Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying dish, then you are going to adore these Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps. They bring together the creamy richness of ripe avocado with the sweet, tender bite of perfectly sautéed shrimp, all nestled in crisp, refreshing butter lettuce leaves. Every forkful offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that feels both light and indulgent—perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or impressive entertaining without the fuss. Once you try these wraps, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is key to making these Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps truly shine. Each component plays an essential role, from the juicy shrimp to the zesty lime juice that brightens the whole dish. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• 1 lb Large Shrimp (21-25 count): Peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed frozen shrimp add natural sweetness and a tender bite.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a subtle fruity hint and helps sauté the shrimp perfectly.
• 2 Cloves Garlic: Minced garlic provides an aromatic background that beautifully complements the seafood.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A gentle kick of heat that you can adjust to your heat preference.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• 2 Large Ripe Avocados: Look for ones that yield gently to pressure to ensure creamy, silky texture.
• 1/4 Cup Red Onion: Finely diced for a sharp, slightly pungent bite that balances the richness.
• 1/2 Cup Cherry Tomatoes: Quartered or halved, they add refreshing bursts of sweetness and acidity.
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, giving a bright, herbaceous lift to the mixture.
• 2 tbsp Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds zest and helps prevent your avocado from browning.
• 1 Head Butter Lettuce (or Romaine/Iceberg): Leaves separated and washed, serving as the perfect tender yet sturdy “wraps.”
• Optional Garnish: Sesame seeds, sriracha mayo, or extra lime wedges for added texture, spice, or zest.

How to Make Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by patting your peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels—this step helps you get a beautiful sear rather than steaming them in the pan. Season the shrimp generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. This seasoning forms the flavorful base of your wraps.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, careful not to burn it. Then add your seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. This lets each shrimp cook evenly and develop a lovely golden color.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. If your pan is small, cook in batches to avoid crowding—this keeps the shrimp from steaming and losing that perfect texture. Once cooked, take them off the heat and let them cool slightly. You can either chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Mixture

In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, finely diced red onion, quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir carefully—this isn’t guacamole, so you want to keep the avocado pieces intact for texture and visual appeal.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Avocado

Add the cooked shrimp to the avocado mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly distributed. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra lime juice or salt really elevates the flavors. Your filling is now ready to be wrapped!

Step 6: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

Carefully separate the lettuce leaves from your butter lettuce head, making sure they are whole without tears. Wash them thoroughly and pat dry so they stay crisp. Spoon a generous amount of the avocado and shrimp filling into each leaf, folding or wrapping them like little bundles of fresh flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Arrange the Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps on a serving platter and finish with optional garnishes like sesame seeds, a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo, or extra lime wedges for squeezing. These little details make each bite even more exciting.

How to Serve Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps is a fun way to personalize them and add texture or a flavor boost. Toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle nutty crunch, while a drizzle of sriracha mayo adds a creamy, spicy kick. Don’t forget a few fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of zesty brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite versatile and can be paired well with light sides. A crisp cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette, a chilled quinoa salad, or even grilled corn on the cob beautifully complement these wraps without overpowering the delicate flavors. If you want to keep it simple, a bowl of fresh fruit or a glass of chilled white wine also pairs wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps even more visually appealing? Serve them as bite-sized appetizers on a large platter, perhaps with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go enjoyment. Alternatively, try arranging the filling in small individual bowls accompanied by lettuce leaves so guests can build their own wraps, turning mealtime into a fun and interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the avocado mixture covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning. Store lettuce leaves separately wrapped in a paper towel inside a plastic bag to maintain crispness.

Freezing

Due to the fresh avocado and lettuce, these Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps do not freeze well. Freezing will alter the texture of the avocado and make the lettuce soggy, so it is best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a couple of days when stored properly.

Reheating

Reheat leftover shrimp and avocado mixture gently in a skillet over low heat for just a minute or two if you prefer it warm, but avoid overheating to keep the avocado from becoming mushy. Always add the mixture back to fresh lettuce leaves when serving to keep the wraps crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce for the wraps?

Absolutely! While butter lettuce is tender and perfectly shaped for wraps, Romaine or iceberg lettuce work well too. Choose leaves that are sturdy but flexible enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and double the amount of avocado or add cooked chickpeas or crispy tofu for protein. The vibrant combination of avocado and fresh veggies will still make these wraps delicious.

Can I prepare the shrimp in advance?

Definitely! Cook the shrimp a few hours ahead or even the day before. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container, and add to your avocado mixture when ready to serve for quick assembly.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the red pepper flakes?

Yes, you can either omit the red pepper flakes completely, or add just a tiny pinch for a slight warmth. The recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your heat preference easily.

How can I avoid the avocado turning brown?

Fresh lime juice is your best friend here! The citric acid slows oxidation. Also, gentle folding rather than mashing helps keep the avocado looking fresh and vibrant for longer.

Final Thoughts

These Avocado & Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are one of those rare recipes that strike the perfect balance between healthful and indulgent, simple yet impressive. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, they come together quickly with ingredients that celebrate fresh flavors and textures. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself craving these colorful, tasty wraps again and again.

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