Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

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Enjoy these shrimp lettuce wraps filled with crisp veggies and juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and soy sauce. This light and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend gathering. Sambal oelek, a spicy chile paste known for its vibrant red color and intense heat, adds an extra kick. Reduce or omit it to adjust the heat to your liking.

a recipe photo of the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Photo:

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist Tucker Vines

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
the ingredients to make the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist Tucker Vines

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 8 ounces peeled, deveined raw medium shrimp (41-50 count)

  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons grated garlic, divided

  • 1/3 cup light coconut milk, well shaken and stirred

  • 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter

  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek

  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • 16 leaves butter lettuce

  • 2 medium red bell peppers, cut into thin strips (about 2 cups)

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips (about 1 cup)

  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook, undisturbed, until slightly pink on 1 side, about 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons each soy sauce and garlic; toss until well coated. Cook, stirring often, until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate with the pan drippings.

  2. Whisk coconut milk, peanut butter, hoisin, lime juice, sugar, sambal oelek, ginger and the remaining 1 teaspoon garlic and 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce together in a medium bowl until smooth.

    a photo of the sauce ingredients whisked together

    Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist Tucker Vines

  3. Make 8 stacks of 2 lettuce leaves each. Divide the shrimp, bell peppers, carrots, onion and peanuts evenly among the lettuce cups. Top with cilantro. Serve with the peanut sauce.

    a photo of a hand spooning the sauce on top of the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

    Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist Tucker Vines

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are these Shrimp Lettuce Wraps good for you?

    Shrimp is a healthy, lean protein with virtually no fat. And while shrimp is high in cholesterol, the cholesterol in the food we eat has minimal impact on the amount of cholesterol in our bodies. Shrimp also provides the antioxidant astaxanthin, as well as heart-healthy omega-3s. Like other leafy greens, butter lettuce provides vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K and folate, as well as some fiber and antioxidants. The red bell peppers, carrots and onion bump up the nutrient quotient in this recipe too, making this an incredibly nutritious dish.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Because of the soy sauce, this recipe is not gluten-free as is. However, you can easily swap out the soy sauce for one of its similar-tasting substitutes: coconut aminos, Bragg’s liquid aminos or tamari.

  • What should I serve with Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?

    Just about anything would go with these lettuce wraps. You could serve them with coleslaw or pair them with our Gyoza (Chinese Dumplings) filled with bits of pork and chives or Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls) with a brown sugar and soy sauce. A cucumber salad would be an ideal light side dish.

  • Can I make Shrimp Lettuce Wraps ahead?

    Absolutely. We suggest preparing the filling and dressing ahead of time. Both should be refrigerated in separate airtight containers. The filling will last about three days, while the dressing lasts for about a week.

  • What is sambal oelek, and is there a substitute?

    Sambal oelek is a vinegar-based hot sauce that’s typically made from red chile peppers, salt and vinegar. (You can make your own by pureeing these ingredients in a food processor.) The sauce hails from Indonesia, and it’s often found in the grocery store aisle with foods from Asia. Popular substitutes include sauces such as Sriracha, which is sweeter (you can add a little garlic), or try a garlic and chili sauce.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, June 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

316 Calories
20g Fat
22g Carbs
16g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 2 lettuce wraps & 1/4 cup sauce
Calories 316
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 5g 16%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 16g 31%
Total Fat 20g 26%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Vitamin A 449µg
Vitamin C 123mg 136%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 4mg 28%
Folate 84µg
Vitamin K 53µg
Sodium 693mg 30%
Calcium 87mg 7%
Iron 2mg 10%
Magnesium 77mg 18%
Potassium 598mg 13%
Zinc 2mg 14%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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