0 Shares

There’s something exhilarating about the first bite of a buffalo shrimp lettuce wrap—the way the spicy sauce clings to tender little shrimp, mingling with the crisp crunch of fresh romaine. This dish has become my go-to when I crave that classic buffalo flavor without the heaviness of fried wings. It’s a happy marriage of comfort food and health, making it perfect for quick lunches or a satisfying snack throughout the week.

As I sauté the garlic in butter and watch the shrimp turn a beautiful shade of pink, I’m reminded that meals don’t have to be complicated to be incredible. These wraps come together in under an hour and are as ideal for meal prep as they are for spontaneous get-togethers with friends. Plus, they’re low-carb, so you can dig in without the guilt. Join me on this flavor-packed adventure that’s every bit as comforting as a plate of wings but way lighter and fresher!

Why are Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps a Must-Try?

Flavor Explosion: Bold buffalo sauce meets tender shrimp for a spicy delight.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy days!
Healthy Choice: Low-carb and fresh, satisfying without the guilt.
Meal Prep Friendly: Great for lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re sure to impress at gatherings—watch them disappear!

Dive into this delicious recipe and transform your dining experience!

Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Ingredients

For the Shrimp Mixture
• Butter – Adds richness and balances the heat of the hot sauce. Substitution: Use olive oil for a lighter option.
• Garlic cloves, minced – Provides aromatic flavor to the dish; fresh is preferred, but powdered garlic can also work.
• Hot sauce (such as Frank’s) – Delivers the signature buffalo flavor that defines the dish; adjust the amount based on desired spice level.
• Extra-virgin olive oil – Used for cooking shrimp and adds a fruity note to the dish; can be replaced with any neutral oil.
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined – The main protein, offering a tender and juicy texture; for a vegetarian option, use buffalo cauliflower bites or tempeh.
• Kosher salt – Enhances overall flavor; sea salt or table salt can be used if necessary.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds warmth and depth; replace with white pepper if desired.

For the Wrapping
• Romaine lettuce leaves – The wrap base providing crispness and a refreshing crunch; switch to butter lettuce for a milder flavor.
• Red onion, finely chopped – Introduces a mild sweetness and crunch; green onions or shallots can be used as alternatives.
• Rib celery, sliced thin – Adds a nice crunch and slight peppery flavor; carrots may be used as another option.
• Blue cheese, crumbled – Complements the buffalo sauce with its creamy, tangy profile; ranch dressing is great for those who prefer it.

Get ready to whip up your flavorful Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps that are as satisfying as they are healthy!

How to Make Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Melt the Butter:
In a skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
Add the Sauce:
Stir in your hot sauce of choice, letting it simmer for about 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that signature buffalo taste.
Cook the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Prepare the Wraps:
Take your romaine lettuce leaves and scoop the hot shrimp mixture into each leaf. Top with finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced celery, and crumbled blue cheese for that extra pop of flavor.

Optional: Drizzle with ranch dressing for a creamy finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cooking the shrimp until just opaque prevents a rubbery texture. Keep a close eye to maintain tenderness!
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, mix butter into your hot sauce to tone it down. This way, everyone can enjoy the buffalo shrimp lettuce wraps!
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and quality hot sauce truly enhances the dish. Opt for fresh ingredients whenever you can for the best flavor.
Perfectly Crisp Lettuce: Choose sturdy romaine or butter lettuce leaves to wrap your shrimp. They should be dry to avoid sogginess, preserving that delightful crunch.
Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the toppings—crumbling blue cheese or adding a drizzle of ranch dressing elevates the entire wrap and complements the spicy shrimp beautifully.
Meal Prep Tips: Make the shrimp mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble your wraps fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best taste and texture!

Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wrap Variations

Feel free to mix things up and add your unique touch to these wraps with these fun ideas!

