Spicy Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
In short: Quick-seared shrimp in a garlicky chili and lime sauce, spooned into crisp lettuce cups with cucumber, carrot and crushed peanuts. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 255 kcal
These wraps are fresh, fast and light, with a mix of hot, sour, salty and sweet. The shrimp are chopped into bite-size pieces so they cook in 2 minutes and fit neatly into a lettuce cup. Crunchy cucumber, carrot and peanuts add contrast, and fresh herbs lift everything. Let everyone assemble their own at the table, or serve the filling in a bowl with extra lettuce alongside.
Instructions
- Whisk the lime juice, fish sauce, honey and sesame oil in a small bowl until the honey dissolves.
- Pat the shrimp dry. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until they begin to turn pink. Add the garlic, ginger and chili and stir for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the sauce and toss for 1 minute, until the shrimp are pink, opaque and curled, and the sauce clings (63°C / 145°F). Stir in half the spring onions and take the pan off the heat.
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the shrimp into each, then top with cucumber, carrot, peanuts, herbs and the remaining spring onions.
- Serve right away, folding the leaves around the filling and eating with your hands.
Tips
- Chop the shrimp small so they cook in seconds and sit neatly in the leaves. Do not overcook them.
- For a nut-free version, use toasted sesame seeds instead of peanuts. Small cabbage leaves can replace the lettuce.
Questions and answers
Can I make the shrimp filling ahead of time?
Cook the filling up to 1 day ahead and reheat it briefly, or serve it at room temperature. Chop the vegetables ahead, but assemble the wraps at the last minute.
What other protein works in these wraps?
Ground chicken or pork, firm tofu or flaked white fish all work. Cook the protein through before adding the sauce.
How spicy are these lettuce wraps?
They are medium-hot with one chili. Remove the seeds to reduce the heat, or add more chili to taste.
How long does it take to make Spicy Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?
About 25 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Spicy Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?
About 255 kcal per serving, with 27 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 255 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
