Shrimp, lettuce, and peanut sauce—what a trio! These wraps are like a tiny festival of flavors in your mouth, every bite a celebration. I stumbled upon this combo one lazy Sunday afternoon, and it’s been a weeknight staple ever since. The crispy crunch of lettuce paired with the savory shrimp just sings, doesn’t it?
Steps
- Prepare the shrimp by rinsing and drying them, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet and cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate to cool.
- Cut the cucumber and carrot into thin matchstick pieces. Slice the avocado into strips, and chop the cilantro sprigs in half for easy adding to the wraps.
- Create the peanut dressing by combining sesame ginger dressing with creamy peanut butter in a mason jar or a container with a tight lid. Shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Arrange the lettuce cups on a serving platter. Fill each cup with carrot and cucumber strips, avocado slices, two shrimp, and a few sprigs of cilantro.
- Drizzle the peanut sauce over the assembled lettuce wraps. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, flavorful combination.
Ingredients
- 1 head of Boston lettuce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 avocado, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced into strips
- 1/2 small bunch of cilantro
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup low-fat sesame ginger dressing (such as Newman’s Own, or Bragg’s for a gluten-free option)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
Nutritional Values
Calories: 399 kcal | Carbs: 11 g | Protein: 27 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 285 mg | Sodium: 1528 mg | Potassium: 619 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 4015 IU | Vitamin C: 13.3 mg | Calcium: 204 mg | Iron: 3.6 mg
FAQ
- What are lettuce wraps, and how do they differ from spring rolls?
- Lettuce wraps are similar to spring rolls but use fresh lettuce cups instead of rice paper. They typically include a protein such as shrimp, chicken, or ground pork, paired with fresh vegetables and served with a peanut dipping sauce.
- Can I use a different type of lettuce if I can’t find Boston lettuce?
- Absolutely! If Boston lettuce isn’t available, you can substitute it with regular sandwich lettuce or the leaves from hearts of romaine.
- What makes the peanut sauce in this recipe unique?
- The peanut sauce is simple yet exceptional, made with just two ingredients: creamy peanut butter and a sesame ginger dressing. These are combined in a mason jar and shaken until smooth.
- How should I serve these shrimp lettuce wraps for a gathering?
- For a fun, interactive meal, let your guests assemble their own wraps. Provide a selection of lettuce leaves, carrot and cucumber strips, avocado slices, shrimp, and cilantro sprigs for them to customize their wraps. Don’t forget to drizzle the peanut sauce on top for extra flavor.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: Ensure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier blending with the sesame ginger dressing when preparing the peanut sauce.
- Substitute Lettuce if Necessary: If Boston lettuce is unavailable, substitute it with regular sandwich lettuce or leaves from hearts of romaine, which work just as well.
- Don’t Skip the Cilantro: Even if you’re not typically a fan, try adding cilantro to your wraps. It enhances the flavor and gives the wraps a taste reminiscent of spring rolls.
- Assemble Buffet-Style: Encourage guests to assemble their own wraps. This interactive approach not only makes the meal more engaging but also allows everyone to customize their wraps to their liking.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet – If you don’t already own one, a large non-stick skillet is essential for cooking the shrimp efficiently.
- Mason jar or Tupperware with a tight-fitting lid – Used for making the peanut sauce by shaking the ingredients together.
