Name: Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 20 shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail on; 1 cup pork minced; 1 tablespoon garlic (2 cloves), minced; 1 tablespoon cilantro root (2 stems), minced; ½ teaspoon white pepper powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon sugar; 1 egg; 10 spring roll wrappers (8 inch); Canola oil, for frying

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I’m so excited to share this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe with you because it’s one of those appetizers that always steals the show whenever I make it. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp wrapped snugly in a crispy golden spring roll wrapper packed with a flavorful pork and herb filling—each bite is a beautiful mix of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a fun weekend cooking adventure with friends or family.

What makes this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe really special is how simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes way more gourmet than it feels to prepare. Plus, once you get the hang of wrapping these little bundles, you’ll find yourself craving them anytime you want a crispy, savory treat that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, this recipe is worth trying and will quickly become a go-to in your recipe box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe plays a key role to get that delicate balance between juicy, savory filling and that satisfyingly crisp wrapper. When shopping, keep an eye out for fresh shrimp with the tail on—it not only adds a nice look but also makes holding these pockets easier while eating.

Garlic: Using fresh garlic cloves gives the filling a wonderful aromatic backdrop—you want it freshly minced for best flavor.
Cilantro root: If you can find cilantro roots, snag them! They have a wonderful earthy aroma that sets this filling apart. If not, cilantro stems are a decent substitute.
White pepper powder: This adds a gentle spicy warmth without overpowering other flavors—don’t skip it!
Salt: Balances and enhances all the other seasonings in the filling.
Sugar: Just a pinch to help mellow the edges and bring out natural sweetness.
Pork minced: I use lean pork to keep the filling succulent without too much grease.
Egg: Acts as a binder to help the filling stick together and seal the wrappers.
Spring roll wrappers (8 inch): These are perfect for wrapping shrimp while achieving a golden, crunchy shell.
Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail on): Fresh is best, and leaving the tail on makes these fun to eat and look pretty.
Canola oil: For frying—to get that perfect crisp without adding strong flavor.

Variations

I love making this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe my own by tweaking the filling and dipping sauces depending on the occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment—you might discover a new favorite that suits your own taste buds perfectly.

Add spice: I sometimes toss in a bit of chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili for a kick—great if you like a little heat.
Vegetarian twist: Swap the pork for finely chopped mushrooms or tofu seasoned with soy sauce to keep it plant-based but still tasty.
Herb swaps: Fresh basil or mint can be interesting substitutes if you want a twist on the flavor profile.
Gluten-free: Use rice paper wrappers instead of spring roll wrappers—but note they’re a bit more delicate to work with.

How to Make Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by finely mincing the garlic and cilantro root—these are your flavor stars here so take your time chopping them well. In a bowl, mix together the minced pork, garlic, cilantro root, white pepper, salt, and sugar. Crack in the egg and use a fork to blend everything thoroughly until the mixture feels sticky and combined. This will help your filling stay together nicely when you wrap it around the shrimp.

Step 2: Assemble the Shrimp Blankets

Lay out one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place about a tablespoon of the pork filling near one corner, then place a shrimp on top with the tail pointing outward. Fold the corner over the shrimp, then gently fold the sides in and continue rolling tightly towards the tail. Use a little water to moisten the last edge so it sticks and seals the bundle. I find working with one or two wrappers at a time prevents them drying out.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat—about 350°F if you have a thermometer. Carefully drop the wrapped shrimp in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and you’ll end up with soggy wrappers. Drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

How to Serve Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe

A white plate with black stripes around the edge holds four golden-brown fried shrimp rolls arranged in a stack, each roll wrapped tightly with the shrimp tail sticking out at one end. On the left side of the plate, there are four green cucumber slices placed in a small row next to a small white bowl filled with bright orange dipping sauce. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blue textured cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little finely chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor, plus a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing over. It really brightens the dish and balances the richness of the fried wrapper and pork filling.

Side Dishes

These little bundles are perfect finger food so I often serve them alongside a crisp Asian-style salad or some refreshing cucumber pickles. If you’re looking for something more substantial, jasmine rice or a light noodle salad works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I sometimes skewer two or three Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket together on short bamboo sticks and arrange them on a platter with colorful dipping sauces. It’s a fun way to serve and makes it easy for guests to enjoy without mess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found they’ll keep well for up to 2 days but tend to lose a bit of crispness, so it’s best to reheat them properly.

Freezing

One of my favorite timesavers is freezing these wrapped shrimp before frying. Just assemble as usual, freeze them on a tray in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, you can fry from frozen—just add a little extra time to cooking.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy texture, I reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 5-8 minutes rather than microwaving, which tends to make the wrappers soggy. This way, you get close to that freshly fried deliciousness again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before assembling to avoid extra moisture which can make the wrappers soggy during frying. Using fresh or well-thawed shrimp helps keep the texture just right.
What dipping sauce pairs best with Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket?

I personally love a tangy sweet chili sauce or a simple mix of soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey. Both add brightness and complement the savory flavors without overpowering the shrimp and pork filling.
How do I prevent the spring roll wrappers from drying out while assembling?

Work with one or two wrappers at a time and keep the remaining wrappers covered with a lightly damp kitchen towel. This helps prevent them from drying and cracking while you’re wrapping each shrimp.
Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can bake them at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, but know that you won’t get as crisp a texture as frying. If you choose to bake, brushing the wrappers lightly with oil helps promote browning.
Is it necessary to leave the tail on the shrimp?

Leaving the tail on is mostly for presentation and better grip when eating. It’s optional but I find it adds a lovely touch and makes these little bites look more elegant.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Shrimp Wrapped in a Blanket Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to impress guests without much fuss. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, which I think everyone can appreciate. Give it a go, have fun wrapping those little bundles, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful bites with your favorite dipping sauce. I’m sure once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again—just like I do!