Shrimp Cocktail Wraps Recipe

Shrimp Cocktail Wraps Recipe

This recipe yields 8 servings of refreshing and flavorful shrimp wraps, perfect for a quick meal or snack. Here's how you can make them!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds frozen small cooked peeled, deveined, tail-off shrimp, thawed
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped English cucumber
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cocktail sauce
  • 8 (8 inch) spinach and herb tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

Directions

Follow these steps to prepare your shrimp wraps:

  1. Start by placing the thawed shrimp into a large bowl.
  2. Add chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to the shrimp. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
  3. Stir in the cocktail sauce, mixing until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place 1/8 cup of shredded lettuce in a line down the center of the tortilla.
  5. Top the lettuce with a generous amount of the shrimp mixture, ensuring the filling is in the center and the sides of the tortilla are left uncovered.
  6. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling.
  7. Start rolling the tortilla from the bottom, tucking the flap in tightly as you roll upwards. Make sure the seam is on the bottom when you finish.
  8. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  9. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 522
Total Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 179mg
Sodium 1599mg
Total Carbohydrate 75g
Dietary Fiber 5g
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 30g
Vitamin C 5mg
Calcium 136mg
Iron 5mg
Potassium 435mg

Servings Per Recipe: 8

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Shrimp Cocktail Wraps

These Shrimp Cocktail Wraps combine the fresh and vibrant flavors of Mexican-style shrimp cocktail with a twist, making for a quick and delicious meal. Filled with shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and cocktail sauce, all wrapped up in a spinach tortilla, this dish is an excellent choice for a light lunch or dinner.

Origin and History

The origins of shrimp cocktail can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became popular as an appetizer during formal gatherings and upscale restaurants. Shrimp cocktail traditionally consists of boiled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce. The Mexican influence in this wrap version brings a fresh take on the dish by incorporating ingredients like cucumber and lime, often found in ceviche, which has its roots in Latin America.

Regional Variations

In Mexico, shrimp cocktail (known as "coctel de camarn") is a popular beachside dish, typically served cold in a glass with a variety of fresh ingredients such as avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro. Unlike the American version, which is served with a heavier cocktail sauce, the Mexican version is often lighter, with lime and spicy tomato sauce being key components. In some regions, it may even be served as a ceviche-style dish, where the shrimp is marinated in citrus juice. The wrap version of this dish combines elements of both cuisines, offering a handheld, easy-to-eat alternative to the classic cocktail.

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets Shrimp Cocktail Wraps apart from other similar dishes, like traditional shrimp cocktails or shrimp ceviche, is the inclusion of a tortilla wrap. This makes it a more portable, filling meal, while still maintaining the fresh and vibrant flavors associated with both shrimp cocktail and ceviche. Unlike shrimp ceviche, which often involves raw shrimp marinated in lime juice to 'cook,' the shrimp in the wraps is pre-cooked, offering a milder flavor and easier preparation.

Where It's Served

Shrimp Cocktail Wraps are typically served as a light meal or lunch and are especially popular in casual dining settings or as part of a gathering where guests enjoy a variety of finger foods. Theyre ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight dinner. You may also find them in some restaurants offering fusion or modern takes on Mexican cuisine. They are a great alternative to more traditional wraps, adding a seafood twist to the typical sandwich or tortilla roll-up.

Interesting Facts

  • Shrimp cocktail was first introduced in the U.S. in the early 20th century and quickly became a popular dish at upscale restaurants.
  • The dishs popularity surged in the 1950s, often being featured on appetizer menus at cocktail parties.
  • In Mexico, shrimp cocktail is often served in tall glasses with a mix of tomato juice, ketchup, lime, and a variety of garnishes, such as avocado and hot sauce.
  • Spinach tortillas, used in this recipe, are a healthy and colorful alternative to regular flour tortillas, adding extra vitamins and nutrients.
  • This wrap version is a great way to get the benefits of seafood while enjoying a convenient, on-the-go meal.

FAQ about Shrimp Cocktail Wraps Recipe

Shrimp Cocktail Wraps can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It's best to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. However, they may become soggy after a longer storage period due to the cocktail sauce and moisture from the shrimp.

Yes, you can use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. Make sure the shrimp are cooked, peeled, and deveined before adding them to the mixture. If using fresh shrimp, make sure to chill them properly before preparing the wraps.

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp cocktail filling in advance. Combine the shrimp, vegetables, lime juice, and cocktail sauce, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling the wraps.

While it is not recommended to freeze the fully assembled wraps due to the moisture content, you can freeze the shrimp cocktail filling separately. Once thawed, assemble the wraps fresh with new tortillas and shredded lettuce.

You can substitute the spinach and herb tortillas with plain flour tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or even gluten-free tortillas depending on your dietary preferences.

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cilantro, or by including other spicy ingredients such as diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the shrimp mixture.

Yes, you can substitute cocktail sauce with a homemade sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar flavor.

Small, cooked, peeled, deveined shrimp with the tail removed works best for this recipe. This size of shrimp is easy to roll into the wraps and combines well with the other ingredients.

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as avocado, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely so they don’t overpower the shrimp.

This recipe is not low-carb due to the tortillas and the carbohydrate content from the vegetables. However, you can make it low-carb by using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a wrap or opting for a low-carb tortilla.