By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on October 3, 2026
Serves 4
479 cal · 30 min
Spicy Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Rolls
Recipe GLPR7528ae7591f1e2
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Average rating: 4.3 (1)
Fresh and vibrant shrimp lettuce rolls filled with tender cooked shrimp, soft rice noodles, fresh basil, and grated carrots, served with a tangy-spicy lime dipping sauce. This light, low-fat dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course, combining Southeast Asian flavors in an easy-to-eat package.
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Ingredients
1½ lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
⅓ cup rice wine or sake
1½ tsp toasted sesame oil
1 cup fresh lime juice
½ cup sugar
⅓ cup light soy sauce
1½ tbsp fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 head heads Boston lettuce or butterhead lettuce
2 cup fresh basil leaves
3 medium medium carrots, peeled and finely grated
⅓ lb rice stick noodles, softened and drained
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves completely. Set the dipping sauce aside at room temperature.
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, combine the rice wine, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering liquid and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F). Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then cut each shrimp into 2–3 pieces.
Carefully separate the lettuce leaves and rinse them gently under cool water. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
Assemble each roll: place one lettuce leaf on a clean surface. Layer with a small handful of softened rice noodles, 2–3 pieces of cooked shrimp, a pinch of grated carrot, and a few fresh basil leaves. Fold the sides of the lettuce inward and roll firmly to create a compact package. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 8–12 rolls, depending on lettuce leaf size.
Arrange the finished rolls on a serving platter and serve immediately with the lime-garlic dipping sauce on the side.
Comments
Shrimp, lettuce, and basic aromatics are reliable finds at any Charlotte grocer, but fresh basil will likely mean a trip beyond the usual—Food Lion and Harris Teeter stock it, but inconsistently, and ALDI rarely carries it fresh. The 30-minute estimate is honest if shrimp are pre-peeled; if you're deveining them, add 10 minutes. Cost per serving lands around $3.50 to $4.00 driven by the shrimp, making this an easy weeknight splurge. The rolls are a same-night dish and do not reheat well, so plan to serve them as soon as assembly finishes.
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