Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful fusion of flavors? Our Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are not only a feast for the eyes but also a quick and easy dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for a light lunch or an impressive appetizer at your next gathering. With succulent shrimp, fresh veggies, and a tangy sauce all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps are sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to dive into this deliciously fun and interactive meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping: dice bell peppers, chop green onions, separate lettuce leaves, and ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper to ensure even coating and better caramelization.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and just beginning to smoke.
- Add shrimp to the hot skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure they sear and brown quickly, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color.
- Add diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet, stirring quickly to combine with the shrimp and allow vegetables to slightly soften, about 2 minutes.
- Pour sweet and sour sauce over the shrimp mixture, tossing to coat evenly and allowing the sauce to heat through and slightly thicken, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for easier handling.
- Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter, creating individual cups for filling.
- Spoon the shrimp mixture into each lettuce leaf, ensuring an even distribution of shrimp, peppers, and pineapple.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve immediately while the shrimp mixture is still warm, allowing guests to wrap and eat as desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop all your ingredients in advance. This way, you can quickly toss everything together when it’s time to cook.
- Searing Shrimp: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp to achieve a nice sear. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the shrimp a beautiful golden color.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition. You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
- Sauce It Up: If you like it spicy, consider adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce for an extra kick.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the wraps with extra sweet and sour sauce on the side for dipping, allowing your guests to customize their flavor experience.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh lettuce leaves for the best texture. Butter lettuce is ideal because it’s soft and pliable, making it perfect for wrapping.
- Enjoy Immediately: These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, so assemble them right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the shrimp warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 170mg