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- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves gently separated - Fresh cilantro leaves - Sliced scallions - Additional veggies (e.g., diced red bell pepper, cucumber) When making Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Cups, each ingredient plays a key role. The shrimp, fresh and tender, takes center stage. I love using peeled and deveined shrimp for ease. The sweet chili sauce adds a burst of flavor. It balances heat and sweetness perfectly. Minced garlic brings a strong aroma to the dish. Fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick, while grated ginger provides warmth. Soy sauce gives depth and umami to the shrimp. Choosing the right lettuce is crucial. I prefer butter lettuce for its soft leaves. They cradle the shrimp well. Iceberg lettuce is also a great choice for a crispy bite. Optional garnishes, like cilantro and scallions, make the dish pop. Diced red bell pepper and julienned cucumber add crunch and color. Each ingredient adds layers of taste and texture. Feel free to mix and match to make it your own! - Rinse and dry shrimp - Prepare marinade ingredients Rinse the shrimp under cold water. This helps remove any unwanted bits. After rinsing, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This step helps the marinade stick better. Next, gather your marinade ingredients. You need sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and grated ginger. Measure out each ingredient to make mixing easier. - Marinate the shrimp - Cook shrimp in skillet In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger. Whisk these together until smooth. Then, add the shrimp to the bowl. Make sure each shrimp is coated well in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 15 minutes. This allows the shrimp to soak up all the flavors. Now, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want them to turn vibrant pink and opaque. This means they are fully cooked and ready to eat. - Prepare lettuce cups - Fill and garnish the cups While the shrimp cooks, rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water. Gently dry them with a towel. Arrange the leaves on a serving platter to create a beautiful base. After the shrimp is done cooking, remove it from heat. Now comes the fun part! Fill each lettuce leaf with a generous amount of shrimp. Top the shrimp with diced red bell pepper and julienned cucumber. These add crunch and color. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced scallions. This adds freshness and makes the dish look vibrant. Serve immediately for a tasty treat! To cook shrimp well, use a skillet. A non-stick skillet is best. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil once it's hot. This method gives great flavor and texture. You can also grill shrimp for a smoky taste. Just be careful not to overcook them. They only need 2 to 3 minutes per side. For marinating, mix sweet chili sauce, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger. This blend adds depth to the shrimp. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature. This short time makes a big difference in flavor. Pair your shrimp lettuce cups with tasty dipping sauces. A soy sauce or extra sweet chili sauce works well. You can also try a lime vinaigrette for a zesty kick. For side dishes, consider a refreshing salad. A cucumber or carrot salad adds crunch. You might also enjoy rice or quinoa for more substance. These sides complement the shrimp nicely. You need a few essential tools for this recipe. A large non-stick skillet is key for cooking shrimp evenly. A mixing bowl helps in blending the marinade. Use a whisk for quick mixing. When using a non-stick skillet, heat it before adding oil. This prevents sticking. If you notice the shrimp sticking, turn the heat down a bit. This simple tip will help you cook shrimp to perfection every time. {{image_4}} You can change the shrimp to make this dish your own. Try using chicken or tofu. Both options offer a great taste. Chicken cooks well and is filling. Tofu can soak up flavors nicely. For a vegan twist, swap the shrimp for veggies. Think about using mushrooms or chickpeas. These options keep the meal light and tasty while catering to plant-based diets. Want more heat? Add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Adjust the amount to fit your spice level. If you like it mild, skip the heat altogether. You can also mix in fresh herbs. Try basil or mint for a different flavor. These herbs brighten up the dish, making it even more refreshing. Serving these cups at a gathering? Arrange the lettuce cups on a big platter. This makes it easy for guests to grab their own. You can even create themes. Host a taco night with these cups. They fit right in, adding a fun twist to the evening. Use colorful toppings to make them pop. To keep your shrimp and lettuce cups fresh, store them right. Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them down first. You can store shrimp in the fridge for up to two days. For the lettuce cups, wrap them in a damp paper towel. This will help keep the leaves crisp. Store them in a separate container in the fridge. When reheating cooked shrimp, use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make shrimp rubbery. For the lettuce cups, do not reheat them. They should stay cold and crisp for the best taste. You can freeze cooked shrimp, but not the lettuce. To freeze shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing shrimp in warm water, as it can affect the texture. Always cook them before serving, ensuring they are hot throughout. To make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Cups, you start by rinsing and drying 1 pound of shrimp. Then, mix 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger in a bowl. Marinate the shrimp in this mixture for 15 minutes. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Prepare the lettuce leaves and assemble by adding shrimp, diced red bell pepper, and cucumber. Garnish with cilantro and scallions. Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Cups are perfect for light meals or appetizers. They offer a fun way to enjoy shrimp without heavy carbs. The lettuce provides a crisp texture and fresh taste. These cups are also low in carbs, which makes them great for those watching their intake. You can serve them at parties or family gatherings for a delightful bite that impresses guests. Yes, you can prep Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Cups ahead of time. Marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking for deeper flavor. However, cook the shrimp close to serving time for the best taste. Prepare the lettuce leaves and veggies in advance, but keep them separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. This blog post shared how to create tasty Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Cups. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, chili sauce, and lime juice. I offered simple steps for cooking and assembling your dish. We also covered tips for perfecting flavor and suggested helpful variations. These cups are great for light meals or fun gatherings. You can make them ahead and enjoy their fresh taste later. Try this recipe and impress your family or friends with your cooking skills!

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Cups

Discover the perfect blend of flavor and freshness with these Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Cups! This easy and delicious recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a light meal or appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can impress your guests or enjoy a delightful dinner at home.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves gently separated

1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces

1/2 cucumber, julienned into thin strips

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Sliced scallions, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prep the Shrimp: Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold running water, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

    Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

      Marinate the Shrimp: Add the cleaned shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the shrimp to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, which will enhance their flavor.

        Cook the Shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn vibrant pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.

          Prepare the Lettuce Cups: While the shrimp is cooking, rinse the lettuce leaves thoroughly under cold water and dry them gently. Once dry, arrange the leaves on a serving platter, creating a beautiful base for your filling.

            Assemble the Cups: Once the shrimp is cooked, remove it from heat. Fill each lettuce leaf with a generous portion of shrimp. Top the shrimp with diced red bell pepper and julienned cucumber for added crunch and color.

              Garnish: Finish the lettuce cups by sprinkling fresh cilantro leaves and sliced scallions on top, adding freshness and an aromatic touch to the dish.

                Serve: Serve the lettuce cups immediately while the shrimp is warm. Encourage guests to enjoy these flavorful, fresh ingredients wrapped in the crisp lettuce for a delightful, light meal or appetizer.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4