Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipes

SAMBAL SHRIMP LETTUCE WRAPS

Steps:

• Whisk hot chili paste, honey, vinegar, and 2 tsp. sesame oil in a small bowl to combine. Season shrimp lightly with kosher salt and place in a resealable plastic bag. Pour in half of marinade and seal bag. Transfer remaining marinade to a small bowl and set aside for serving. Let shrimp sit at room temperature, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even coating, 10-15 minutes.
• Remove shrimp from marinade, allowing excess to drip back into bag, and transfer to paper towels to drain. Heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Working in batches and adding another 1 Tbsp. oil along the way if the skillet is looking dry, arrange shrimp in skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed 2 minutes (the marinade will have darkened in color and some of the sugars in it will have started to caramelize). Turn shrimp over and cook 30 seconds. Transfer to a platter.
• Arrange cucumbers on platter next to shrimp; season with sea salt and drizzle with remaining 2 tsp. sesame oil. Arrange lettuce leaves and mint sprigs on platter so that each component is visible and easily accessible. Place crushed peanuts in a small bowl and set out next to platter along with reserved marinade (for spooning into wraps).

STICKY CARAMELIZED SHRIMP LETTUCE WRAPS

Steps:

• For the shrimp: In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering-hot. Add the garlic and chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, less than 1 minute. Add the shrimp in an even layer and season with a pinch of salt. Cook, turning once, until the shrimp are lightly browned and almost cooked through, but still slightly translucent, 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and wipe out the wok with a paper towel. Place a measuring cup with 1⁄4 cup water next to your cooktop. Set the wok over medium heat and add the brown sugar, lime juice (this helps keep the sugar from crystallizing) and 2 tablespoons water. Cook, stirring often, until the sugar turns into an amber-colored caramel (it should be as thick as honey), 6 to 7 minutes. Then, stir in the fish sauce and soy sauce and remove from the heat. Once a smooth sticky sauce forms (about as thick as honey), after 30 seconds or so, add the cooked shrimp, scallions and scallions, toss to coat.
• Assemble the lettuce wraps: Remove the Quick Pickles (see recipe below) from the fridge and arrange the lettuce leaves, cucumber and cilantro on a serving platter. To serve, spoon some of the shrimp onto a lettuce leaf along with some rice (if using) and top with a few pickles, cucumber and a sprig of cilantro. Roll up and eat immediately.
• In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar water, sugar and 2 pinches of salt and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the carrot and radishes and toss to combine. Transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 20 minutes.

VIETNAMESE SHRIMP LETTUCE WRAPS

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat the water until boiling. Add the softened rice stick noodles and swirl in the hot water, then cook until just tender, 10-15 seconds. Drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold water. Clip the noodles into 3 inch lengths and place into a medium serving container.
• Chop the fresh herbs and peanuts as above and place each in an individual serving container (small bowl or ramekin).
• Peel and de-vein the shrimp, remove the tails. If shrimp are large, cut in to thirds. Season shrimp in a mixing bowl with lemongrass paste (you can use finely chopped fresh lemongrass if available), salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly and saute in a large pan with peanut oil until shrimp are just cooked. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and place in a serving container.
• To make the dipping sauce: In a small mixing bowl, soak the crushed red pepper in lime juice for several minutes Add the garlic, sugar, and fish sauce and stir to dissolve the sugar. Transfer to a serving container and add the grated carrots and serve at room temperature Refrigerated, the sauce will keep in a tightly covered container for up to 5 days.
• To Serve: Arrange lettuce on a large platter surrounded by the containers of chopped herbs, etc. and dipping sauce. To make a wrap, take a lettuce leaf in hand, place a small bundle of rice stick noodles on the leaf, scoop a large tablespoon of shrimp on to lettuce leaf, then add any herbs that you like. Add a teaspoon of dipping sauce onto the mixture on the leaf and then roll and eat. Delicious!