Hubs and I facilitate a Couples Night Out dinner, for the couples at our church, every month. In December, we went to P.F. Chang’s with the couples, and enjoyed a FANTASTIC dinner. I had the old style sesame chicken (the sweet one, not the spicy one), and it was delish. And I had forgotten how much I enjoy the cabbage rolls. Ah, the cabbage rolls.
Anyway, because of because of Mister’s food allergies, Chinese cuisine is one that we are not often able to enjoy. Unless we are dining without the kids. There are just too many risks of cross contamination, and we’ve avoided a major food reaction for a while and want to keep it that way.
So, when I have a chance to safely enjoy Chinese cuisine, I jump at it. Nay… I dance.
When I learned that P.F. Chang’s wanted to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon, by sending me some of their new P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Meals for 2, I was pretty stoked. I had seen them in the freezer section at the grocery store, and been tempted to try them, but hadn’t picked any up yet.
We received the Grilled Chicken Teriyaki and the Firecracker Shrimp to try out. The Firecracker Shrimp was immediately designated as Hubs, because I don’t do spicy. Hubs was pretty happy about the designation.
As it would happen, my Mom came over, and she, too, likes spicy, so we cooked up both packages to feed Hubs, myself, my Mom, and the kids.
The package instructions say to pour the contents of the package into a non-stick skillet.
THIS
IS
ESSENTIAL.
We only have one non-stick skillet, and I thought, “Well, I’ll be watching it, so it can’t stick that bad, right?” Don’t do as I did. Just use a non-stick skillet. Really. Unless you want to be scrubbing skillet into infinity.
Anyway, you dump the contents of the packet into the skillet and put the heat (or flame) to medium high, cover, and stir occasionally. One of ours (the firecracker shrimp) had to cook for 10 minutes, the other (the teriyaki chicken) said 11 minutes and then uncover and cook 2 more minutes for sauce to thicken.
Fifteen minutes later, walah! We had perfectly cooked Chinese cuisine within the comfort of our own home.
YUM.
Seriously, the teriyaki chicken was awesome. I took one bite of the firecracker shrimp and thought to myself, “what part of FIRECRACKER don’t you understand?” It blazed a fire trail all the way to my stomach. Wowee. I don’t DO spicy.
My son, who protests all things green and all things unfamiliar, took one bite of the teriyaki noodles and said, “No thank you. Can I have a hotdog instead?”
My daughter LOVED her teriyaki chicken, and actually ate part of my serving, as well.
I will definitely serve the P.F. Chang’s Home Menu meals again. The Home Menu noodle entrees include Pepper Steak with Chow Fun Noodles, Grilled Chicken Teriyaki with Lo Mein Noodles, Garlic Chicken with Dan Dan Noodles, and Firecracker Shrimp with Yakisoba Noodles. Looks like I’ll have to go back to the brick and mortar restaurant to get the sesame chicken I so enjoy, but that is not a problem, either.
The eve of Chinese New Year, January 22nd, is marked by the reunion of loved ones for a feast. The Red Envelope represents another significant tradition in Chinese culture. Red Envelopes, filled with gifts, are presented to family and friends during the Chinese New Year. The color red symbolizes good luck.
P. F. Chang’s has launched it’s "Celebrate the Year of the Dragon" promotion, via Facebook, and is now offering a Red Envelope to patrons between January 23rd and February 6th. Each Red Envelope contains a valuable discount or free appetizer or free dessert for a future visit. You can also get a virtual Red Envelope by visiting their Facebook page. Learn more about celebrating the Year of the Dragon on P.F. Chang’s Facebook and P.F. Chang’s Twitter.
*P.F. Chang’s Bistro and P.F. Chang’s Home Menu provided me with gift cards and free product to facilitate my review. I am not required to post a positive review, and my opinions are my own.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
Looks yummy! My kids wouldn’t like it though…or my hubby!
Barbara Davis says
Love PF Changs! I appreciate that they have a gluten free menu. I should check to see if any of their frozen offerings are GF as well.
By the way, thank you so much for your comment on my blog recently. My spam filter ate it and I just discovered it today!
Theresa says
That looks super yummy!
Zippy Sandler says
One look in my freezer and you’ll see at least 4 of these wonderful dinners.
Donna says
I’ve been craving P.F. Chang’s!
Dawn C says
That looks yummy!
Tammy says
I’ve been wondering if they were good.
Toni says
That’s looks yummy. I am a huge fan of the restaurant so I wondered how these were.
Karen says
Looks really good!