It’s finally summer, which means less meals roasting in the oven and more of these light, refreshing suppers around here.
This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner, as the shrimp get a quick 30 minute marinade and then cook on the stovetop for under 5 minutes. My kind of busy day dinner!
Watch Me Make My Spicy Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Cups
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How To Make Spicy Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Cups
Step 1. Whisk hot chili paste, honey, fish sauce, vinegar, garlic, and 2 tsp of sesame oil in a medium sized bowl.
Step 2. Add shrimp, toss to coat, and transfer to fridge to marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3. Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 4. Arrange shrimp in skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.Â
Step 5. Turn shrimp over and cook for another 30-60 seconds.
Step 6. Transfer shrimp to a platter and reserve any leftover sauce.
Step 7. Add lettuce leaves and cilantro to platter. Arrange cucumbers and shrimp on platter, season with salt and remaining sesame oil. Drizzle remaining sauce in the pan over the shrimp and add a squeeze of lime.
Step 8. Serve and enjoy!
These Spicy Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Cups are special because:
- Sambal Oelek is a delicious, traditional Indonesian hot chili paste that stars the show in this marinade. Oh, I love it so. It only takes a small amount to add a ton of flavor and a great kick. I have included an easy substitution for you below if you can’t find this particular paste.
- I love to serve these with a side of herb flecked white rice, and/or a plate of steamed edamame with flaky salt. It’s a simple and nourishing dinner that is far from short on flavor.
What else can I use?
- If you can’t find sambal oelek, use any hot chili paste you like. Sriracha is a great substitute and available at almost all supermarkets.
- Boston bibb lettuce, or butter lettuce, is a nice, soft texture and perfect size for these cups. You can use iceberg or another large lettuce leaf as well, it’ll just be harder to fold up without cracking but still delicious.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, use apple cider or white wine vinegar.
- Crushed peanuts are a great substitute for the cashews to serve.
Want More Summer Seafood Recipes?
The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Salmon
Mayo-Free Tuna Salad (Paleo, Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole (Gluten Free)
If you make these sambal shrimp lettuce cups, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on Instagram, or tag me in a post so I can see and share your creations. Enjoy!
Spicy Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Cups (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo)
Equipment
- Large nonstick pan
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup hot chili paste such as Sambal Oelek
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tsp sesame oil, divided
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp
- Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
For serving:
- 2 Persian cucumbers
- 1 head of Boston Bibb lettuce, separated
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews, chopped
- 1 lime, quartered
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk hot chili paste, honey, fish sauce, vinegar, garlic, and 2 tsp of sesame oil in a medium sized bowl.
- Add shrimp, toss to coat, and transfer to fridge to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp. avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Working in two batches if needed, arrange shrimp in skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
- Turn shrimp over and cook for another 30-60 seconds. The marinade will have darkened as the sugars caramelized, don't worry about that.
- Transfer shrimp to a platter and reserve any leftover sauce.
To serve:
- Arrange cucumbers on platter next to shrimp and season with salt and 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Arrange lettuce leaves and cilantro on platter so that each component is visible and easily accessible.
- Place diced cashews in a small bowl.
- Drizzle remaining sauce in the pan over the shrimp and finish with a squeeze of lime.
- Serve and enjoy!
