Delicious Ceviche Lettuce Wraps Recipe for a Summery Day
Dear esteemed food enthusiasts,
Firstly, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the continued support and love shown towards my culinary expertise. Today, I bring to you a recipe that will tingle your taste buds and leave you wanting more – Cevice Lettuce Wraps!
Lettuce wraps are a popular dish in American cuisine, but I like to give it a Latin twist by incorporating ceviche, a seafood delicacy from Peru. This combination of ingredients gives an explosion of flavors ranging from the tart, tangy lime juice to the rich creaminess of avocado.
Not only does this dish offer irresistible flavors, but it’s also a low-carb and healthy option that can serve as a great appetizer or light meal. The crisp lettuce leaf serves as an excellent substitute for bread, which is perfect for those on a gluten-free diet. With fresh cilantro and lime juice as key ingredients, this dish offers an exotic taste that will make you feel like you’re sitting in a fancy restaurant in South America.
So why not try something new today and let’s explore the world through our taste buds. Join me as we take on this journey of culinary adventure with this mouth-watering shrimp ceviche lettuce wrap recipe. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all food enthusiasts! Brace yourselves for the most tantalizing and flavorful recipe I have to offer – the Ceviche Lettuce Wraps! A fresh blend of flavors from the land and sea, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. If you are a true fan of seafood and vegetables, then you will fall in love with this dish instantly.
What sets this recipe apart from other seafood recipes is its use of lime juice, fresh cilantro, avocado, red onion, and tomatoes. All these natural ingredients not only give this dish a tangy flavor but also infuse it with essential nutrients that are good for your body. With the added convenience of lettuce cups, these wraps are naturally low in carbs and calories, making them perfect for health-conscious eaters.
But there’s more to these lettuce wraps than just their low-carb content. The bites of fresh shrimp and fish in each wrap will take your taste buds on a culinary journey to Peru! By using high-quality peeled shrimp and deveined tail-removed fish such as scallops or other seafood varieties, you’ll enjoy outstanding flavor and texture.
These lettuce wraps bring a stunning combination of colors that will light up any table. They’re perfect for dinner parties or just a simple meal at home. And if you’re looking for a unique appetizer choice that pairs well with drinks, then these lettuce wraps are an absolute must-try!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a healthy option that tastes phenomenal while giving you all those nutrients your body deserves, then give these Ceviche Lettuce Wraps a try. Once you do, I firmly believe that they will be your go-to seafood snack in no time!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious ceviche lettuce wraps!
- 1 lb. high-quality peeled and deveined raw shrimp, tail removed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 12 limes), divided
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Red radish sliced thinly
- Hearts of Palm diced (optional)
- Lettuce leaves for serving
Note: The quality of shrimp is very important to this recipe. Be sure to use fresh shrimp that has been properly cleaned and deveined. You can also substitute the shrimp with scallops if you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound high-quality raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
-
Olive oil
-
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and pink
- Once cooked, remove from the heat and transfer to a non-metallic bowl.
- Add lime juice and salt while still hot to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Prepare Ceviche
- Ingredients:
- Cooked shrimp
- 1/2 cup diced ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup minced green onion
- 1/4 cup diced red radish
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
-
Handful of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
-
Add the chilled shrimp to a shallow dish or large non-metallic bowl
- Toss together with avocado, tomato, red onion, green onion, radish, and jalapeno pepper (if using).
- Pour in remaining lime juice from step one over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Finally, sprinkle in cilantro leaves and toss gently again.
Assemble Lettuce Wraps
- Ingredients:
- Romaine or Boston lettuce leaves
-
Prepared ceviche
-
Wash lettuce leaves and pat dry with paper towels.
- To assemble each lettuce wrap, spoon a heaping tablespoon of ceviche onto one lettuce leaf and then fold so the ceviche is nestled between the two halves of the leaf.
- Repeat this process for remaining lettuce wraps until all are assembled with desired amount of filling.
- Serve and enjoy shrimp ceviche lettuce wrap immediately.
I recommend using Romaine lettuce leaves, but mesclun or butter lettuce also work perfectly fine. These lettuce cups are perfect for serving at your next party or as an easy and low-carb lunch option. The possibilities are endless with these versatile and flavorful shrimp avocado ceviche lettuce wraps low carb recipe ingredients by your side!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this ceviche lettuce wraps recipe is that it is so versatile, allowing for many substitutions and variations depending on your preferences and dietary requirements.
To make this recipe even lower in carbs, you could replace the baby shrimp with diced tofu or cooked mushrooms. For a heartier wrap, you could add in some cooked quinoa or black beans.
If you want to switch up the flavors, try substituting scallops or white fish for the shrimp in the ceviche mixture. You could also experiment with different herbs such as parsley or basil instead of cilantro.
For those who are not a fan of avocado, simply omit it from the recipe or substitute with mayonnaise mixed with lime juice for a similar texture and flavor.
Finally, instead of using lettuce leaves as wraps, you could use collard greens or cabbage leaves for a more sturdy option. The possibilities are endless with this recipe, so have fun and get creative!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this delicious ceviche lettuce wraps recipe, there are so many ways to enjoy it. The refreshing lime and cilantro flavors of this dish make it a perfect appetizer or light lunch option. However, it’s also suitable as an entree when paired with complementary sides.
