Name: Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 6 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded cabbage mixture (from a bag of coleslaw); Juice of one lime; 1 tsp rice vinegar (unseasoned); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish; 1 tbsp diced red onions; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 12 oz shrimp (frozen, deveined and tail off, thawed); 1 tbsp cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 head of butter lettuce (or preferred lettuce); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil, plus more as needed)

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I am so excited to share this Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe because it is one of those vibrant, fresh dishes that feels like a little celebration in every bite. The succulent shrimp paired with crisp cabbage and the tangy-sweet mayo sauce wrapped perfectly in cool butter lettuce hits all the right notes for me. It’s light enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough to make when friends come over. I love how the sweet chili mayo adds a gentle kick without overpowering the natural flavors of the shrimp and veggies.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe

When I first tried this recipe, what grabbed me instantly was the incredible flavor balance. The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside from a light cornstarch coating, tender inside, and the combination of lime, sweet chili sauce, and mayo creates a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing that you just want to keep dipping into. The freshness of the cabbage and cilantro alongside bright lime juice makes it lively and refreshing—definitely a recipe that never feels heavy.

Besides the amazing taste, I truly appreciate how easy and fast this dish comes together. From prep to plate, I can have it ready in under 15 minutes, which feels like a magic trick on busy days. The ingredients are simple and accessible, and you don’t need any fancy culinary skills. These wraps are so versatile—they work brilliantly as a light lunch, a casual dinner, or a fun appetizer when entertaining. To me, that’s what makes this Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe stand out: it’s simplicity plus flavor and flexibility that's hard to beat.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a thick, creamy mixture with a pale yellow base. Mixed throughout are small pieces of green leafy vegetables and tiny bits of red and orange, adding pops of color and texture. A metal spoon is partially dipped into the mixture on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is built on simplicity, but each ingredient plays a key part in bringing out the dish’s fresh textures and vibrant flavors. Whether it’s the crisp cabbage or the zingy lime juice, everything adds layers of taste and color to the wraps.

Quick Tip

All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below

Cabbage mixture: This shredded coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the tender shrimp.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that lifts all the flavors.
Rice vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity to balance the sweetness and oils.
Fresh cilantro: Offers herbal notes that give the wraps an aromatic lift.
Red onions: Small diced pieces give subtle sharpness and color.
Sweet chili sauce: The star of the sweet and spicy flavor in the mayo dressing.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to coat the shrimp and cabbage beautifully.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for that nutty, toasty depth.
Shrimp: The protein powerhouse—thawed, deveined, and ready to cook.
Cornstarch: Helps crisp up the shrimp for that delicious texture contrast.
Vegetable oil: For cooking the shrimp to perfection.
Butter lettuce: The delicate and soft leaves make the perfect handheld wrap.

Directions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage mixture, fresh cilantro, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and diced red onions. Mix well to ensure every bite will be flavorful. Set this refreshing mixture aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels to help them crisp up nicely. Season them with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the cornstarch over the shrimp and stir gently until they are evenly coated. This step is crucial for that perfect crisp texture.

Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the shrimp in the pan, making sure they don’t touch so they can crisp properly. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn a gorgeous pink and develop a delicate crust. Resist the urge to move them around too much—this helps keep that crispiness intact.

Step 4: Meanwhile, add the sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise to the cabbage mixture bowl and stir to combine everything into a creamy, spicy-sweet dressing. When the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Toss the drained shrimp into the bowl with the dressed cabbage mixture and gently mix to coat the shrimp evenly. Season with a bit more salt and pepper to taste. Spoon a generous amount of this delicious shrimp and cabbage mix into the center of each butter lettuce leaf.

Step 6: Garnish with extra cilantro if you like, and serve immediately. These wraps are best enjoyed fresh and warm with that lovely balance of crispness, creaminess, and pop of sweet heat.

Servings and Timing

This Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe makes about 5 servings, which is perfect for a small family meal or to share with friends as an appetizer. Prep time is a quick 5 minutes since the ingredients mostly require mixing and seasoning, while the cook time clocks in at around 9 minutes thanks to the speedy shrimp sauté. Altogether, you’re looking at a total time of approximately 14 minutes, making it a fantastic option for when you want something flavorful but fast. There’s no resting or cooling time needed—you can dig right in as soon as it’s assembled!

