Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

If you’re looking for a fresh, light, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are exactly what you need. Bursting with zesty flavors, tender shrimp, and crisp lettuce, these wraps are easy to make, healthy, and satisfying. They’re a great alternative to heavier wraps or sandwiches, offering a low-carb, gluten-free meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Lettuce wraps have become increasingly popular as a healthy option for those who want to cut back on carbs or simply enjoy a lighter meal. What makes these Shrimp Lettuce Wraps stand out is their balance of flavors and textures—the shrimp is perfectly seasoned and pan-seared until juicy and tender, then wrapped in fresh, crunchy lettuce leaves. You can customize the toppings with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a drizzle of a tangy sauce for extra flavor.

Whether you’re serving these for a quick weeknight meal, a weekend lunch, or even as an appetizer for a party, Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep—just cook the shrimp ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and assemble the wraps whenever you’re ready to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Low-Carb: These lettuce wraps are a light and healthy option, perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor. The shrimp provides a lean source of protein, and the lettuce keeps things fresh and crunchy.
2. Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20-30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something quick and nutritious.
3. Customizable: You can easily customize these wraps to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite veggies, herbs, and sauces, or switch out the shrimp for another protein like chicken or tofu.
4. Great for Meal Prep: Make the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to assemble in minutes. This recipe is perfect for prepping lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
5. Packed with Flavor: The shrimp is seasoned with garlic, lime, and spices, and the toppings add fresh, zesty, and crunchy elements. These wraps are a flavor explosion in every bite!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 (about 12 wraps, depending on the size of the lettuce leaves)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime (plus extra lime wedges for serving)

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 head of butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (separate into individual leaves)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions

For the Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (for heat)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning. Let the shrimp marinate for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
3. Set Aside: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. If you’d like to keep them warm while preparing the wraps, loosely cover them with foil.

2. Prepare the Lettuce Wrap Ingredients:

1. Separate the Lettuce Leaves: Carefully separate the leaves from the head of lettuce. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly. For smaller leaves, use two leaves stacked together for a sturdier wrap.
2. Prep the Veggies: Julienne the cucumbers, slice the red bell pepper, shred the carrots and cabbage, and slice the avocado. Set these ingredients aside on a plate or in bowls, ready for assembly.

3. Make the Sauce (Optional):

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your heat preference. Set the sauce aside for drizzling over the wraps.

4. Assemble the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps:

1. Lay Out the Lettuce Leaves: Place the lettuce leaves on a large platter or individual plates.
2. Fill with Shrimp and Toppings: Add 2-3 shrimp to each lettuce leaf, then top with a variety of the prepared vegetables—cucumber, shredded carrots, bell pepper, red cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, and green onions.
3. Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle a little of the prepared sauce over each wrap, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
4. Serve: Garnish with extra lime wedges and more fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

These Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are perfect for a light meal or appetizer. Here are some serving ideas to make them even more delicious:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the wraps as a healthy, low-carb main dish. Pair them with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a light cucumber salad for a more complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: These lettuce wraps also make an excellent appetizer for parties or gatherings. You can prepare the shrimp and toppings ahead of time and let guests assemble their own wraps as part of a DIY lettuce wrap bar.
• With a Side of Fruit: For a fresh, summery feel, serve the wraps with a side of tropical fruit like pineapple, mango, or papaya. The sweet, juicy fruit will complement the zesty shrimp and tangy sauce.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: Instead of drizzling the sauce directly over the wraps, serve it in a small bowl on the side so guests can dip their wraps for extra flavor.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and romaine lettuce are all great options for lettuce wraps. Butter lettuce is soft and pliable, while iceberg is crisp and crunchy. Romaine can also be used for a slightly more substantial wrap.
2. Don’t Overfill: It’s easy to get carried away with the toppings, but try not to overfill the lettuce leaves. This will make it easier to eat and prevent the wraps from falling apart.
3. Pat the Shrimp Dry: If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps them sear properly in the skillet without becoming too watery.
4. Customize the Fillings: Feel free to mix and match the vegetables based on what you have on hand. You can also add extras like shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, or pickled radishes for a bit more crunch and flavor.
5. Make the Shrimp in Advance: If you’re meal prepping, you can cook the shrimp in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them gently before assembling the wraps.
6. Control the Heat: If you like things spicy, add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the shrimp marinade or the sauce. If you’re serving kids or those who prefer milder flavors, leave out the chili powder and use less sriracha in the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade, and increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce for a spicier version of these wraps.
• Thai-Inspired Lettuce Wraps: Add Thai basil, mint, and cilantro to the wraps, and use a peanut sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce for a delicious Thai twist.
• Asian Sesame Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Top the shrimp with toasted sesame seeds, and swap the sauce for a simple sesame-ginger dressing.
• Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: For a smokier flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan

-searing them. This adds a delicious char and depth of flavor to the wraps.

• Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps: Swap the shrimp for tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas to create a vegetarian version. The same seasonings and sauce work perfectly with plant-based proteins.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce and veggies should be stored separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. Assemble the wraps just before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing: You can freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and using in wraps.

Reheating: To reheat the shrimp, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking the shrimp quickly and evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to julienne the vegetables and slice the avocado for clean, precise cuts.
• Tongs: Tongs are useful for flipping the shrimp and for assembling the lettuce wraps.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

• Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp quickly by placing them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes.

2. What can I use instead of shrimp?

• You can use other proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, tempeh, or even ground beef or turkey. Adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes! You can cook the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.

4. What type of lettuce works best?

• Butter lettuce, iceberg, and romaine are the best options for lettuce wraps. Butter lettuce is soft and pliable, while iceberg and romaine offer more crunch.

5. Can I make this dish spicy?

• Yes! For a spicy version, add more chili powder to the shrimp marinade or more sriracha to the sauce. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the wraps for extra heat.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce it over low heat for a few minutes or add a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it up.

7. Can I serve this with rice or noodles?

• Absolutely! You can serve the shrimp and toppings over rice or noodles instead of in lettuce wraps for a heartier meal.

8. Can I use other types of seafood?

• Yes, you can use scallops, cooked crab meat, or even fish fillets in place of shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the seafood you choose.

Conclusion

Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are a perfect blend of light, fresh, and bold flavors that come together in a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or something new to add to your meal prep rotation, these lettuce wraps check all the boxes. They’re customizable, quick to make, and bursting with fresh ingredients.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Shrimp Lettuce Wraps as much as I do! Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creation on social media—I’d love to see how yours turn out. Happy cooking! 🍤🥬

Print