Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you’re looking for a zesty, light, and incredibly satisfying meal, these Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are about to become your new obsession. Each bite bursts with juicy grilled shrimp, a tangy homemade cilantro lime dressing, sweet corn, and creamy cotija cheese—all snuggled in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a dish that feels like summer on a plate, and it comes together in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps? Each ingredient serves a deliciously important purpose—contributing either brightness, crunch, or savory depth. Most are kitchen staples, and together, they make this dish pop with color and flavor!

• Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: This is the base of the tangy dressing and brings zing to every bite. Always use fresh lime for the most vibrant flavor.
• Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the lime’s acidity and rounds out the dressing beautifully.
• Fresh Cilantro: Infuses the dish with that signature herbal kick—don’t skip it, and add extra on top for a burst of green!
• Garlic: Gives the dressing a punchy, savory aroma that complements the shrimp.
• Kosher Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything from the dressing to the shrimp.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Lends a little heat to keep things interesting, but you can adjust to taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the dressing and keeps the shrimp juicy on the grill.
• Iceberg & Butter Lettuce: These two together create the perfect sturdy-yet-tender “cup” for your filling—double up for extra crunch!
• Jumbo Shrimp (peeled & deveined): The star of the show; using jumbo shrimp ensures they stay juicy and meaty on the grill.
• Olive Oil (for shrimp): Helps the seasoning stick and gives that golden sear when grilled.
• Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: Add smoky depth and a subtle garlicky flair directly to the shrimp before grilling.
• Green Onions: Sprinkled on top, they add freshness and a gentle bite.
• Corn: Sweet, juicy corn kernels give every wrap a pop of color and natural sweetness.
• Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese adds richness and helps balance the fresh flavors—feta is a great backup!
• Lime Wedges: For a final spritz of bright, citrusy freshness right before serving.

Variations

One of the most wonderful things about Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps is how easy it is to tailor them to your mood or pantry. Whether you’re working around dietary needs or just want to mix things up, the options are endless!

• Swap the Protein: Try grilled chicken, steak, or tofu in place of shrimp for a different twist that’s just as tasty.
• Get Saucy: Stir in some Greek yogurt or avocado to the dressing for extra creaminess, or add a drizzle of hot sauce if you love spice.
• Change Up the Cheese: Use feta, queso fresco, or leave the cheese out completely for a dairy-free version.
• Play with the Veggies: Add diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, or purple cabbage for more crunch and color.

How to Make Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the lime juice, honey, fresh cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until completely smooth and vibrant green. This zesty dressing can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for several days—just give it a good shake before using!

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce Wraps

Gently separate the leaves from both the iceberg and butter lettuce heads. For the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, layer one iceberg leaf with one butter lettuce leaf for each wrap—this way, your wraps will hold all the tasty fillings without falling apart.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss them gently until every shrimp is glistening and evenly coated with those bold spices.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F. Arrange the shrimp directly on the grates or use a grill basket if you want to make things extra easy. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the shrimp are just pink, slightly charred, and opaque—be careful not to overcook!

Step 5: Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps

Now the fun part—building your Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps! Pile the warm grilled shrimp onto your prepared lettuce “cups,” drizzle generously with the tangy cilantro lime dressing, then top with green onions, fresh (or grilled) corn kernels, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. Finish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a flavor explosion.

How to Serve Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

To make each wrap pop, finish with a flurry of extra chopped cilantro, an extra squeeze of lime, and perhaps another dusting of cotija or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Paper-thin radish slices or diced avocado are delicious garnishes, too, adding both color and creamy texture.

Side Dishes

While these wraps make a perfect meal on their own, you can pair them with a light Mexican street corn salad, crispy tortilla chips and pico de gallo, or a refreshing watermelon-cucumber salad for a complete summer feast. Even a simple batch of black beans rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or family-style service, pile the grilled shrimp, lettuce leaves, toppings, and dressing on a big platter and let everyone build their own Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps. You can also turn this recipe into bite-sized appetizers by slicing the shrimp in half and using smaller lettuce leaves for sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled shrimp, chopped veggies, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps all the components fresh and prevents the lettuce from getting soggy.

Freezing

While lettuce and fresh veggies aren’t great candidates for freezing, cooked grilled shrimp freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. Thaw in the fridge before reassembling your wraps.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, pop them in a skillet over medium-low heat for just a minute or two, or microwave gently until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy. Assemble wraps fresh just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you need a dinner that’s fresh, quick, and totally packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with these Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps. Invite your favorite people, prep a platter, and watch them disappear in no time—there’s just something special about this vibrant, healthy, and absolutely crave-worthy meal. Enjoy every lime-spritzed, cilantro-topped bite!

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