I recommend serving the ceviche lettuce wraps as a tasty appetizer for your summer BBQ or gathering. Be sure to plate them nicely on a large platter with some extra lime wedges and cilantro on top for garnish. Your guests will love the presentation!
If you’re looking for a light lunch option, you can take some of the leftover ceviche mixture and pair it with some heartier greens, such as romaine lettuce or spinach leaves. You can even add in some cooked quinoa, brown rice or roasted sweet potatoes to round out the meal.
If you choose to serve this recipe as an entree, I suggest pairing it with sides such as black beans and rice, grilled corn on the cob or roasted sweet potato wedges. These options compliment the zesty flavors of the ceviche perfectly and provide a more filling meal.
For beverages that pair well with this dish, I love an ice-cold cerveza or margarita for adults. For non-alcoholic options, try a fresh lime and herb-infused sparkling water or lemonade.
Whatever way you decide to serve these ceviche lettuce wraps, be ready for your taste buds to dance with delight!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dearest readers, once the ceviche lettuce wraps are assembled, they should be served immediately to maintain their freshness and crunchiness. However, I understand that sometimes it is necessary to prepare them in advance or store leftovers for later consumption.
To make-ahead, prepare the cooked shrimp, avocado ceviche mix, and lettuce leaves separately. Store each component in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply assemble the lettuce wraps and drizzle with fresh lime juice.
To store leftovers, place the lettuce wraps in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. Nonetheless, note that the lettuce leaves may become wilted and soggy, so it is recommended to only store them if strictly necessary.
For reheating purposes, remember that overheating may cook the shrimp further and affect its texture. If you need to warm them up, gently microwave the cooked shrimp in 15-second intervals or heat them in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until heated through. As for the lettuce leaves, do not reheat them as they will lose their texture and flavor.
I hope these tips assist you in planning your mealtime effectively. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference in this dish so aim for quality ingredients and enjoy them at its freshest!
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the perfect ceviche lettuce wraps, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips that will ensure your recipe comes out perfectly.
Firstly, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. Fresh lime juice, plump and juicy baby shrimp, crisp lettuce leaves – these all play a vital role in bringing this dish to life. Invest in high-quality produce so that each bite is packed with flavor.
When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Over-stirring can cause the shrimp to break apart, resulting in an unappetizing texture. Instead, fold the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed without being mushy.
Next up, pay attention to the marinating time. While it may be tempting to let the seafood marinate for hours on end, too long can cause it to become tough and chewy. A good rule of thumb is to marinate the shrimp for 15-20 minutes before serving.
If you’re looking to make the recipe low-carb, be sure to choose larger lettuce leaves. The smaller ones may not be able to hold up the weight of the filling and can become soggy easily.
Another tip for a low-carb version of this recipe is to use hearts of palm as a substitute for avocado. It provides a similar texture without sacrificing any flavor.
Lastly, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, feel free to experiment with other types of seafood such as fish or scallops. These bring unique flavors and textures that add another dimension to the dish.
By following these tips, you’ll create ceviche lettuce wraps that are bursting with flavor and have perfect texture every time.
FAQ
As a chef, I understand that there might be some questions that arise when it comes to trying out new recipes. That is why I’ve put together this FAQ section to help answer any doubts you may have about the ceviche lettuce wraps recipe. So, let’s dive into it!
What is the best lettuce for lettuce wraps?
There are various options when it comes to selecting the ideal lettuce for lettuce wraps. While any leafy green can work, the most well-liked choices encompass Boston bib lettuce and romaine hearts. Furthermore, cabbage leaves and jicima wraps are equally suitable alternatives.
How to make lettuce crisp for lettuce wraps?
Before using lettuce leaves as cups, it is recommended to remove their crunchy outer layers. To do so, let the lettuce sit in water for a while, which will help separate the leaves. Once done, drain the lettuce in a colander and dry it with a clean towel. To further enhance the crispiness of the lettuce cups, refrigerate them in a big plastic bag for a few hours.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these ceviche lettuce wraps are the perfect way to enjoy a delicious meal while staying healthy and carb-conscious. With fresh, high-quality ingredients like shrimp, avocado, and lime juice, you’ll be amazed at how flavorful and satisfying these wraps can be.
Not only are they a great option for lunch or dinner, but they’re also perfect for entertaining or bringing to a potluck. And with so many variations and substitutions available, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
So why not give these ceviche lettuce wraps a try? With their delicious flavors, low-carb options, and versatility, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Trust me; they’ll thank you later!
Ceviche Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb small baby shrimp, cooked or 1/2 lb raw baby shrimp
- 1/2 cup red radish, sliced thin and cut into matchsticks
- 1 tablespoon red onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon red pepper, minced
- 1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced on the diagonal (I use kitchen shears)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (I, again, use kitchen shears)
- 2 teaspoons asian chili paste (or less to taste)
- 1/2 cup summer slicing tomatoes, cut into small dice
- avocado
- lettuce leaf, of your choice (see intro)
- salt & freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine shrimp, radish, red pepper, red and green onions in a bowl; squeeze fresh lime juice over top and stir.
- Cover and let marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Stir in cilantro, and chili paste.
- Just before serving, core and peel avocado. Cut into six slices, lengthwise.
- For each serving, take one lettuce leaf, place an avocado slice inside, some chopped tomato, a few green peas if using, and then heap with a couple of spoonfuls of ceviche; season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.