Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe—it’s one of those delightful little bites that just bring the party vibes to your kitchen. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I wanted to make something super tasty but not too complicated for a casual get-together. The combination of juicy shrimp wrapped in a crispy spring roll wrapper with that savory pork and aromatic cilantro root filling is just irresistible.

What makes this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe stand out is how perfectly it balances flavors and textures: tender shrimp, seasoned pork, a hint of garlic, and that satisfying crunch. It’s great as an appetizer, a snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner that’ll impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work hand in hand for classic, rich flavor with a fresh twist. When you shop, look for the freshest shrimp you can find—quality makes a real difference here, especially since shrimp are the star!

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring warmth and depth—don’t settle for pre-minced if you can help it.
• Cilantro root: This adds an earthy, herbal punch that’s more subtle than the leaves. If you can’t find it, cilantro stems are a good stand-in.
• White pepper powder: Offers a mild pepper heat without black pepper’s sharpness, perfect for that delicate flavor balance.
• Salt: Just the right amount to enhance all those savory elements in the pork and shrimp.
• Sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness—don’t skip this little pinch.
• Pork minced: I recommend using fresh, lean pork for the filling—it adds juicy flavor and a great texture contrast.
• Egg: This helps to bind the filling together for a perfect wrap every time.
• Spring roll wrappers: The magic crispy envelope around your shrimp—look for thin, round 8-inch wrappers for easy rolling.
• Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, tail left on for ease of handling and a nice look once cooked.
• Canola oil: Ideal for frying—neutral flavor and high smoke point mean golden, crispy results.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own sometimes, and you should totally feel empowered to do the same. Whether you tweak the seasoning or swap ingredients, the base idea is flexible and forgiving.

• Variation: Try swapping the pork for ground chicken or turkey if you want a leaner option. I did this once for my family, and it still tasted great with just a tiny tweak in cooking time.
• Variation: Add a touch of chili flakes to the filling for some heat. It’s one of my favorite spins on the original, especially when I want a little kick.
• Variation: Gluten-free wrappers can stand in if you’re avoiding wheat—just make sure they hold together well when frying.
• Variation: Serve with different dipping sauces like sweet chili, garlic mayo, or even a zesty tamarind sauce for extra excitement.

How to Make Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by finely mincing the garlic and cilantro root. Toss them together in a bowl with the ground pork, white pepper powder, salt, and sugar. Add the egg, then mix everything thoroughly until well combined. This mixture should be sticky enough to hold together when you roll it with the shrimp—if it feels too loose, a little extra egg or a tiny bit of cornstarch can help.

Step 2: Wrap the Shrimp

Lay out one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center, then place a shrimp on top, tail up for a pretty final look. Fold the wrapper over the filling and shrimp tightly, tuck in the sides, and roll all the way—kind of like making a little burrito. Moisten the edge with a bit of water to seal it securely. Take your time here, as tight wraps make for crispier, neater results.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat about two inches of canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the wrapped shrimp in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan or the temperature will drop, leading to soggy results. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, turning gently until the wrappers are golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.

How to Serve Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or scallions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lime on the side brightens up the flavor beautifully. Sometimes, a dusting of toasted sesame seeds adds an extra nice crunch and nuttiness—totally optional but delicious.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs well with simple cucumber salad or a tangy Asian slaw to cut through the fried richness. I often serve these Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket alongside jasmine rice or steamed greens if I’m making a full meal out of it.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try arranging the shrimp blankets on a bamboo platter or a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces right in the center. I once threaded toothpicks through each one for easy grab-and-go bites at a casual cocktail party—it was a huge hit and so easy to eat while mingling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 2 days. I usually reheat them in the oven to bring back that crispy texture rather than the microwave, which can get soggy fast.

Freezing

I have had success freezing the wrapped shrimp before frying—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. It’s super handy for quick snacks later.

Reheating

To keep them crispy when reheating leftovers, my go-to is the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you don’t mind them being a bit chewy. This way, they taste almost as fresh as when you made them.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s become a favorite in my home for both casual snacks and celebrations, and I’m sure you’ll find it quickly earns a spot in your recipe rotation too. Trust me, once you get the hang of wrapping and frying, you’ll enjoy sharing these crispy, juicy bites with your friends and family just as much as I do. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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