Chicken Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken for a heartier option that still packs maximum flavor.
Vegetarian Delight: Use buffalo cauliflower bites or tempeh instead of shrimp for a tasty plant-based twist that’s bursting with flavor.
Spicier Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture for an extra layer of heat that buffalo lovers will adore.
Creamy Alternatives: Instead of blue cheese, try dolloping on some guacamole or a sprinkle of feta for a smooth, savory contrast.
Crunchy Topping: Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch that adds both texture and nutrients.
Asian Fusion: Swap the hot sauce for teriyaki or sweet chili sauce and top with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for an Asian-inspired spin.
Herbed Variation: Incorporate a variety of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to bring an aromatic freshness to your wraps.
Exotic Zest: Ignite your palate by adding a drizzle of sriracha or a splash of lime juice for a tangy, zesty flair that elevates the flavors.

Storage Tips for Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Fridge: Store any leftover buffalo shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Avoid storing in lettuce to keep it crisp.

Freezer: Buffalo shrimp can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Reassemble in fresh lettuce leaves for crispiness.

Assembly: For best texture, prepare your lettuce wraps fresh and avoid assembly until you’re ready to serve, ensuring the lettuce stays crisp and firm!

Make Ahead Options

These Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the spicy shrimp mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply cook the shrimp, allow them to cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For maintaining quality, remember to keep the romaine leaves separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the shrimp mixture in a skillet over low heat and then assemble the wraps by scooping the shrimp into the lettuce leaves topped with your choice of garnishes. This way, you’ll still get that delightful crunch and flavor, just as if you made them fresh!

What to Serve with Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?

These wraps burst with flavor and freshness, calling for sides that enhance their zing while keeping the meal light and enjoyable.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of these fries perfectly balances the spicy buffalo shrimp, making for a delightful contrast. They add a hearty texture and a satisfying crunch to your meal. Plus, they’re easy to prepare alongside your wraps.
Zesty Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed with a light vinaigrette offer a cool respite from the heat of the shrimp. This salad not only adds a crisp texture, but also vibrant colors, brightening your dinner table and palate alike.
Garlic Roasted Broccoli: The nutty flavor of roasted broccoli provides a wonderful contrast to the buffalo sauce. It’s a nutritious side that delivers on flavor and texture, making every bite of your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creamy Avocado Dip: This rich dip can serve as a smooth counterpart to the spicy shrimp, cooling things down while adding healthy fats to your meal. Pair it with some crunchy veggie sticks or whole grain crackers to elevate your dining experience.
Classic Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a delightful crunch and creaminess that complements the crispy lettuce wraps beautifully. The slight sweetness and vinegar tang will contrast wonderfully with the spicy shrimp, making mouthfuls even more enjoyable.
Sparkling Water with Lime: To drink, a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lime can cleanse your palate and keep the focus on your flavorful buffalo shrimp lettuce wraps. It’s light, bubbly, and offers a zing that mirrors the meal’s zest.

Each of these pairings will create a truly unforgettable dining experience, highlighting the vibrant flavors of your buffalo shrimp lettuce wraps!

Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, look for ones that are firm and tend to feel slightly moist. Avoid any that have dark spots or an ammonia smell, as these indicate freshness issues. For this recipe, I recommend medium to large shrimp, as they hold up nicely in the wraps and provide a satisfying bite.

How should I store leftovers from Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps?
For the best results, store any leftover buffalo shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s essential to keep the shrimp separate from the lettuce to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, typically about 5 minutes.

Can I freeze the buffalo shrimp mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the buffalo shrimp! Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container or a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently in a skillet.

What if my shrimp turns rubbery during cooking?
Very! If shrimp become rubbery, it’s often a sign that they’ve been overcooked. To avoid this, cook them until just pink and opaque, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Always keep an eye on them, as shrimp cook quickly!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re concerned about allergies, be sure to check the labels on your hot sauce and blue cheese for potential allergens. For a healthier mix, consider using a dairy-free alternative to blue cheese, like cashew cream, or skipping it altogether. Additionally, you can swap shrimp for plant-based options such as buffalo cauliflower bites or tempeh to make it vegetarian-friendly.

How can I spice up the flavor of my buffalo shrimp?
For a little extra kick, try incorporating spices or herbs into the hot sauce mixture, such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika, during cooking. This can give your buffalo shrimp an extra layer of depth and flavor. You might also want to drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, as they provide a creamy contrast to the heat!