The day’s winding down, and you’re finally getting a moment to breathe. Hunger’s kicking in, but the thought of spending ages in the kitchen? That’s a no-go. Enter these Spicy Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Cups. They’re quick to make, bursting with vibrant, zesty ingredients, and perfect for just about everyone at the table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner for the family or a solo meal that feels a little special, this recipe has you covered.

😍 Why You’ll Love These Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups

You’ll love these Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups for so many reasons. They’re quick and easy to whip up – ready in just 35 minutes, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. With a bold sambal marinade that brings just the right balance of spice, sweetness, and tang, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo, so they suit a variety of dietary needs without feeling restrictive.

You don’t have to go hunting for fresh shrimp, frozen works just as well and is available year-round, so this recipe works no matter the season, and it’s endlessly adaptable – swap sambal for sriracha, cashews for peanuts, or even use iceberg lettuce instead of Bibb. Light yet satisfying, these lettuce cups are the kind of meal that feels fresh and vibrant without leaving you hungry an hour later.

🗒️ Ingredients

Hot chili paste (Sambal Oelek): This fiery, flavorful paste is the star of the show, adding a kick and depth of heat to the marinade.

Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance out the heat, rounding out the flavor profile.

Rice vinegar: A light, tangy note that helps brighten the dish and enhance the bold flavors.

Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty depth with a slight toasted flavor, perfect for bringing everything together.

Garlic: Fresh and aromatic, it infuses the marinade with savory goodness.

Fish sauce: A hint of umami to round out the flavor and give it that authentic, rich taste.

Shrimp: Tender and juicy, shrimp takes on the vibrant marinade beautifully while cooking up quickly.

Kosher salt: Enhances and elevates all the flavors, ensuring every bite is seasoned just right.

Avocado oil: Ideal for cooking at high heat, this oil adds a mild, buttery flavor without overpowering the dish.

Persian cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, they provide a cool contrast to the spicy shrimp.

Bibb lettuce: Soft, tender leaves that form the perfect base for wrapping up all the fresh ingredients.

Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, cilantro adds a burst of brightness and a pop of color.

Roasted cashews: Crunchy and buttery, they give the dish a delightful texture and richness.

Lime: A squeeze of lime brings a zesty, citrusy freshness that ties everything together.

Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch of salt that adds a little extra crunch and burst of flavor.

👩‍🍳 How to Make My Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Cups

🥣 In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the hot chili paste, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and fish sauce.

🍤 Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

🥑 Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer.

⏲️ Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.

🔥 Flip the shrimp and cook for another 30-60 seconds, until they’re fully cooked and the marinade has caramelized slightly.

👋🏼 Transfer the shrimp to a platter and set aside, reserving any leftover sauce in the pan.

🥒 On the same platter, arrange the cucumbers, lettuce leaves, and cilantro for easy serving.

🧂 Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the shrimp, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and finish with a squeeze of lime.

🍋‍🟩 Serve the shrimp in lettuce cups with cucumbers, cilantro, cashews, and a fresh squeeze of lime.

🥳 Enjoy!

🎩 Tips and Tricks

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 30 minutes is plenty of time for the shrimp to absorb the flavors, if you have extra time, marinate for an hour or two to deepen the taste. Just be sure not to over-marinade to avoid a mushy texture!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than sear, which will affect the texture.
• Double the Sauce: If you love a saucy dish, consider doubling the marinade recipe. It’s perfect for drizzling on top of the shrimp and veggies or even for dipping.

🌟 Variations

Add a Sweet Touch: For a slightly sweeter flavor, add a small drizzle of maple syrup or a few pieces of finely diced mango to your lettuce cups.

Extra Veggies: To pack more veggies into the dish, you can add shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even avocado slices alongside the shrimp and cucumbers.

Asian-Inspired Slaw: For a more filling variation, top the lettuce cups with a quick slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame vinaigrette.

Turn It into a Salad: Instead of lettuce cups, serve the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a fresh and light salad.

Rice: Serve the shrimp with a side of herb-infused rice or cauliflower rice for a more substantial meal.

🤲 Substitutions

• Hot Chili Paste (Sambal Oelek): If you can’t find sambal oelek, try sriracha, gochujang (Korean chili paste), or any hot chili paste you prefer. The heat levels will vary, so adjust to taste.
• Fish Sauce: For a vegetarian alternative, use soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) to replace the fish sauce. It’ll give a similar umami flavor without the fishy taste.
• Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work as great substitutes.
• Cashews: If you’re not a fan of cashews, roasted peanuts or even toasted almonds can be used for the same crunchy, nutty texture.
• Avocado Oil: You can substitute avocado oil with vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or even olive oil for cooking.
• Lettuce: While Bibb lettuce is ideal, iceberg or butter lettuce will work as well. If you’re looking for more crunch, go with romaine.
• Cucumbers: If Persian cucumbers aren’t available, English cucumbers or even julienned carrots can be a great alternative.

📓 Best served with

• Herb-infused white rice or cauliflower rice
• Steamed edamame with flaky salt
• A light Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing
• Sliced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess
• Crispy sweet potato fries or baked sweet potato wedges

👝 How to Store Leftover Spicy Shrimp

Aallow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and keep the shrimp separate from the lettuce leaves to prevent them from wilting. Place the shrimp in an airtight container, and store any leftover sauce in a separate container. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them. If you prefer a cold dish, the shrimp can also be enjoyed straight from the fridge.

🧠 Common Questions