Sweet and Spicy Shrimp (Easy Lettuce Wraps)

This sweet and spicy shrimp recipe delivers the perfect combination of sweet honey flavor and chili heat. Wrap them up in crisp lettuce leaves for a quick weeknight dinner that's low carb. Or serve over rice for a traditional meal you'll want on repeat. Ready in 25 minutes!

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Shrimp:

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined - fresh or frozen (thaw according to package directions) both work great. Medium shrimp are a fine swap.
• Oil - any neutral oil works. Add a dash of sesame oil if you have it on hand!
• Garlic, minced - fresh is best. Garlic powder is a quick substitute.
• Honey - maple syrup makes a great swap for a slightly different sweetness.
• Sriracha - adjust the amount of sriracha for your spice level. Hot sauce or chili flakes also work.
• Soy sauce - low-sodium works great. Coconut aminos is a good gluten-free option.
• Rice vinegar or lime juice - both add brightness. Use whatever you have on hand.
• Fresh ginger, grated - ground ginger works as a backup.
• Salt and black pepper - season to taste.

To make lettuce wraps:

• Romaine or butter lettuce - both hold up well. Boston lettuce is another great option.
• Carrot, julienned - adds crunch and color. Snap peas or shredded cabbage work too.
• Cucumber, julienned - cool and refreshing against the spicy shrimp.
• Red bell pepper, julienned - any color bell pepper works here.
• Green onions, finely chopped - adds a mild onion bite to finish.
• Sesame seeds - optional, but they add a nice finishing touch.

For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:

• Mayo or Greek yogurt - Greek yogurt keeps it lighter.
• Sriracha - this is what makes the spicy sauce sing.
• Honey - maple syrup works here too.
• Lime juice - a squeeze brightens the whole sauce. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Shrimp

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
3. Pour the honey sriracha sauce over the shrimp. Toss well and cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat the shrimp beautifully.
4. Mix all the ingredients for the spicy mayo sauce in a small bowl. Set it aside. You might also like my other Sriracha mayo recipe!
5. To assemble the wraps: Place lettuce leaves on a plate. Fill each with a few shrimp and top with carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper. Drizzle with the spicy mayo, and sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
6. Serve them fresh and warm - the contrast of sweet-spicy shrimp with the crisp lettuce is unbeatable!
7. Try my Singapore Fried Rice if you want a larger meal.

Tips for Success

• Don't overcook the shrimp. They only need 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast.
• Use hot oil for a perfect sear. Let the skillet heat up before adding the shrimp.
• Pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This helps them sear instead of steam.
• Mix the sauce in advance. It saves time when things get busy at the stove.
• Serve immediately for the best texture. The lettuce stays crisp and the shrimp stay tender.

FAQ

How to Store

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store Spicy Mayo sauce separate.
• Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for best results. The microwave works too, at reduced power to prevent overcooking.
• The lettuce and veggies are best fresh. Assemble your wraps just before serving for the best crunch.

More Quick Asian Inspired Dinners

• Shrimp Stir Fry with Lo Mein Noodles
• Chicken and Steak Stir Fry
• Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
• Coconut Milk Chicken Curry

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Imported Recipe

Recipe by Nikole Berg

Craving a quick dinner? This sweet and spicy shrimp recipe is ready in 25 minutes with bold flavor and minimal effort.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Asian American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 243 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For the spicy shrimp

• ▢ 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ▢ 1 tablespoon oil any neutral oil
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 2 tablespoon honey
• ▢ 1.5 tablespoon sriracha adjust to spice preference
• ▢ 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
• ▢ 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice or lime juice
• ▢ ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated not powdered
• ▢ Salt and black pepper to taste

For Lettuce Wraps

• ▢ 1 head romaine or butter lettuce
• ▢ 1 carrot julienned
• ▢ ½ cucumber julienned
• ▢ ¼ red bell pepper julienned
• ▢ 2 green onions thinly sliced
• ▢ Sesame seeds optional, for topping

Spicy Mayo Sauce

• ▢ 2 tablespoon mayo or Greek yogurt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sriracha
• ▢ 1 teaspoon honey
• ▢ A squeeze of lime juice

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US Customary - Metric

Instructions

 

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• Spicy shrimp sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. Set aside.
• Spicy Mayo: Mix all the ingredients for the spicy mayo sauce in a small bowl. Set it aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
• Pour the honey sriracha sauce over the shrimp. Toss well and cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat the shrimp.
• To assemble lettuce wraps: Place lettuce leaves on a plate. Fill each with a few shrimp and top with carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper. Drizzle with the spicy mayo, and sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, lime wedge and sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately.
• We also love this shrimp served over rice with spicy mayo drizzled over!

Notes

• 5 ounces per serving is an estimate 
• Use butter lettuce, romaine or Boston lettuce for the perfect wrap texture - soft yet sturdy.
• For extra crunch, add shredded cabbage or crushed peanuts.
• You can swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or salmon using the same sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 5ozCalories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 19gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 1119mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 16717IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 133mgIron: 2mg

Keyword lettuce wraps, take out, thai shrimp

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