Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Cups: A Flavorful, Low-Carb Sensation
Dive into the incredible flavors of these Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Cups – a vibrant, low-carb, and incredibly satisfying meal that you will absolutely adore. These healthy shrimp lettuce wraps are bursting with fresh ingredients and a zesty kick, making them perfect for any day of the week.
Here at Aggie’s Kitchen, we’re always thrilled to bring you recipes that are not only delicious but also exciting and accessible. Today, we have a very special treat: a guest post from the incredibly talented and absolutely hilarious Bev of Bev Cooks. If you haven’t yet discovered Beverly’s world, you are in for a delight. Her blog is a daily dose of humor, warmth, and seriously good food that makes you smile. She possesses a rare gift for making cooking fun and approachable, transforming everyday ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
Bev’s cooking philosophy aligns beautifully with ours – fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. That’s why we couldn’t be more excited for her to share her recipe for Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Cups. Just looking at the photos, my mouth is watering, and I can already imagine the vibrant flavors. This dish is the epitome of what we love: a healthy, low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on taste. So, without further ado, let’s welcome Bev!
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From Bev Cooks: Embracing the Spice in Every Season
When the wonderful Aggie reached out about me being a guest poster on her blog, a flurry of excitement immediately took over! There might have been some impromptu singing, a moment of wondering if perfectly smooth legs were a prerequisite (they totally are in my head), and perhaps even a brief fantasy involving a red sequin gown and sky-high stilettos. Okay, maybe I got a *little* carried away, but when Aggie calls, you answer with enthusiasm!
Thank you so much, Aggie, for this incredible opportunity!
. . . . .
As summer gently fades and the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, there’s a natural shift in our routines and our cravings. The pool gates close, school supplies are fresh, and the sounds of marching bands fill the morning air. Cozy evenings beckon, bringing with them the promise of new comfort food creations that will grace our tables for the next six months. It’s a fantastic time of year, truly!
With that delightful transition in mind, I wanted to share a recipe that perfectly bridges the gap – a light, refreshing, yet intensely flavorful meal that carries an undeniable “kick.” And when I say “kick,” I’m not just being polite. This dish brings a serious level of heat, the kind that might make you want to have a cool drink nearby, but in the best way possible!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines so many things I adore: succulent shrimp, which always makes me giddy; the exhilarating thrill of spicy, fiery heat that gets me humming love songs; and the delightful convenience of a wrap, which practically inspires a cha-cha dance in my kitchen. Don’t worry, I promise not to frighten you away with my kitchen antics. Just trust me on this one!
Please, give these Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Cups a try. They are truly something special.
Crafting the Fiery Flavor Profile: A Closer Look at the Ingredients
The magic of these Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Cups truly begins with the marinade. It’s a vibrant, aromatic concoction designed to infuse every piece of shrimp with an unforgettable flavor. Let’s break down the key players:
Roasted Jalapeño Peppers: The Heart of the Heat
First up, our four humble jalapeño peppers. When roasted, these peppers transform. Their skin chars, deepening their flavor and giving them a smoky sweetness while intensifying their heat. You might not see it with the naked eye, but they’re secretly plotting a sensational taste adventure for your palate.
Toasted Cumin and Coriander: The Aromatic Foundation
Next, we have the toasted cumin and coriander seeds. Toasting these whole spices before grinding them releases their essential oils, intensifying their warm, earthy, and slightly citrusy notes. The aroma alone is enough to make you forget your name – it’s that captivating!
The Spice Paste: Where the Magic Happens
This is where things get exciting, and maybe a little intense! Using a mortar and pestle to grind the toasted spices, minced garlic, and roasted peppers creates a robust, incredibly fragrant, and potent paste. The process itself is therapeutic, as you watch the ingredients meld together into a fiery, aromatic blend. Be warned, the fumes are no joke – you might want to open a window or, in my case, briefly stick your head in the freezer for a moment of relief! This paste is the concentrated essence of flavor that will truly make these shrimp pop.
As you continue to grind, the paste becomes smoother and even more awesome. You can probably pull your head out of the freezer now; the initial shock has passed, replaced by pure anticipation of the deliciousness to come.
Once the base is ready, we mix in fresh cilantro and high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. This adds freshness and helps carry the flavors beautifully. The result is a vibrant, intensely aromatic marinade that promises a seriously flavorful experience.
Marinating the Shrimp: Infusing Every Bite with Flavor
With our incredible marinade prepared, it’s time to toss in the star of our dish: the shrimp. We use extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender. A few minutes in this spicy, aromatic bath is all it takes for the shrimp to absorb those fantastic flavors. The beauty of shrimp is how quickly it marinates and cooks, making this an ideal choice for a quick and healthy meal.
The Perfect Vessel: Crisp Lettuce Cups
For serving, we choose crisp butter lettuce leaves. Their pliable yet sturdy nature makes them the perfect vessel for our flavorful shrimp mixture. They offer a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the rich, spicy filling. You just want to pet them, don’t you?
Assembly and Serving: A Feast for the Senses
After a quick sear, the shrimp are cooked to perfection. We then quickly sauté some diced red bell pepper to add a touch of sweetness and extra crunch. Finally, it’s time to assemble these beauties: succulent shrimp, vibrant bell pepper, and creamy diced avocado, all nestled within those fresh lettuce cups. A final spritz of fresh lime juice brightens everything up and adds a zesty finish.
And there you have it – the finished dish, ready to be devoured! Go ahead, wave to your fans. They’ll understand if your face is melting off from the glorious heat and your head is back in the freezer for another brief moment of spicy bliss. Seriously, have that sprinkler system ready!
Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Cups and a visit from Bev Cooks
Author: Bev Cooks
Yield: serves 4
Category: Fish, Healthy, Low Carb
Method: Oven/Stovetop
Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Cups – you will love EVERYTHING about these flavorful low carb, shrimp lettuce wraps. They are incredibly easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and offer a delightful spicy kick for a healthy weeknight meal or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 heads butter lettuce, rinsed and leaves separated
- 4 jalapeño peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbs. cumin seeds, toasted
- 1 Tbs. coriander seeds, toasted
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 Tbs. for cooking
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 lime, for juicing and garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the jalapeño peppers with a little bit of olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes, or until they are nicely charred and softened on all sides.
- Remove the roasted peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, give them a rough chop.
- Using a mortar and pestle, crush the toasted cumin seeds and coriander seeds until they are finely ground. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of coarse salt, then continue to grind until it forms a slightly pasty consistency. Incorporate the chopped roasted peppers and grind again until you have a fiery, aromatic paste. Finally, mix in the fresh cilantro and the 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, grinding a bit more to combine thoroughly. This intense marinade is truly something special!
- Toss the prepared marinade with the peeled and deveined shrimp. Let the shrimp sit and marinate for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet and sear for 2 minutes. Flip the shrimp and sear for an additional 30 seconds, or until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- If needed, add a little more olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still retaining a gentle crunch.
- To assemble, stuff each crisp butter lettuce cup with a generous portion of the cooked shrimp, sautéed red bell pepper, and diced avocado. Finish with a spritz of fresh lime juice. Get ready for a burst of flavors that might just bring a tear to your eye – from the delicious heat, of course! Remember that cool drink, or perhaps a moment with the freezer door, if you need it. Enjoy!
Thank you so much, Aggie, for letting me share this spicy, flavorful creation and blab my face off on your wonderful blog today! It’s been an absolute blast!