Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sambal

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €22.73 · €5.68/serving

• 1/2 cup fiery chili paste (like sambal oelek)Est. price €0.75–€1.80
• 1/4 cup golden honeyEst. price €0.60–€1.50
• 1/4 cup plain rice vinegarEst. price €0.30–€0.75
• 4 tsp. fragrant toasted sesame oil, divided (add half at the beginning of cooking, and the remaining half towards the end for maximum flavor)Est. price €0.40–€0.90
• 1 1/2 lb. plump, succulent shrimpEst. price €15.00–€27.00
• Kosher salt (season to taste)Est. price €0.01–€0.03
• 12 Tbsp. neutral vegetable oilEst. price €1.20–€2.40
• 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced into delicate roundsEst. price €0.80–€1.60
• Flaky sea salt (sprinkle lightly for a finishing touch)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• 2 heads of Bibb lettuce, leaves gently separated, kept coolEst. price €2.50–€4.50

Steps

1. 1

   In a small bowl, whisk together hot chili paste, honey, vinegar, and 2 tsp of sesame oil until well combined. Lightly season the shrimp with kosher salt and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade into the bag with the shrimp, seal it, and set aside the rest of the marinade for later use. Allow the shrimp to marinate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, making sure to turn the bag occasionally for an even coating.

2. 2

   Take the shrimp out of the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off back into the bag, and place them on paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Working in batches and adding another tablespoon of oil if needed, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook without disturbing for 2 minutes until the marinade darkens in color and begins to caramelize slightly. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Then, transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter.

3. 3

   Place the shrimp on a platter alongside the cucumbers. Season them with sea salt and drizzle 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over them. Next, arrange the lettuce leaves and mint sprigs on the platter ensuring that each element is clearly displayed and within reach. Prepare a small bowl with crushed peanuts to accompany the platter, along with the marinade set aside for spooning into wraps.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Sambal, the fiery chili paste used in this recipe, originates from Indonesia and is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Lettuce wraps are popular in various cultures as a light and refreshing way to enjoy flavorful ingredients like shrimp and herbs.

• Seasonal note

  This dish is best enjoyed in the summer when shrimp and cucumbers are in season. Bibb lettuce and mint are also freshest during this time, enhancing the overall flavors of the dish.

• Health note

  These lettuce wraps are a good source of protein and healthy fats from the shrimp and peanuts. They are low in calories and high in essential nutrients like vitamins A and C. However, watch out for the sodium content, as it is relatively high in this dish.