Ever feel like you’re running a restaurant with a dozen different menus just to please everyone at the table? I’ve been there more times than I can count. The struggle to find one meal that gets a “yum” from both the kids and the adults is real, and it can make weeknights feel like a marathon.
That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share our new favorite solution: Shrimp Scampi Lettuce Wraps. This dish is a total game-changer for busy families. It takes the classic, buttery garlic flavor we all love and turns it into a fun, hands-on meal that even my most particular eater will happily dig into.
I promise, this recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s quick, healthy, and so simple to put together. Let me show you how we turned a potential dinner battle into a quiet, happy table. And if you’re looking for more sweet treats to balance out your meal plan, you should definitely try our pumpkin spice maple cookies for dessert!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
My kids went from suspicious to super fans with this one. The magic is in the interactive, build-your-own style that gives them a sense of control.
They get to be the boss of their own plate. The shrimp is tender and not at all fishy, and the butter-garlic sauce is a familiar, comforting flavor. Serving it in crisp lettuce cups instead of a heavy pasta makes it feel fun and light, which is a huge win for little appetites.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I always try to use simple ingredients you can find at any regular grocery store. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!
Shrimp Scampi Lettuce Wraps Recipe
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi Lettuce Wraps Recipe!
Nutrition Information
You’ll need one pound of raw, peeled shrimp. A bag of frozen shrimp works perfectly and is a great budget-friendly option. Grab a head of fresh iceberg or butter lettuce for the cups. For the sauce, you need butter, olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a little parsley. That’s it! I usually have all of this in my kitchen already.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting my kids to help in the kitchen has made them so much more willing to try new foods. It gives them a real sense of pride.
For this recipe, a great and safe job for them is washing and carefully separating the lettuce leaves to make the “cups.” They can also be in charge of setting up the “wrap station” with all the components laid out for everyone to build their own. It makes dinner feel like a fun activity.
PREPARATION
Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this is one of the easiest dishes you’ll ever make. I’ve broken it down into simple, foolproof steps. If you’re craving more comfort food classics, our cheesy creamy baked chicken is another family favorite that’s just as simple to prepare.
- Pat the raw shrimp dry with a paper towel and season them with a little salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your butter and olive oil.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until it’s fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Arrange your clean, dry lettuce cups on a platter and spoon the warm shrimp and sauce into them. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
One of the best things about this meal is how easily you can adjust it for different preferences right at the table.
For kids who are sensitive to strong flavors, you can serve the garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping. If you have some adventurous eaters, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for the adults adds a nice kick. You can even add some cooked, crumbled bacon on top for a extra special treat!
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This meal is fantastic for making ahead, which is a lifesaver on those crazy-busy weeknights.
Store the cooked shrimp and the lettuce leaves separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They will keep well for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. The lettuce is best served cold and crisp.
Nutrition Notes
- High in Protein: Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein to keep everyone full and satisfied.
- Low Carb: Using lettuce instead of pasta or bread makes this a wonderfully light and low-carb meal.
- Healthy Fats: The olive oil and butter provide good fats for energy and brain health.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal cooking time, it helps you get a healthy dinner on the table fast.
For a truly decadent finish to your meal, don’t miss our incredible salted caramel cheesecake recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
You can, but the texture is best when you start with raw shrimp. If you use pre-cooked shrimp, just warm it through in the garlic butter sauce for a minute at the end. Be careful not to overcook it, or it can become tough.
What’s the best type of lettuce to use for the wraps?
I find that iceberg or butter lettuce works best. Their cups are sturdy enough to hold the filling but still soft and easy to bite into. Romaine leaves can also work in a pinch!
My family doesn’t like seafood. Can I use chicken?
Absolutely! This garlic butter sauce is delicious on everything. Just swap the shrimp for diced, cooked chicken breast. You’ll have a whole new meal that’s just as tasty and kid-friendly.
I really hope this recipe brings as much peace and happy eating to your table as it has to ours. It’s proof that a healthy dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or met with a chorus of “eww.”
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
