Copper River Sockeye Salmon Lettuce Wraps

By Casey Landaluce, F/V Clean Sweep

Courtesy of our partner, Copper River Marketing Association

Dinner doesn’t get more fun than food you wrap up and eat with your hands! These Copper River sockeye lettuce wraps are loaded with flaky salmon, crunchy cucumbers, radishes, and bright herbs, then finished with tangy pickled carrots and peanuts for crunch. Dip them in nuoc cham, peanut sauce, or sweet chili sauce — whichever fits your mood — and watch them disappear fast.

Copper River Sockeye Salmon Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

1 lb Copper River Sockeye Salmon

1 cup julienned carrots

¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1 tbsp honey

¼ tsp salt

salt & pepper

1 tsp oil

12 leaves of butter lettuce

1 cup sliced cucumber

1 cup sliced radish

1 cup pickled carrots

1/3 cup each of fresh herbs: basil, mint, cilantro

½ cup chopped peanuts

1 cup dipping sauce of choice: nuoc cham, peanut sauce, or sweet chili sauce

Copper River Sockeye Salmon (6oz portions)

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Directions

1 Combine vinegar, honey, and salt in a small saucepan.

2 Heat until dissolved, then add carrots.

3 Let cool and refrigerate for an hour, preferably overnight.

4 Season Copper River sockeye salmon with salt and pepper.

5 Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

6 Add salmon flesh side down and cook for 3 minutes.

7 Flip and cook Copper River sockeye salmon for 2-4 minutes, or until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.

8 Gently flake Copper River sockeye salmon, and arrange on a platter with the vegetables and herbs.

9 Offer the peanuts and dipping sauce on the side.

10 To assemble, place about one ounce of cooked Copper River sockeye salmon in a lettuce cup, then add vegetables and herbs, and top with peanuts and a drizzle of sauce.

What's special about Copper River salmon?

What are lettuce wraps?

Lettuce wraps, also known as "Ssambap" in Korean cuisine, have roots tracing back to ancient times. In traditional Korean dining, Ssambap refers to the practice of wrapping meat and other flavorful ingredients in lettuce leaves. This practice has deep cultural significance, as it promotes communal eating and sharing.

The concept of lettuce wraps can be found in ancient Chinese history as well. In Chinese cuisine, lettuce wraps are known as "San Choy Bao." Legend has it that these wraps originated during the Tang Dynasty when the Imperial Court enjoyed minced meat served in lettuce leaves.

Fast forward to modern times, and lettuce wraps have become a global sensation, adapted, and transformed by chefs worldwide. From the classic Chinese and Korean variations to innovative twists like these Copper River sockeye salmon Lettuce Wraps, this versatile dish continues to evolve, captivating taste buds across cultures.

So the next time you indulge in lettuce wraps, remember that you're not just savoring a delicious bite – you're participating in a culinary tradition with roots that span centuries and continents!

Let us know if you try this recipe! Tag us on socials @alaskafreshseafood and earn points in our Loyalty Rewards Program that'll give you coupons towards your next online order!

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Visit our store to learn more about the variety of fish Alaska has to offer, such as Copper River King Salmon, Wild Alaskan Halibut, Wild Alaskan Black Cod (Sablefish), and more.