Before we dive into the delicious details of grilled shrimp lettuce wraps, let’s talk about what pairs beautifully with this dish. You’ll want to think about light, refreshing sides that complement the seafood and crunch of the lettuce.
Consider a vibrant mango salsa, which adds a sweet and tangy kick. Or how about a refreshing cucumber salad? Toss some thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
For a hearty touch, you could serve these wraps alongside a chilled quinoa salad. The nuttiness of quinoa works well with the shrimp. Finally, don’t forget a zesty limeade or a light white wine to wash it all down. Now, that’s a meal to remember!
What Is Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?
Grilled shrimp lettuce wraps are a light and refreshing dish typically made with grilled shrimp that’s been marinated and then served in crisp lettuce leaves. They’re fun to eat and packed with flavor, allowing for customization to fit your tastes. The wraps can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even as part of a larger meal spread.
The base of our wraps consists of slightly charred shrimp tossed with seasonings that amplify their natural sweetness, all while maintaining a healthy profile. Lettuce acts as the vessel, making for a delightful crunch with every bite.
Add a zesty mayo sauce, and you’ve got a balance of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible.
How Does It Taste?
The taste of grilled shrimp lettuce wraps is a delightful clash of flavors and textures. The shrimp, marinated in spices and olive oil, develop a slightly smoky, savory quality when grilled. As you take a bite, you’ll experience the fulfilling crunch of the fresh lettuce combined with the tender, juicy shrimp.
The zesty chipotle mayo adds a creamy and tangy note that elevates the whole experience. It’s an explosion of freshness that’s hard to resist!
Why You’ll Love This
You might wonder, why should I whip up grilled shrimp lettuce wraps?
Quick to prepare: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthy: Packed with protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats, they make eating well easy.
Versatile flavor profiles: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it adaptable.
Ingredients
To whip up these delightful wraps, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Grilled Shrimp
- 2 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil, for brushing the grill or grill pan
- 1 pound colossal black tiger prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky kosher salt
For the Zesty Chipotle Mayo Sauce
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup finely minced fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 1/4 teaspoons chipotle pepper powder
For Additional Fresh Toppings
- 2 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 – 2 ears of sweet corn, grilled and kernels shaved off the cob
- Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish
- 1 – 2 ripe vine tomatoes, deseeded and finely diced
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, chipotle chili powder, thyme, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, coating them thoroughly. Allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Pre-Grill Preparation
Set up your grill or grill pan. Brush it with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Make sure your grill is hot.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Place the marinated shrimp on the grill in a single layer. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once.
Step 4: Prepare the Zesty Chipotle Mayo Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, grated garlic, smoked paprika, cilantro, and chipotle powder. Stir until fully integrated.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Take a leaf of lettuce, place 2-3 shrimp inside, drizzle with chipotle mayo, and top with cotija cheese, grilled corn, and diced tomatoes. Garnish with cilantro.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your wraps immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh!
Tips for Making Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Choose the right lettuce: Romaine, Butter, or Iceberg hold the filling well.
Skewer for easy grilling: Thread shrimp onto skewers to keep them from falling through the grates.
Mild spice: Adjust chipotle powder to your desired heat level.
Prep ahead: Marinate shrimp a few hours or overnight.
Customize freely: Add veggies like diced peppers or shredded carrots.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (assuming three shrimp and sauce per wrap):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
How Do You Store This Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?
Store shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep lettuce leaves wrapped in damp paper towels in a plastic bag. Store sauce and toppings separately.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
Grilled chicken: Use marinated and grilled chicken breast.
Tofu: Marinated and grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Seared scallops: For a luxurious twist.
Veggie patties: For a vegan option.
Fish fillets: Mild fishes like tilapia or cod.
Conclusion
Grilled shrimp lettuce wraps are a fantastic dish that combines flavor, texture, and healthiness in every bite. They’re easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress. Once you make them, they’ll become a staple in your menu rotation. Happy cooking!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals
Have you ever bitten into something so delightful that it just instantly brightens your day? Grilled shrimp lettuce wraps have this magical quality.
They are essentially a culinary hug. Imagine shrimps with smoky flavors wrapped snugly in crisp lettuce, topped with a zesty sauce. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. They’re perfect for summer gatherings or even just a weeknight dinner when you crave something fresh and satisfying.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I love creating healthy recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. I've spent years experimenting with flavors and combinations, and believe me, this recipe is a star player. So let’s get into what makes grilled shrimp lettuce wraps such a beloved dish.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Shrimp
For the Zesty Chipotle Mayo Sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
-
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, chipotle chili powder, thyme, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, coating them thoroughly. Allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Pre-Grill Preparation
-
Set up your grill or grill pan. Brush it with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Make sure your grill is hot.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
-
Place the marinated shrimp on the grill in a single layer. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once.
Step 4: Prepare the Zesty Chipotle Mayo Sauce
-
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, grated garlic, smoked paprika, cilantro, and chipotle powder. Stir until fully integrated.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
-
Take a leaf of lettuce, place 2-3 shrimp inside, drizzle with chipotle mayo, and top with cotija cheese, grilled corn, and diced tomatoes. Garnish with cilantro.
Step 6: Serve
-
Serve your wraps immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Choose the right lettuce: Romaine, Butter, or Iceberg hold the filling well.
- Skewer for easy grilling: Thread shrimp onto skewers to keep them from falling through the grates.
- Mild spice: Adjust chipotle powder to your desired heat level.
- Prep ahead: Marinate shrimp a few hours or overnight.
- Customize freely: Add veggies like diced peppers or shredded carrots.
