These Shrimp and Mango Salsa Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 25 minutes.
Packed with lean protein from shrimp, fiber from crisp lettuce, and heart-healthy fats from a touch of olive oil, they’re naturally low in carbs and saturated fat.
Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weekday dinners or meal prep.
Shrimp & Mango Lettuce Wrap
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 12-inch nonstick skillet
- 1 Knife (for chopping)
- 1 Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango peeled and chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shrimp
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado/canola oil
- 2 pounds large shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Wraps
- 2 heads Bibb or butter lettuce leaves separated and washed
Instructions
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: Start by making the fresh mango salsa. Peel the mango and carefully cut the flesh away from the pit. Chop it into small, bite-sized cubes for even distribution in the wraps. Next, finely chop the red bell pepper and red onion; these add a crisp texture and a sweet, slightly pungent flavor. Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño, then mince it finely for a mild kick of heat. Combine the chopped mango, bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño in a medium mixing bowl. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice to add tangy brightness, then sprinkle in the chopped cilantro. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Gently toss all the ingredients until evenly coated. Cover and set aside, or refrigerate for up to 2–3 days if preparing ahead of time.
- Prepare the Shrimp for Cooking: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear properly and prevents them from steaming. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Peel and devein them if not already done, and chop into bite-sized pieces if desired.
- Heat the Pan and Oil: Place a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Allow the pan to warm for a minute or two, then add your choice of oil—olive, avocado, or canola. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom evenly. The oil should shimmer slightly but not smoke.
- Season the Shrimp: While the pan is heating, season the shrimp. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper over the shrimp, then toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly. The spices add depth, warmth, and a subtle smokiness to the shrimp, complementing the sweet mango salsa perfectly.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the heated skillet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes, then gently stir and flip the shrimp using a spatula. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, and the edges curl slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp become tough and rubbery if left on heat too long. The total cooking time should only be 2–3 minutes depending on size.
- Prepare the Lettuce Leaves: While the shrimp cooks, carefully separate the leaves from the Bibb or butter lettuce heads. Rinse each leaf thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit, then gently pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Choose the larger, intact leaves, which will serve as the “cups” for holding the shrimp and mango salsa.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Place a lettuce leaf on a serving plate. Spoon a generous portion of the warm shrimp onto the center of the leaf. Top the shrimp with a spoonful of the prepared mango salsa, allowing the vibrant colors and textures to shine. For extra flair, sprinkle a little additional chopped cilantro or a few lime zest shavings on top. Repeat with the remaining leaves, shrimp, and salsa until all ingredients are used.
- Serve Immediately and Enjoy: Serve the lettuce wraps immediately while the shrimp is warm and juicy, and the salsa is fresh and vibrant. These wraps are best enjoyed the moment they are assembled, as the lettuce leaves maintain their crispness and the flavors are at their peak. Optionally, offer lime wedges on the side for extra tang. These wraps make a perfect light lunch, dinner, or party appetizer, and they can also be paired with a side of coconut rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Notes
- Ingredient Freshness Matters: Use ripe, fragrant mangoes for the best flavor, and fresh shrimp for tender, juicy results.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Jalapeño adds mild heat; remove seeds entirely for less spice or leave some in for more kick.
- Quick Prep Tip: Dice the salsa ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate; it actually tastes better after the flavors meld for a few hours.
- Flexible Serving Options: Lettuce wraps are great, but the shrimp and mango mixture also works perfectly over mixed greens, quinoa, or even brown rice for a more substantial meal.
- Cooking Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing shrimp; cook in batches if needed to ensure they sear evenly instead of steaming.
Chef’s Secrets To Flavor Excellence
The secret to truly standout shrimp and mango lettuce wraps lies in balancing textures and flavors.
Use fresh, juicy mangoes and crisp, vibrant lettuce leaves for contrast.
Lightly tossing shrimp in spices before cooking allows the heat to penetrate evenly while enhancing natural sweetness.
Cooking shrimp over medium heat for just a few minutes ensures tenderness—overcooking is the most common mistake.
For an added depth of flavor, consider a tiny drizzle of lime juice over the finished wraps right before serving.
Small touches, like finely chopped cilantro or a hint of zest, elevate this simple dish into something memorable.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
These lettuce wraps are wonderfully versatile.
Serve them as a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or an appetizer at gatherings.
Pair them with a side of coconut rice or fluffy quinoa for a more filling meal.
For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts on top.
They also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water infused with citrus for a refreshing, healthy pairing.
Garnishing with extra lime wedges or fresh herbs makes the dish not only flavorful but visually stunning on the table.
Storage Tips To Preserve Freshness
Shrimp and mango lettuce wraps are best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce.
However, you can store the components separately for up to 2–3 days.
Keep the mango salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and store cooked shrimp in a separate container.
Lettuce leaves should be washed, dried, and wrapped in paper towels in a sealed bag to prevent wilting.
When ready to serve, reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave and assemble the wraps for maximum freshness and crunch.
Avoid storing fully assembled wraps, as lettuce tends to become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps them sear properly rather than steam.
2. How spicy are these wraps?
The spice level comes from the jalapeño and chili powder. Y
ou can remove seeds from the jalapeño for a milder flavor or leave some in for a bit more heat.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the mango salsa and cook the shrimp in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Assemble the wraps just before serving.
4. What can I use instead of Bibb lettuce?
Other leafy greens like romaine, butter lettuce, iceberg, or even spinach leaves can work well as a wrap.
Choose larger, sturdy leaves to hold the filling without tearing.
5. Is this recipe low-carb and healthy?
Absolutely. It’s high in lean protein from shrimp, low in carbs, and provides fiber from the mango and lettuce.
Using fresh, minimal oil keeps it heart-healthy with low saturated fat, making it an excellent choice for a light, nutritious meal.
