Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Thailand with these mouthwatering shrimp lettuce wraps that are not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! Imagine tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a creamy, spicy red curry sauce, nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves - a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a Thai chef. These lettuce wraps are not just a dish; they're a quick, healthy, and absolutely irresistible way to bring the exotic tastes of Southeast Asia right to your dining table in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the red curry paste over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the can of coconut milk while stirring to combine it with the curry paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shrimp to the saucepan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the fish sauce and lime juice to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Allow to simmer for an additional minute.
- While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the butter lettuce by carefully separating the leaves and rinsing them under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- To serve, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the shrimp mixture into the center of the leaf.
- Garnish each wrap with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy your Thai Red Curry Shrimp Lettuce Wraps as a delightful appetizer or light meal!
Tips
- Shrimp Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm, have a mild ocean smell, and are free from discoloration.
- Curry Paste Pro Tip: Toast the red curry paste for 1-2 minutes before adding coconut milk to enhance its aromatics and deepen the flavor profile.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Watch your cooking time carefully! Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red curry paste. For extra heat, include a few sliced Thai chilies.
- Lettuce Leaf Hack: Choose the largest, most intact butter lettuce leaves for the best wrap experience. Rinse and dry them thoroughly to ensure they hold the filling perfectly.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extra vegetables like julienned carrots or bell peppers to the curry for more nutrition and crunch.
- Garnish Game Strong: The cilantro and chopped peanuts aren't just for looks - they add crucial fresh and crunchy elements to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 180mg
