Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Lettuce Wraps
- 1 large head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced avocado
- Extra lime wedges
- Crushed peanuts
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl combine:
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Toss until evenly coated.
Set aside while preparing the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together:
- Honey
- Hot sauce
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Soy sauce
Mix until smooth.
The sauce should have a balance of sweetness, spice, and tanginess.
Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce Cups
Carefully separate the lettuce leaves.
Wash and dry thoroughly.
Choose the largest leaves for wrapping.
Arrange them on a serving platter.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and slice all vegetables.
Place the carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, cabbage, green onions, and cilantro in separate bowls or arrange them on a platter for easy assembly.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Step 6: Add the Hot Honey Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium.
Pour the hot honey sauce into the skillet.
Stir to coat the shrimp evenly.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
The shrimp should be fully coated in the sticky glaze.
Step 7: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Place a spoonful of vegetables into each lettuce leaf.
Top with several hot honey shrimp.
Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet.
Step 8: Add Garnishes
Finish with:
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts
- Avocado slices
Serve with lime wedges for extra brightness.
Tips for Perfect Lettuce Wraps
Use Fresh Lettuce
Butter lettuce and Bibb lettuce are ideal because they are soft, flexible, and naturally cup-shaped.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly and should be removed from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Customize the Heat Level
Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra spice, or reduce them for a milder version.
Serve Immediately
Lettuce wraps are best enjoyed fresh while the shrimp are warm and the lettuce remains crisp.
Delicious Variations
Asian-Inspired Wraps
Add shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and a drizzle of sesame dressing.
Mango Hot Honey Shrimp Wraps
Top with diced fresh mango for a sweet tropical twist.
Avocado Shrimp Wraps
Add creamy avocado slices for extra richness.
Spicy Peanut Shrimp Wraps
Drizzle with spicy peanut sauce before serving.
Taco-Style Lettuce Wraps
Add corn, black beans, and a squeeze of lime.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
- Coconut rice
- Asian cucumber salad
- Edamame
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh fruit salad
- Sweet potato fries
Storage
Refrigerator
Store shrimp separately from lettuce and vegetables for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm shrimp gently in a skillet before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 540mg
