A vibrant, herb-packed Southeast Asian-inspired dish featuring juicy prawns, crispy shallots, fresh mint, and crunchy peanuts, all wrapped in crisp lettuce with a zingy ginger-lime dressing. This light and refreshing recipe delivers bold, bright flavors in every bite and makes a perfect low-carb, high-protein meal for warm-weather dining or a quick weekday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Larb-style prawn lettuce cup recipe is a celebration of textures and fresh, zesty flavors. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and entertaining. The balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty makes each bite vibrant and exciting. Additionally, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences. The cool, crunchy lettuce perfectly complements the warm prawn mixture, offering a refreshing and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb (450g) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 small red chili, finely sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp toasted rice powder (optional, for authentic texture)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crispy shallots
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup Thai basil or regular basil
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 4 oz vermicelli rice noodles, cooked and cooled
- Butter or gem lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Extra lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Finely chop the prawns into small pieces or pulse in a food processor to a coarse mince.
- In a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, cook the chopped prawns with a splash of water until opaque and just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, sugar, and red chili to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked prawns, peanuts, crispy shallots, herbs, green onions, and toasted rice powder (if using). Pour over the dressing and gently toss until well coated.
- To assemble, layer some vermicelli noodles into each lettuce cup, then spoon over the prawn mixture.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of crispy shallots on top.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 285 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace prawns with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
- Spicier: Add more red chili or a spoonful of chili paste to the dressing.
- Nut-free: Omit peanuts or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Low-carb: Skip the vermicelli noodles for an even lighter wrap.
- Protein-packed: Add more prawns or mix in some minced chicken for variety.
- Herb switch: Use parsley or dill if Thai basil is unavailable.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover prawn mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce and noodles should be stored separately to avoid sogginess. Reheating is not necessary as this dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If desired, gently warm the prawn mixture in a pan over low heat for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
What is larb?
Larb is a traditional Southeast Asian dish, especially popular in Laos and Thailand, made with minced meat, fresh herbs, and a tangy, spicy dressing.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the prawn mixture a few hours ahead and assemble the lettuce cups just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as substitutes, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level. You can adjust the amount of red chili to suit your taste.
What lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce or gem lettuce is ideal for their soft texture and cup-like shape.
Can I use pre-cooked prawns?
Yes, but be sure to chop them finely and skip the cooking step. Add them directly to the herb and dressing mixture.
How do I toast rice powder at home?
Toast uncooked sticky rice in a dry pan until golden, then grind into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Are the noodles necessary?
They add texture and a bit of substance, but you can omit them for a lighter, low-carb option.
Can I freeze the prawn mixture?
It is not recommended, as the texture and flavor of the prawns and herbs degrade when frozen and thawed.
What other proteins work in this recipe?
Minced chicken, turkey, or firm tofu are excellent alternatives to prawns.
Conclusion
Larb-style prawn lettuce cups offer a delightful combination of freshness, crunch, and bold Southeast Asian flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a dinner party appetizer, or a flavorful low-carb meal, this dish delivers with minimal effort and maximum taste. With easy substitutions and endless customization possibilities, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
PrintLarb-Style Prawn Lettuce Cups
A vibrant, herb-packed Southeast Asian-inspired dish featuring juicy prawns, crispy shallots, fresh mint, and crunchy peanuts all wrapped in crisp lettuce with a zingy ginger-lime dressing. Light, bold, and bursting with flavor in every bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, No-cook
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 small red chili, finely sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp toasted rice powder (optional, for authentic texture)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crispy shallots
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup Thai basil or regular basil
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 4 oz vermicelli rice noodles, cooked and cooled
- Butter or gem lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Extra lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Finely chop the prawns into small pieces or pulse in a food processor for a coarse mince.
- In a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, cook the chopped prawns with a splash of water until opaque and just cooked through (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, ginger, sugar, and chili to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked prawns, peanuts, crispy shallots, herbs, green onions, and toasted rice powder (if using). Pour over the dressing and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- To assemble, layer some vermicelli noodles into each lettuce cup, then spoon over the prawn mixture.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of crispy shallots on top.
Notes
- For an authentic texture, use toasted rice powder. This ingredient is optional but adds a nice crunch.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red chili or remove the seeds.
- Serve with extra lime wedges for an added zesty flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 160mg