Spicy Peanut Salmon Lettuce Wraps

Name: Spicy Peanut Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 wraps
Ingredients: 1/4 cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sriracha; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons water (to thin, if necessary); 1 pound salmon fillets; 2 teaspoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

I love making Spicy Peanut Salmon Lettuce Wraps when I crave something light yet packed with flavor. The combination of tender salmon, a kick of spice, and creamy peanut sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce is simply irresistible. It’s a fun, interactive meal that encourages everyone to build their own wraps, making it perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. Plus, it’s a quick dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it easy to whip up even on busy weeknights.

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:41:28.003Z

When I first stumbled upon the combination of spicy peanut sauce and salmon, I knew I was onto something special. The richness of the salmon pairs perfectly with the heat and nuttiness of the sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors that keeps me coming back for more. I remember the first time I served these at a small gathering, and everyone was raving about how delicious they were!

To elevate these wraps, I like to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving. It brightens up the dish and enhances the flavors beautifully. Plus, the crunch from the lettuce wraps adds a satisfying texture that makes each bite enjoyable. Don’t skip the lime—it really makes a difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of heat and creaminess from the peanut sauce
A refreshing and crunchy texture with the lettuce wraps
Quick and easy assembly for a fun, interactive dining experience

Understanding the Peanut Sauce

The peanut sauce is the star of this recipe, elevating the salmon with its rich creaminess and spicy kick. The blend of peanut butter with soy sauce adds umami, while honey balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. When incorporating sriracha, be mindful of your personal heat tolerance; starting with half a teaspoon allows you to gauge the spice level. The sauce should have a smooth, glossy finish, easily drizzle-able yet thick enough to cling to the salmon and greens.

To achieve the best flavor, allow the peanut sauce to rest for about 10-15 minutes after mixing. This brief period gives the ingredients time to meld, resulting in a more cohesive taste. Additionally, if you find the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to adjust the consistency with a bit more water, adding a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired texture.

Cooking the Salmon to Perfection

Cooking salmon may seem intimidating, but it’s straightforward with a few pointers. Aim for medium heat on your grill or skillet, as high heat may lead to charring while leaving the inside undercooked. Cook the salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on salmon, as it acts as a barrier, keeping the fish moist. After about 4-5 minutes on the first side, look for the fish to turn a lighter pink; this indicates it is ready to flip. Once flipped, cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

If you're unsure whether the salmon is fully cooked, use a fork to test. The fish should flake apart effortlessly and exhibit a bright, opaque color throughout. Overcooking will lead to dry salmon, so keeping an eye on timing is crucial. For those wanting to experiment, consider using different cooking methods like poaching or baking with herbs for added flavor variations.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Sauce

1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons water (to thin, if necessary)

For the Salmon Wraps

1 pound salmon fillets
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Cook the Salmon

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Assemble the Wraps

Once the salmon is cooked, let it cool slightly before flaking it into bite-sized pieces. Take a lettuce leaf, add some flaked salmon, drizzle with peanut sauce, and top with green onions and cilantro. Roll it up and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add additional toppings such as shredded carrots, cucumbers, or even your favorite chili sauce for an extra kick. These wraps are versatile, so get creative with your fillings!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to serve these wraps later, you can prepare the components ahead of time. The peanut sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge; just give it a good stir before serving. Salmon can also be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to serve, warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until heated through, to retain tenderness.

Assemble the wraps only when you’re ready to eat to prevent the lettuce from wilting. Store the lettuce leaves separately, wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a ziplock bag to maintain crispness. Any leftover wraps can be stored in the fridge, but they’re best eaten fresh to enjoy the crunchy texture of the lettuce.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize your wraps based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For a lighter option, replace the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter to cater to nut allergies. You can also experiment with different proteins; grilled shrimp or tofu are excellent alternatives that pair well with the peanut sauce and add their unique flavors.

If you're looking to boost the nutritional profile, consider adding shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers inside the wraps for extra crunch and color. For those who enjoy a tangy touch, a squeeze of lime juice over the assembled wrap brightens the overall flavors, complementing the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, canned salmon works great! Just drain it well and flake it before using.

→ How spicy is the peanut sauce?

The spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of sriracha. Start with less if you're sensitive to heat!

→ Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What other proteins can I use instead of salmon?

Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives that pair well with the peanut sauce!