Salmon lettuce wraps are a perfect light and vibrant dish, especially for warm summer evenings. This recipe combines tender grilled salmon with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a dish we have enjoyed cooking for years. It never fails to bring that fresh, healthy feeling to the table.
Salmon Lettuce Wraps With an Asian Twist
For this meal, I season the salmon with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, sumac, and black pepper before grilling it to perfection. I like the way the smoky, caramelized salmon pairs with the crunch and brightness of fresh vegetables. This time, I used carrots, radishes, cucumber, red bell peppers, spring onions, and creamy avocado and piled them into crisp lettuce leaves. I also served steamed rice. Sometimes, we swap the rice for rice noodles to change things up a bit.
The wraps are served with a dollop of sour cream, Asian style soy-based dipping sauce, and my homemade hot sauce for a little heat.
The Sauces: Bringing It All Together
No lettuce wrap meal is complete without the right dipping sauces. I love serving this with a soy-based Asian dipping sauce that I prepare fresh with soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, white rice wine vinegar, sesame seeds, and chopped chilies. The bright, tangy, and spicy flavors in this sauce perfectly complement the smoky salmon and crisp veggies.
A Perfect Summer Dinner for Two
We enjoyed this meal on a warm early July evening in Helsinki. Though the sky was partially cloudy, the light still filtered through the sheer curtain, casting a soft brightness across the table. The food was laid out on serving platters, ready for us to dig in. This is a simple, fresh, and delicious dinner that celebrates the season and the joy of cooking together.
If you’re looking to switch things up, this recipe is wonderfully flexible. Instead of freshly grilled salmon, you can try it with my Smoked Salmon. It adds a rich, savory depth that works beautifully with the crisp vegetables and sauces. Or, for a different protein option, my Teriyaki Grilled Chicken is a perfect fit for these wraps and pairs especially well with the dipping sauce.
Here you can find my Homemade Hot Sauce . We always include it on the table. A spoonful adds bold flavor without overpowering the delicate balance of the wrap.
Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, these salmon lettuce wraps with their fresh veggies and flavorful sauces make for a memorable meal that’s as healthy as it is tasty. Give it a try this summer!
Salmon Lettuce Wraps with Rice, Fresh Veggies & Homemade Hot Sauce
Ingredients
For the Grilled Salmon
- 500 g salmon fillet
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sumac
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Wraps
- 1 head of crisp lettuce romaine, butter, or iceberg, leaves separated
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 carrot julienned
- ½ cucumber julienned or thinly sliced
- 6 radishes thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- 2 spring onions finely sliced
- 1-2 fresh chilies finely sliced
- A small handful of fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 dl Sour cream or crème fraîche for topping
🥣 Asian-Style Dipping Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp white rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 garlic clove finely grated
- 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 1-2 tsp fresh chopped chilies red or green
- ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Marinate and Grill the Salmon
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, sumac, and black pepper. Brush the marinade over the salmon fillet and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Use a grill plate or foil to cook the salmon evenly. Grill or pan-sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, until it’s cooked through and lightly caramelized. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving whole, allowing everyone to take the amount they prefer.
The dipping sauce
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust to your preference. Add more lime juice for tang, or more chili for heat.
- Serve in dipping bowls alongside the lettuce wraps.
Prepare the Vegetables and Rice
- While the salmon is marinating and cooking, wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
- Prepare all vegetables and herbs. Arrange on a platter for easy assembly.
Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
- Add a spoonful of rice on a lettuce leaf.
- Add flaked salmon, carrots, cucumber, radish, red bell pepper, avocado, spring onions, chili slices, and cilantro.
- Finish with a small dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of homemade hot sauce. Dip the wrap into the Asian-style dipping sauce, or spoon some directly over your wrap for extra flavor. (Recipe linked in the notes.
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- These salmon lettuce wraps are versatile. Feel free to swap the salmon for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit your taste.
- For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze a little lime juice over the wraps just before serving.
- This dish is perfect alongside a cold beer or a glass of dry white or rosé wine.
