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Fresh Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce served on a white platter with a side bowl of creamy peanut dipping sauce.
Reda

Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Crisp lettuce cups filled with seared shrimp and drizzled with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce for a light dinner that feels like takeout but comes together in 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Thai-inspired
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1.5 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lime zest freshly grated
For the Peanut Sauce
  • 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice from about 1 large lime
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sriracha or more to taste
  • 2 tbsp warm water to thin
For Serving
  • 12 leaves butter lettuce leaves washed and dried, from 2 heads
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves only, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Small Bowl (for sauce)
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

Make the Peanut Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha until smooth. Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce is pourable but still coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust heat with more sriracha if desired. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial for browning. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the underside is pink and lightly golden. Flip and cook 1 minute more.
  2. Add minced garlic and lime zest to the pan, tossing quickly with the shrimp for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Spoon 3 to 4 shrimp into each lettuce cup. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce, then scatter cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts over top. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

For the best texture, buy shrimp labeled "dry" or "chemical-free" - many frozen shrimp are treated with preservatives that prevent proper browning. The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and thinned with a splash of water before serving. For a heartier meal, serve with cooked rice noodles tossed in the extra peanut sauce.