Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 blends large leaves butter lettuce leaves, small, julienned carrot, fresh cilantro leaves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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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