Papaya Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipes

Steps:

• In a non-reactive bowl, mix together the lime juice, balsamic vinegar, basil or cilantro, green onion, garlic, jalapeno, and brown sugar.
• Stir in the cubed papaya and shrimp, then the fish sauce to taste.
• Pour into shallow dish and surround with the butter lettuce leaves.
• Use the lettuce leaves to scoop up the papaya mixture and hold to eat.
• Good additions are cooked bean threads, thinly sliced cucumber, julienned carrot, or perhaps bean sprouts.

Steps:

• For the shrimp: In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering-hot. Add the garlic and chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, less than 1 minute. Add the shrimp in an even layer and season with a pinch of salt. Cook, turning once, until the shrimp are lightly browned and almost cooked through, but still slightly translucent, 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and wipe out the wok with a paper towel. Place a measuring cup with 1⁄4 cup water next to your cooktop. Set the wok over medium heat and add the brown sugar, lime juice (this helps keep the sugar from crystallizing) and 2 tablespoons water. Cook, stirring often, until the sugar turns into an amber-colored caramel (it should be as thick as honey), 6 to 7 minutes. Then, stir in the fish sauce and soy sauce and remove from the heat. Once a smooth sticky sauce forms (about as thick as honey), after 30 seconds or so, add the cooked shrimp, scallions and scallions, toss to coat.
• Assemble the lettuce wraps: Remove the Quick Pickles (see recipe below) from the fridge and arrange the lettuce leaves, cucumber and cilantro on a serving platter. To serve, spoon some of the shrimp onto a lettuce leaf along with some rice (if using) and top with a few pickles, cucumber and a sprig of cilantro. Roll up and eat immediately.
• In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar water, sugar and 2 pinches of salt and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the carrot and radishes and toss to combine. Transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 20 minutes.

Steps:

• For the dressing: In a small bowl add all ingredients and mix well. Set aside for about 1/2 hour to allow the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• For the salad: Combine papaya, bean sprouts, cucumber, onion, and red chile in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and mix well. Mound onto a platter, garnish with cilantro leaves, and surround with butter lettuce leaves.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients. Using a vegetable peeler, shave carrots lengthwise into very thin strips. Slice white parts of green onions; cut each green top in half lengthwise., In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; stir-fry until pink. Remove from pan., Stir-fry red pepper and carrots in remaining oil 4 minutes. Add white parts of onions; stir-fry 1-2 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender., Add 1/3 cup soy sauce mixture to pan. Bring to a boil. Add shrimp; heat through. Place 1/4 cup rice on each lettuce leaf; top with 1/2 cup shrimp mixture. Drizzle with remaining soy sauce mixture and roll up. Tie each with a green onion strip.

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat the water until boiling. Add the softened rice stick noodles and swirl in the hot water, then cook until just tender, 10-15 seconds. Drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold water. Clip the noodles into 3 inch lengths and place into a medium serving container.
• Chop the fresh herbs and peanuts as above and place each in an individual serving container (small bowl or ramekin).
• Peel and de-vein the shrimp, remove the tails. If shrimp are large, cut in to thirds. Season shrimp in a mixing bowl with lemongrass paste (you can use finely chopped fresh lemongrass if available), salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly and saute in a large pan with peanut oil until shrimp are just cooked. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and place in a serving container.
• To make the dipping sauce: In a small mixing bowl, soak the crushed red pepper in lime juice for several minutes Add the garlic, sugar, and fish sauce and stir to dissolve the sugar. Transfer to a serving container and add the grated carrots and serve at room temperature Refrigerated, the sauce will keep in a tightly covered container for up to 5 days.
• To Serve: Arrange lettuce on a large platter surrounded by the containers of chopped herbs, etc. and dipping sauce. To make a wrap, take a lettuce leaf in hand, place a small bundle of rice stick noodles on the leaf, scoop a large tablespoon of shrimp on to lettuce leaf, then add any herbs that you like. Add a teaspoon of dipping sauce onto the mixture on the leaf and then roll and eat. Delicious!