Lemongrass Shrimp Lettuce Cups Recipes

GRILLED SHRIMP LETTUCE CUPS WITH CREAMY HERB SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high.
• Double-skewer the shrimp with 2 metal skewers, one skewer through the thicker part of the shrimp and one close to the tail (wooden skewers will work too, but soak for 30 minutes in water first); skewer 6 shrimp per skewer set. Repeat with the remaining shrimp and skewers.
• Mix together the paprika, garlic powder and coriander in a small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of the shrimp with the seasoning mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil. Grill until cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes a side.
• Arrange the shrimp on the lettuce cups and drizzle with the Creamy Herb Sauce. Top with the cilantro and dill.
• Combine the yogurt, cilantro, dill, mayonnaise, chili paste and garlic in a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice as needed to make the sauce as thick, thin or acidic as you'd like. Season with salt and pepper.

LEMONGRASS SHRIMP LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• For the dipping sauce: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir together and set aside.
• For the lettuce cups: Heat the sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic, lemongrass and shallot, stirring, until fragrant, about a minute or so. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring often, until pale pink in color, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the chile paste, soy sauce and chopped cilantro.
• Carefully break off the lettuce leaves from the core and place them on a large platter. Spoon shrimp into each lettuce cup, top with the carrots, bell peppers, cabbage and some cilantro leaves. Serve with the dipping sauce.

LEMONGRASS-SKEWERED SHRIMP IN LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• Toss shrimp with 2 tablespoons salt; let stand 5 minutes. Rinse under cold water; pat dry. Pulse shallot and halved garlic in a food processor until minced. Add shrimp, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, egg, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons sugar, oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper; pulse until a paste forms. Transfer to a bowl; refrigerate 30 minutes.
• With wet hands, spoon a scant 1/4 cup shrimp paste into the palm of one hand and flatten into a 3-inch round. Center a piece of lemongrass over mixture and gently close palm, using your fingers to shape paste into an oval around lemongrass. Transfer to a steamer basket (preferably bamboo) lined with lightly oiled parchment. Repeat with remaining shrimp paste and stalks. Place basket snugly over a pot of simmering water; steam until shrimp paste is opaque and firm, 3 to 4 minutes. Skewers can be steamed up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated (remove 30 minutes before grilling).
• Stir together remaining 3 tablespoons fish sauce and 2 teaspoons sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup water until sugar is dissolved. Divide among dipping bowls; top each with some of sliced chiles.
• Preheat grill for direct-heat cooking (medium-high on a gas grill). Lightly brush shrimp skewers with oil and grill, turning a few times, until charred in places and heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve skewers with lettuce, mint, cilantro, peanuts, remaining sliced chiles, dipping sauce, and lime wedges alongside.

VIETNAMESE RICE NOODLES WITH LEMONGRASS SHRIMP

Steps:

• Make the pickled vegetables: Put carrot and daikon in a small bowl and sprinkle with sugar and salt. Add rice vinegar, toss well and set aside.
• Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, ginger and chiles. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and let mixture sit for 15 minutes. (Leftover sauce will keep up to 3 days, refrigerated.)
• Marinate the shrimp: Put shrimp in a shallow dish. Add fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic and lemongrass. Mix well to coat.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil. Turn off heat and add rice noodles. Soak noodles, stirring occasionally, until softened, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Leave in colander at room temperature.
• Prepare a platter of lettuce leaves and herb sprigs for the table. Keep cool, covered with a damp towel.
• Put oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add shrimp without crowding (work in batches if necessary). Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
• To serve, divide noodles among 4 large soup bowls, then top each with hot shrimp, pickled vegetables and a tablespoon or so of dipping sauce. Sprinkle with scallions and peanuts (and beans sprouts if using). Pass herb platter and remaining dipping sauce at the table, and encourage guests to customize bowls as desired.