Hot Honey Gochujang Salmon Lettuce Cups (30-Minute Dinner)

Why this recipe is everywhere right now

• Hot honey + gochujang is the 2025 flavor mashup dominating TikTok meal prep videos and Pinterest saves.
• Salmon brings 26g protein per serving plus omega-3 fats for heart and brain support.
• Crisp lettuce cups and quick kimchi slaw keep every bite refreshing and low-carb.

Ingredients (serves 4)

Salmon

• 1 1/2 lbs skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze

• 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 2 tablespoons hot honey (or honey + chile flakes)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger

Serving

• 1 small head butter or little gem lettuce, leaves separated
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup scallions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Lime wedges + cilantro for garnish

Step-by-step

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or oven broiler). Toss salmon with avocado oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook salmon for 8 minutes in the air fryer basket, shaking halfway, until edges are crispy. (Broiler method: arrange on parchment-lined sheet and broil 6-7 minutes.)
3. Make glaze by whisking gochujang, hot honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a skillet over medium heat until slightly thickened, 2 minutes.
4. Toss cooked salmon in the glaze until coated and sticky.
5. Assemble lettuce cups with kimchi, cucumber, glazed salmon, scallions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Tips to nail it

• Pat salmon dry before cooking so the glaze clings.
• Use light agave plus chili crisp if you need a low-honey option.
• Meal prep: keep components separate up to 3 days and assemble just before eating.

Make it a macro bowl

Serve over black rice or quinoa and add shredded carrots plus avocado for a heartier lunch prep.