How to Serve This Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe

The dish shows a white oval plate on a white marbled surface, holding six green lettuce leaves filled with small round shrimp that are lightly browned, sitting on top of what looks like creamy tuna or chicken salad mixed with small bits. The shrimp have a slight shine, and the lettuce leaves curl gently up around the filling, creating small cups. The colors are light green from lettuce, pinkish-orange from shrimp, and creamy beige from the salad underneath. The food is arranged neatly with even spacing on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this recipe as a light lunch or casual dinner alongside some simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad. The rice helps soak up the tangy sweet chili mayo sauce beautifully, while the salad adds an extra cool crunch that complements the shrimp mixture. For a party, I like to arrange the wraps neatly on a platter, garnished generously with cilantro and lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their wraps.

Presentation-wise, stacking the wraps on a rustic wooden board or a bright, colorful plate can really make the colors pop—making your guests even more excited to dig in. I always encourage serving these at room temperature or slightly warm, because the shrimp tastes best that way against the crisp, cool lettuce.

When it comes to beverages, I personally reach for refreshing iced tea with a splash of lemon or a cold sparkling water with cucumber slices to keep things light and fresh. These pairings help cut through the richness of the mayo without overwhelming the palate. I think these wraps would be a lovely choice for weeknight meals, weekend brunches, or even as part of a vibrant holiday spread with friends who appreciate bright, fresh flavors.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate different dietary needs, I have some fun ideas. For instance, swapping shrimp for diced tofu or chickpeas works wonderfully for a vegetarian or vegan twist—just adjust the cooking time and skip the cornstarch if you prefer. For gluten-free options, everything here already fits the bill since there’s no soy sauce or wheat-based ingredients. Just make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.

You can also experiment with the flavor profile by adding grated ginger or minced garlic to the cabbage mix for an extra zing, or by using a coconut mayo to lend a subtle tropical note. For a cooking method variation, try grilling the shrimp instead of pan-searing to bring a smoky flavor that pairs deliciously with the sweet chili mayo.

Personally, I’ve even added a few toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced radishes on top for added crunch and prettiness when serving. The flexibility of this Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe means you can make it your own every time!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the shrimp and cabbage mixture separately from the lettuce leaves to prevent sogginess. Use an airtight container and keep the shrimp mix in the fridge for up to two days. The lettuce leaves are best stored in a separate container lined with a paper towel to absorb any moisture and keep them crisp for a day or two.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so I don’t generally suggest freezing the assembled wraps because the lettuce will wilt and become watery. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp before mixing it with the cabbage and mayo if you want to prep in advance. Just freeze the cooked shrimp in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before mixing and serving as usual.

Reheating

When it comes to reheating the shrimp-cabbage mixture, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture and avoid overcooking the shrimp. I avoid microwaving if possible since it can make the shrimp rubbery and the mayo sauce separate. Once warmed, assemble the wraps fresh with cold lettuce leaves to maintain the best eating experience.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While butter lettuce is ideal for its tender, pliable leaves, you can also use romaine or iceberg lettuce if you prefer a bit more crunch and sturdiness. Just make sure to select leaves that are whole and large enough to hold the shrimp mixture comfortably.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can easily veganize this recipe by replacing shrimp with crispy tofu cubes or seasoned chickpeas and swapping the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative. Make sure your sweet chili sauce is vegan too. The cabbage mixture and seasoning will work just as well for a plant-based option.

How spicy is the sweet chili mayo dressing?

The sweet chili mayo in this recipe offers a gentle, approachable sweetness balanced with a mild heat that doesn’t overwhelm. If you like more spice, you can add a dash of sriracha or extra chili flakes, or tone it down by mixing in a bit more mayonnaise to mellow the heat.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare the cabbage mixture and shrimp ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. I recommend waiting to toss everything together and fill the lettuce leaves just before serving to keep the textures fresh and crisp.

What can I serve alongside these shrimp lettuce wraps?

I often pair these wraps with steamed rice or a light noodle salad to round out the meal. Fresh fruit or a simple citrus salad also complements the flavors well. For something heartier, serving with grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes makes for a satisfying plate.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe soon—because it has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals for any occasion. It’s fresh, flavorful, simple, and just so fun to eat. Once you make it, I have a feeling it will become a beloved recipe in your home too. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe