Spicy Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Avocado Lime Drizzle

⏱️ Prep Time

20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time

10 minutes

⏰ Total Time

30 minutes

🍽️ Servings

4 (8 lettuce wraps)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1½ lbs (700 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Slaw

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

For the Avocado Lime Drizzle

• 1 ripe avocado
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly

• 8 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves
• Lime wedges
• Extra chopped cilantro

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Avocado Lime Drizzle

• Add the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, water, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
• Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

2. Prepare the Slaw

• In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
• Toss lightly and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

• In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and lightly caramelized.

4. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

• Lay the lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
• Fill each leaf with the cabbage slaw.
• Top with several shrimp.
• Drizzle generously with the avocado lime sauce.

5. Serve

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
• Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm.

💡 Tips

• Use butter lettuce for soft, flexible wraps or romaine for extra crunch.
• Add diced avocado, corn, or mango for extra freshness.
• Grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
• Prepare the dressing a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Cilantro lime rice
• Mexican street corn
• Black bean salad
• Grilled vegetables
• Fresh fruit salad