Fresh Thai-Inspired Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
A quick and easy recipe featuring marinated shrimp wrapped in tender butter lettuce leaves with fresh herbs, peanuts, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for light meals or entertaining with a bright, fresh, and satisfying flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped peanuts
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking shrimp)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Place them in a mixing bowl with minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and finely chopped red chili. Toss gently to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Separate butter lettuce leaves carefully to keep them intact, wash and dry thoroughly. Chop cilantro and mint, slice green onions, and roughly chop peanuts. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and drizzle sesame oil over shrimp, toss lightly.
- Lay out butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon shrimp into each leaf and sprinkle with chopped herbs, green onions, and peanuts. Optionally, add extra lime wedges on the side.
- Serve immediately while shrimp is warm and lettuce stays crisp.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper caramelization. Dry lettuce leaves thoroughly to avoid soggy wraps. Marinate shrimp briefly to prevent ‘cooking’ them in the acid. Toast peanuts for enhanced aroma if desired. Assemble wraps just before serving for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3-4 wraps per
- Calories: 220250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: shrimp lettuce wraps, Thai shrimp wraps, healthy shrimp recipe, quick shrimp dinner, Thai-inspired meals, lettuce wraps, fresh herbs, easy shrimp recipe