Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fresh Vietnamese-style shrimp wraps served in crisp lettuce leaves with a tangy and sweet nuoc cham dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 15 minutes pairs large leaves butter lettuce leaves, small, julienned carrot, fresh cilantro leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp chopped red chili (if using) until sugar dissolves to make the nuoc cham dipping sauce.
  2. Step 2: Rinse and pat dry 6 large butter lettuce leaves, then arrange them on a serving platter.
  3. Step 3: Place 8 large cooked shrimp evenly among the lettuce leaves. Top each with julienned strips from 1 small carrot, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves.
  4. Step 4: Serve the wraps with the nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping.
  5. Step 5: To eat, fold the lettuce leaf around the fillings and enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep small, julienned carrot from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Vietnamese sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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