If you are searching for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly irresistible dish, look no further than this Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Cucumber, Carrot, and Mint Recipe. It brings together crispy, flavorful shrimp wrapped in cool bib lettuce, accented by the crunchy freshness of cucumbers and carrots, and brightened by fragrant mint leaves. This recipe is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that promises to delight your taste buds without any fuss in preparation. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a fun appetizer, or a healthy snack, these shrimp lettuce cups will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Cucumber, Carrot, and Mint Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh, colorful, and wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each component plays an essential role in delivering the perfect mix of flavors, textures, and aromas.
- Seapak Butterfly Shrimp (18 oz.): These shrimp are conveniently prepped and cook quickly while adding a crispy, savory base.
- Bib Lettuce (1 head): Crisp and tender, the leaves make an ideal, edible vessel for all the fillings.
- Persian Cucumbers (3): Their thin skin and mild flavor provide a refreshing crunch without overpowering the dish.
- Medium Carrot (1): Cut into matchsticks, carrots add sweet earthiness and a satisfying bite.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (1/2 cup): These bring a burst of fragrant brightness and a refreshing contrast to the shrimp.
- Sweet Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard, or Peanut Sauce: One of these will add the perfect finishing touch by introducing tangy, spicy, or nutty notes to every bite.
How to Make Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Cucumber, Carrot, and Mint Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to ensure it is hot and ready to crisply cook the shrimp. Lining your rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper will help with quick cleanup after baking.
Step 2: Bake the Shrimp
Place the butterfly shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the middle rack of the oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes. For evenly crisp shrimp, flip them halfway through the cooking time. The result should be shrimp that are hot, crispy, and flavorful, forming the heart of your cups.
Step 3: Assemble the Cups
With your shrimp ready, it’s time to build the cups. Lay out bib lettuce leaves on a platter and start layering each leaf with the baked shrimp, followed by the cucumber slices and carrot matchsticks. Scatter fresh mint leaves on top to add that cool, aromatic finish that ties the whole dish together so beautifully.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, drizzle your Lettuce Cups with your favorite sauce—choose from sweet chili for a little kick, honey mustard for a tangy twist, or peanut sauce for a rich, nutty flavor. This final touch brings all the ingredients into a harmonious flavor party in each bite.
How to Serve Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Cucumber, Carrot, and Mint Recipe
Garnishes
Although mint leaves are part of the filling, adding a few extra mint sprigs on your serving plate amps up the fresh aroma and adds visual appeal. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts can also enhance texture and flavor for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
These lettuce cups shine on their own but pair wonderfully with light sides like a tangy mango salad, a chilled vermicelli noodle bowl, or a zesty cucumber and chili salad. These pairings complement the freshness while keeping the meal light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these lettuce cups on a large platter with individual dipping bowls of the sauces, letting guests customize their flavors. Alternatively, turn them into a party platter with colorful vegetable sticks and extra shrimp beside the cups for a build-your-own experience that’s interactive and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the shrimp separate from the lettuce and vegetables to avoid sogginess. Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and the washed, dried lettuce wrapped in paper towels in another container or bag for freshness.
Freezing
This Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Cucumber, Carrot, and Mint Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing tends to affect the texture of the lettuce and fresh vegetables. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 1 month in a tightly sealed bag or container. Just thaw completely before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a 350°F oven or on a skillet to retain crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery. Assemble the cups just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for these cups?
Absolutely! While bib lettuce is preferred for its size and texture, iceberg or butter lettuce can be excellent substitutes. Just look for leaves that are sturdy enough to hold the fillings without tearing.
What sauces work best with this shrimp lettuce cups recipe?
The recipe shines with sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or peanut sauce, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like a tangy sriracha mayo, hoisin sauce, or even a spicy garlic sauce to suit your taste.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen butterfly shrimp?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used! Just peel and devein them, then cook according to your preference. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly and allowed to cool slightly before assembling the lettuce cups.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
By using gluten-free sauces and ensuring the shrimp are gluten-free (some pre-packaged shrimp might contain additives), this dish can be made gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.
How can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Swap the shrimp with crispy tofu or seasoned tempeh for a plant-based version. The fresh vegetables, mint, and vibrant sauces will keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Cucumber, Carrot, and Mint Recipe enough if you want something quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor. It’s such a joy to prepare and even more fun to eat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp!
Print
Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Cucumber, Carrot, and Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Shrimp Lettuce Cups are a light, fresh, and flavorful appetizer or main dish perfect for a quick dinner or party snack. Crisp baked butterfly shrimp are paired with crunchy cucumbers, sweet matchstick carrots, and refreshing mint, all wrapped in crisp bib lettuce leaves and complemented by a choice of sweet chili, honey mustard, or peanut sauce. Ready in just 22 minutes, this recipe is a delightful balance of textures and tastes that’s both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 (18 oz.) box Seapak Butterfly Shrimp
Vegetables
- 1 head bib lettuce, leaves separated
- 3 Persian cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Sauces
- Sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or peanut sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Bake the Shrimp: Arrange the butterfly shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place the sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the shrimp are fully heated through and crisp. Turn the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Assemble the Cups: Once the shrimp are cooked, layer shrimp, cucumber slices, carrot matchsticks, and fresh mint leaves inside each bib lettuce leaf, creating individual cups.
- Serve: Drizzle the shrimp lettuce cups with your choice of sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or peanut sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For crispier shrimp, be sure to turn them halfway through baking.
- Use fresh bib lettuce leaves for the best texture and presentation.
- Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for variation.
- These cups can be served as an appetizer or a light meal.
- Feel free to add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Leftover cooked shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
