Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups
Light and flavorful shrimp lettuce wraps with a spicy sriracha-lime sauce, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs. Just 145 calories and 18g protein per serving.
15m
4
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Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Set aside half for drizzling.
- 2
Season and cook shrimp
Pat shrimp dry. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and half the sauce, cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- 3
Prepare vegetables
Arrange julienned carrots, diced cucumber, shredded cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and mint in small bowls for assembly.
- 4
Assemble lettuce cups
Place 2-3 shrimp in each butter lettuce leaf. Top with carrots, cucumber, cabbage, and herbs.
- 5
Finish and serve
Drizzle remaining sauce over each cup. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Chef's Tips
Buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time. Butter lettuce works best because its soft, cup-shaped leaves hold fillings well. For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or cashews on top. These can be assembled ahead — just keep the shrimp and lettuce separate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this spicy shrimp lettuce cups
How long does it take to make Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups?
This recipe takes 23 minutes total time, including 15 minutes prep time and 8 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups recipe?
This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I make substitutions in this Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this spicy shrimp lettuce cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this spicy shrimp lettuce cups up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover spicy shrimp lettuce cups?
Store leftover spicy shrimp lettuce cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with spicy shrimp lettuce cups?
This spicy shrimp lettuce cups pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze spicy shrimp lettuce cups?
Yes, this spicy shrimp lettuce cups freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.