Fresh Herbed Shrimp Cabbage Roll-Ups: A Light, Flavorful Twist on Spring Rolls
Herbs and tangy lemon dressing transform tender greens into a light, vibrant meal.
Herbed Shrimp and Cabbage Roll-Ups: A Fresh, Healthy Take
Looking for a nutritious, low-calorie meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? These herbed shrimp and cabbage roll-ups are the answer. Inspired by the freshness of Vietnamese spring rolls and the ease of classic wraps, this delicious twist pairs crisp Savoy cabbage, succulent shrimp, and vibrant herbs in an easy-to-make handheld snack. At just 105 calories per serving, they satisfy as either a light lunch or a satisfying side dish. Get ready to roll up something extraordinary!
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Cabbage Roll-Ups
- Low calorie, high protein: With only 105 calories and 15 grams of protein per serving, these roll-ups are ideal for anyone seeking healthy, nutritious meals.
- Vibrant, fresh flavors: Lemon, dill, and chives elevate the shrimp, creating a bright taste reminiscent of classic herbed dishes and fresh spring rolls.
- No complicated prep: Only a handful of ingredients and a simple three-step process make this recipe accessible for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
- Versatile snack or meal: Perfect as a midday snack, a light lunch, or an eye-catching side dish when entertaining guests.
- Easy to customize: Adaptable to your taste—swap herbs, use different proteins, or make it vegetarian by substituting shrimp with tofu.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 4 Savoy cabbage leaves, thinly sliced (plus 4 more, blanched, for rolling)
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled, deveined, cooked, and cut into four pieces each
- 2 Tbsp chopped dill
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
Tip: Savoy cabbage is preferred for its tender texture and mild flavor, but Napa cabbage or even green cabbage can work in a pinch.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars (added) | 2 g (0.5 g added) |
| Fat (Saturated) | 3.5 g (0.5 g) |
| Cholesterol | 107 mg |
| Sodium | 198 mg |
Why choose these roll-ups? Shrimp brings high-quality lean protein, while cabbage provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals—all wrapped up in a fresh, herby dressing that wakes up your palate.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until the honey dissolves and everything is emulsified.
- Combine filling: Toss the thinly sliced raw cabbage with the dressing. Gently fold in the chopped cooked shrimp, dill, and chives. Mix just until the herbs and shrimp are well distributed.
- Roll them up: Lay out your blanched cabbage leaves. Spoon an even portion of the herbed shrimp and cabbage mixture onto each leaf. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, similar to rolling a burrito or spring roll. Arrange seam-side down to secure.
For best texture and taste, enjoy these roll-ups fresh—the filling stays crisp and vibrant when served immediately.
Expert Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
- How to blanch cabbage leaves: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole cabbage leaves, cook 1–2 minutes until just pliable, then transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking. Pat dry before filling.
- Use fresh shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp save time, but if using raw, quickly poach or steam until pink and opaque, then chill before using.
- Get creative with herbs: Swap dill and chives for basil, cilantro, mint, or parsley for new flavors.
- Make it a meal: Serve alongside a grain bowl, quinoa salad, or light soup for a complete, balanced lunch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guide
- Short-term storage: Unfilled, blanched cabbage leaves can be wrapped in a damp paper towel and kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Roll-ups can be made up to 4 hours ahead; keep chilled and covered. For best texture, assemble shortly before serving to avoid soggy leaves.
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours for best freshness. Note: the filling may release moisture if stored too long.
What others are reading
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Protein swaps: Substitute shrimp with poached chicken breast, cooked white fish, canned crab, or even well-drained canned chickpeas for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
- Vegan option: Try replacing the shrimp with marinated tofu or tempeh. Use maple syrup in place of honey and increase fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Add crunch: Incorporate shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or finely chopped bell peppers into the filling for extra texture.
- Spice it up: For a hint of heat, stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or finely minced fresh jalapeño into the dressing.
- Alternative dressings: Switch up the base with lime juice and sesame oil for an Asian flair, or try a yogurt-herb sauce for a creamy variation.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp cabbage roll-ups are incredibly flexible. Try serving them as:
- Appetizers: Slice each roll-up in half and plate with a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a colorful starter.
- Lunch: Pack a couple of roll-ups with whole-grain crackers and fresh berries for a balanced midday meal.
- Entree accompaniment: Pair with miso or carrot-ginger soup, or a vibrant grain bowl for a complete dinner experience.
More Healthy Recipes From The Prevention Kitchen
- Crunchy Turkey Salad – Perfect for repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers into something fresh and exciting.
- Pear and Spiced Walnut Salad – Capture winter’s flavors with fruit and spices.
- Mocktails like Guava Margarita or Red Pear Spritz – Enjoy festive drinks that are big on taste, low in alcohol.
- Roasted Cauliflower With Cranberry Dressing – A hearty, plant-based side bursting with color and flavor.
- Coconut Collards with Sweet Potato Rounds – Caribbean-inspired, nutritious, and beautifully presented.
- Savory Lentil Waffles – A protein-rich twist on brunch classics.
Common Questions About Shrimp Cabbage Roll-Ups
Q: What kind of cabbage is best for roll-ups?
A: Savoy cabbage is preferred for its flexibility and mild flavor, but Napa or green cabbage can be substituted in a pinch. Pick leaves that are large, whole, and free of damage.
Q: Can I make these with raw shrimp?
A: Yes. If using raw shrimp, quickly poach in simmering water until pink and opaque, then cool and chop before using in the filling.
Q: Are there vegetarian alternatives?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the shrimp with diced marinated tofu, tempeh, or even hearty white beans mixed with extra herbs.
Q: How do I keep the roll-ups from falling apart?
A: Make sure to remove any tough ribs from the cabbage leaves, blanch to soften, and don’t overfill. Roll tightly and place seam-side down to help them hold together.
Q: Can these be made ahead for parties?
A: The filling and leaves can be prepped in advance, but for best texture, assemble just before serving to maintain crunch and color.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For meal prep: Prepare all filling ingredients ahead; store separately from the blanched cabbage leaves and combine just before serving.
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or horseradish to the dressing for a subtle zing.
- Portion for gatherings: Double or triple the recipe—these roll-ups always disappear quickly!
- Kid-friendly: Let kids help spoon and roll their own—a hands-on way to introduce healthy eating.
Why These Roll-Ups Make Healthy, Practical Eating Simple
These herbed shrimp cabbage roll-ups perfectly balance health, taste, and convenience. The antioxidants from lemon zest and herbs, lean protein from shrimp, and dietary fiber in cabbage all shine. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables, snack smarter, or lighten up lunch, this recipe is an easy win.
Enjoy experimenting with endless variations and making this fresh, flavor-packed dish a regular feature in your healthy-eating rotation!
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWTGKAzsb5k
- https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/asian-cabbage-rolls-with-shrimp-20-minutes/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a33984447/herbed-shrimp-cabbage-roll-ups-recipe/
- https://mylifeinanaprn.com/thai-peanut-shrimp-cabbage-wraps/
- https://www.entyvio.com/recipes/vietnamese-shrimp-herb-spring-rolls
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