P.F. Chang’s China Bistro ~ Gluten-free Mongolian Beef

Bring on the Mongolian Beef!  Indulging in Chinese food is often a challenge for those of us eating gluten-free.  Thankfully, Philip Chiang (born in Shanghai) incorporated a tasty gluten-free menu to his P.F. Chang’s China Bistro’s, located in more than 200 locations worldwide.

P.F. Chang’s GF Mongolian Beef, GF Shanghai Cucumbers, and dipping sauces.

For as many times as I’ve dined at P.F. Chang’s while gluten-free, I’ve only photographed the GF Mongolian Beef.  It’s so delicious!  Made of “sweet, soy-glazed flank steak wok-seared with scallions and garlic”, once you try it, you’ll probably keep ordering it too.

The GF Shanghai Cucumbers are “crisp, chilled slices with a light soy sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds.”  They are a must with my meal, served as an appetizer, to get some veggies in.

P.F. Chang’s GF Mongolian Beef with added chicken.

On a recent visit, I explained to my waiter I should try something new.  I make my own Lettuce Wraps – something I adopted into my recipe book even before going gluten-free – and I was craving chicken, so he offered to add chicken (+ $3.00) to the meal.  It WAS tasty.  Perhaps next time I may order the GF Shaking Beef or the GF Pepper Steak just for giggles.

P.F. Chang’s Flourless Chocolate Dome dessert… a taste of chocolate bliss.

The GF Flourless Chocolate Dome is amazingly delicious.  Mixed with fresh berries and raspberry sauce, if you’re not one to share, guard your ‘dome’.  It’s very chocolate-y and very satisfying.  Give it a try!

Notice the restaurant logo and thick border lining the plates – this denotes a GLUTEN-FREE meal.  If your order is not served on these plates, it’s not gluten-free.  Another nice quality of the restaurant – it’s easy to spot other cool people like you dining sans gluten ;o).  Ok, it’s also fantastic to keep your waiter in ‘check’.

• One unique dining experience:  A waiter actually asked if he could get me some more water “to wash down the gluten” after accidentally serving me a glutenous dish (!!!).  My jaw dropped.  I was quick to gently educate him on what it is, how it reacts in your digestive system, and that NO, it will not simply wash away with excess H2O.  He was young, and yes, he appreciated the insight.  Every other waiter I’ve had at P.F. Chang’s has been well versed in gluten-free dining.  I only caught it after taking two bites – so hungry I didn’t notice my sans-logo white plate – and then stopped abruptly with that awful feeling that something was ‘off’.  Mistakes happen.  And yes, it left me with a stomach ache later that evening.  Lesson – CHECK YOUR PLATES before diving in.

With nine entrees, sides, starters, soups, rice and dessert, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro offers a nice variety of gluten-free (and vegetarian/gluten-free) dishes to delight in.  Check out their tasty menu.  According to their website, it was “Ranked #2 Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurant by Allergy Eats!”

Note:  Meal below w/ appetizer and dessert easily fills 2-3 people.

• GF Mongolian Beef, add chicken, iced tea – kitty = $ 23.82 + tip
• GF Mongolian Beef, Shanghai Cucumbers, iced tea, Chocolate Dome Dessert – kitty = $ 32.49 + tip