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:
- Start by placing the thawed shrimp into a large bowl.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to the shrimp. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Stir in the cocktail sauce, mixing until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place 1/8 cup of shredded lettuce in a line down the center of the tortilla.
- 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.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling.
- 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.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- 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.
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.