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If you are craving a bright, fresh, and utterly delicious meal that comes together in no time, these Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe are exactly what you need. Featuring juicy sautéed shrimp nestled in crisp Boston lettuce leaves, enhanced by crisp veggies and a luscious, creamy peanut sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between light and flavorful. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try these wraps, they’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the shrimp bringing tender protein, the crunchy veggies adding texture, or the creamy peanut sauce tying everything together with a punch of flavor and color.
- Boston lettuce: These large, sturdy leaves create the perfect natural cups to hold your delicious fillings and keep everything tidy.
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Quick-cooking and succulent, shrimp bring a delightful seafood sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Sea salt: A pinch enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor without overpowering the delicate balance of the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice that rounds out the shrimp’s seasoning.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it helps achieve that perfect sear while keeping shrimp moist.
- Avocado (sliced into strips): Adds creamy richness and a cool contrast to the warm shrimp and tangy sauce.
- Cucumber (cut into strips): Provides refreshing crunch and a burst of hydration in every bite.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright, herbal notes lift the dish and add a garden-fresh aroma.
- Carrot (cut into matchsticks): Sweet, crisp, and colorful, carrots bring both texture and vibrancy to the wraps.
- Lowfat sesame ginger dressing: The base for the peanut sauce, adding a savory, tangy foundation with subtle Asian-inspired flavors.
- Creamy peanut butter: Blended into the dressing, it enriches the sauce with luscious nutty depth and creaminess.
How to Make Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp and patting them dry to ensure a nice sear. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and sauté for about two minutes per side until they’re just cooked through and pink. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, forming the heart of your wraps.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Herbs
While the shrimp are cooking, slice the cucumber and carrot into thin, crunchy matchsticks—these add fabulous texture and a fresh crunch. Slice the avocado into evenly sized strips to provide a creamy layer that complements the crispness. Cut the cilantro sprigs in half to fit neatly in the wraps, delivering a bright, fragrant punch with every mouthful.
Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Sauce
In a mason jar or lidded container, combine half a cup of lowfat sesame ginger dressing with one and a half tablespoons of creamy peanut butter at room temperature. Seal and shake vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This luscious peanut sauce is what makes these lettuce wraps irresistibly delicious—creamy, tangy, nutty, and just a little bit sweet.
Step 4: Build Your Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Lay out your Boston lettuce leaves on a serving platter to create the perfect vessels for your filling. Layer each leaf with a few strips of carrot and cucumber, several avocado slices, two cooked shrimp, and a couple of cilantro sprigs. Drizzle generously with your homemade peanut dipping sauce. The combination of flavors and textures, from crunchy to creamy to savory, is simply divine!
How to Serve Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bit of flair and extra flavor, score some thinly sliced red chili or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. For an extra fresh zing, squeeze a little lime juice over the assembled wraps just before serving. These garnishes uplift the presentation and heighten the vibrant flavors, making your meal feel even more special.
Side Dishes
These wraps shine best when kept light and fresh on the side. A simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian slaw with a tangy dressing makes excellent companions. If you want to keep it low-carb, a side of grilled or roasted veggies with a splash of soy sauce or tamari is a lovely option that complements the main dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange everything buffet-style so everyone can customize their own Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe. You can also serve them as appetizers by cutting the wraps into smaller, bite-sized pieces and securing them with decorative toothpicks. Plated individually, they make for an eye-catching starter that’s as delightful to look at as to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cooked shrimp, chopped veggies, and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the Boston lettuce leaves whole, wrapped in a paper towel inside a sealed container, to maintain crispness. This way, everything stays fresh so you can enjoy the flavors again within a day or two without sogginess.
Freezing
Since the lettuce and fresh veggies won’t freeze well, it’s best to freeze only the cooked shrimp by itself. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. When thawed, the shrimp will still taste great, allowing you to quickly recreate the Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe, but fresh veggies and sauce will need to be prepped anew.
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low to medium heat just until warmed through to avoid rubberiness. Avoid reheating the peanut sauce, as it may separate; instead, give it a quick stir or prepare a fresh batch. Assemble your wraps right before serving to ensure the lettuce remains crisp and the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for these wraps?
Absolutely! While Boston lettuce is ideal for its size and sturdiness, butter lettuce or romaine hearts also work beautifully. Just look for leaves that are flexible enough to fold without tearing and large enough to hold the fillings comfortably.
Is this Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mild and focuses on fresh, nutty, and savory flavors. If you love spice, feel free to add thin slices of chili, a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the shrimp with firm tofu or cooked chickpeas for protein. Just be sure to check that your peanut sauce and sesame ginger dressing are vegan-friendly, or make your own versions to suit your dietary preferences.
How long does it take to prepare and cook these wraps?
This Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe is perfect for busy days with a total prep time of about 25 minutes and just 5 minutes to cook the shrimp. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp quickly?
To speed up peeling, start by rinsing frozen shrimp under cold water to thaw slightly, then remove the shell starting at the legs. For deveining, use a small paring knife or a specialized shrimp deveiner to make a shallow cut along the back and lift out the dark vein. Many grocery stores also sell pre-peeled and deveined shrimp which can save even more prep time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe—a dish that delivers fresh textures, vibrant flavors, and a touch of indulgence all wrapped up in a tasty, handheld bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring a bit of excitement and wholesomeness to your table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation!
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Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are a fresh and flavorful appetizer perfect for a light meal or party snack. Succulent sautéed shrimp paired with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado are wrapped in crunchy Boston lettuce leaves and dressed with a vibrant sesame ginger peanut sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 head of Boston lettuce
- 1 avocado, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced into strips
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 small bunch of cilantro
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pantry
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup lowfat sesame ginger dressing (Newman’s Own Brand recommended)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter (room temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and sauté for about 2 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut the cucumber and carrot into thin matchsticks for crunch. Slice the avocado into strips and halve the cilantro sprigs for garnish.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a mason jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine 1/2 cup sesame ginger dressing with 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter. Shake vigorously until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay the Boston lettuce cups on a serving platter. Fill each cup with several strips of carrot, cucumber, sliced avocado, 2 shrimp, and a couple of cilantro sprigs. Drizzle each wrap generously with the peanut dipping sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes to the peanut sauce.
- Make sure the shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- These wraps are best served fresh to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Use gluten-free sesame ginger dressing if you need the dish to be gluten-free.
