Sushi Kuu ranks among one of Hong Kong’s finest Japanese restaurants. Like the rest of the crowd that eagerly lines up every night of the week for a seat, I go for their melt in your mouth salmon rolls: Soft, flavorful salmon wrapped in lettuce with a special sauce. Every time I leave I say to myself, “I must recreate that dish!”
Today, you’re in for a treat. I finally found the time to work my magic in the kitchen and, so far, the reviews have been great. These delectable wraps involve some preparation — but are remarkably simple and will delight your guests and your palette.
Sesame Salmon Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Sesame Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/3 cup Japanese sesame paste
- 1/4 cup dashi Japanese fish stock
- 1 tablespoons tamari
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets skin on
- 1/4 cup tamari
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sake
Wrap
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- One head butter lettuce
Instructions
Sauce
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Blend until smooth and add salt to taste
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May be made one day ahead and store airtight in fridge
Salmon
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Marinate salmon in tamari, oil, maple syrup and sake for 4 hours. Chill
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Preheat grill to high setting and broil, skin side up for a few minutes then flip. Grill time: 6 minutes or until salmon lightly pink.
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Allow salmon to cool to room temperature before assembling wraps
Assembly
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Place one piece of lettuce open on platter
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Crumble a handful of salmon, a few slices of onion and a drizzle of sesame sauce inside
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Either serve open face or wrap and secure with a toothpick
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Serve immediately
Recipe Notes
I get my Japanese sesame paste at City'Super in Hong Kong. The secret is to find a sesame paste that's made from roasted sesame seeds. Can't find dashi? You'll survive. Use water and infuse with some extra spice.