Why Make This Recipe
You will love making these Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce. They taste great. They are light and fresh. You can make them fast, which is good for busy days. You can change them to fit your taste. They look nice when you serve them. They are also healthy because they have lean protein and fresh vegetables.
How to Make Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Making Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce involves two main parts: making the peanut sauce and then cooking the shrimp and building the wraps. The sauce is the key to the flavor. Once the sauce is ready, the rest comes together quickly.
Ingredients of Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
For the Peanut Sauce
- Creamy peanut butter
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Lime juice
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- Water
For the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
- Large shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- Lettuce leaves (Bibb, butter, or romaine hearts)
- Olive oil or sesame oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Carrots, julienned
- Cucumber, julienned
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions of Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
For the Peanut Sauce
- Put all peanut sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Whisk them until smooth.
- Taste and change flavors if needed (more lime, spice, or sweetness).
- If the sauce is too thick, add water, one teaspoon at a time, until it is thin enough to drizzle.
For the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and lime juice. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Do not crowd the pan. Take shrimp out and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Slice red bell pepper. Cut carrots and cucumber into thin strips. Chop cilantro and green onions.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay out lettuce leaves. Put a small amount of shrimp in the middle of each leaf.
- Add Fillings: Add slices of bell pepper, carrots, and cucumber next to the shrimp.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle peanut sauce over the fillings. Sprinkle with cilantro, green onions, chopped peanuts, and sesame seeds.
- Serve Now: Eat them right away. You can let people build their own.
How to Serve Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Serve these wraps as a main dish for lunch or dinner. They also make a great appetizer. You can set them up as a “build-your-own” bar for a fun meal. You can serve them with sticky rice or a light cucumber salad on the side.
How to Store Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Store peanut sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Store cooked shrimp and prepared vegetables separately in the fridge for 2-3 days. Assemble the wraps right before eating to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
Tips to Make Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
- Prepare Ahead: Make the peanut sauce and chop vegetables one day before. This makes assembly quick.
- Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp are tough.
- Best Lettuce: Use butter or Bibb lettuce. They are soft and hold fillings well. Romaine hearts are also good for a crunchier wrap.
- Spice Level: Change the amount of sriracha in the peanut sauce to your taste.
Variation
- Other Proteins: Instead of shrimp, use grilled chicken, pan-fried tofu, or ground turkey. Cook them with soy sauce and ginger.
- More Veggies: Add edamame, shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or thinly sliced radish for more crunch and nutrients.
- More Spice: Add red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade. Add more chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Do not use peanuts for garnish.
- Different Flavors: Add a little fish sauce to the peanut sauce for a deeper taste.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the peanut sauce for the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
A1: Yes. Make the peanut sauce 3-5 days ahead. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. You might need to add a little water to thin it before serving.
Q2: What is the best kind of lettuce for these Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?
A2: Use Boston (Bibb) lettuce or butter lettuce. They are soft and easy to fold. Romaine hearts also work for a crispy wrap.
Q3: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A3: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely first. You can run them under cold water or put them in the fridge overnight. Drain them well before marinating.
Quick & Fresh Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Zesty Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and Sriracha in a bowl; whisk until smooth, then thin with 2-4 tablespoons of water as needed.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and lime juice; marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat, then cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, in batches if necessary; remove and set aside.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves, thinly slice the red bell pepper, julienne the carrots and cucumber, and chop the fresh cilantro and green onions.
- Arrange individual lettuce leaves on a platter and place a small amount of cooked shrimp in the center of each.
- Add sliced bell pepper, julienned carrots, and cucumber next to the shrimp in each lettuce cup, then drizzle generously with the prepared peanut sauce.
- Garnish the wraps with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds.
- Serve the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps immediately, or offer ingredients for a 'build-your-own' experience.