variety of flavorful meals at P.F. Chang’s. Always check the most current menu online or consult with the restaurant directly for the latest options and any changes to the menu.
Note: All the information is taken from P.F. Chang’s website.
Leave a Reply