These Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful fusion of bold flavors and fresh textures. Featuring savory ground beef infused with traditional Korean seasonings, paired with crisp vegetables and wrapped in tender lettuce leaves, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Korean cuisine into a simple, handheld format. The combination of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors in the beef, complemented by the crunch of fresh vegetables and the crispness of lettuce, creates a satisfying and healthy meal option. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
⅛ teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1.5 lbs. ground beef
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1 green onion, chopped

For the Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
½ cup diced green onions
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving:

6-8 large lettuce leaves (such as Boston or Bibb lettuce)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a bowl, combine diced red bell pepper and carrot matchsticks. Add rice vinegar, sea salt, sesame oil, and fresh lime juice. Toss to coat and refrigerate to marinate while preparing the beef.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, light brown sugar, fish sauce, gochujang, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until almost fully browned, about 4-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Thicken the Sauce: Move the beef to one side of the skillet. Sprinkle cornstarch into the sauce on the other side and whisk vigorously until the sauce thickens. Mix the beef into the thickened sauce. Stir in sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
Assemble the Wraps: Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the beef mixture onto each leaf. Top with the marinated vegetables, diced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately, allowing diners to fold the lettuce leaves around the filling to enjoy as wraps.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 lettuce wraps
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of beef.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the heat. For a milder flavor, reduce the quantity; for more spice, increase it or add red pepper flakes.
Additional Toppings: Enhance the wraps with sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover beef and marinated vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble fresh wraps with reheated beef and chilled vegetables for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the beef mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the wraps.

2. What type of lettuce works best for these wraps?

Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves are ideal due to their tender texture and cup-like shape, but iceberg or romaine can also be used.

3. Is there a substitute for gochujang?

If gochujang is unavailable, you can use a mix of red pepper flakes and a touch of miso paste or sriracha, though the flavor will differ slightly.

4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients, including gochujang and fish sauce, are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I add rice to these wraps?

Certainly! Adding a small amount of cooked rice to the wraps can make them more filling.

6. What sides pair well with these lettuce wraps?

Consider serving with steamed edamame, a light cucumber salad, or miso soup for a complete meal.

7. How do I prevent the lettuce leaves from tearing?

Use fresh, crisp lettuce and handle gently. If leaves are small or fragile, double them up for added strength.

8. Can I freeze the cooked beef mixture?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture and flavor may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

9. Are there low-carb alternatives to the brown sugar in the sauce?

You can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carbohydrate content.

10. How can I increase the fiber content of this dish?

Add more vegetables to the filling or serve with a side of fiber-rich veggies like broccoli or snap peas.

Conclusion

Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and versatile dish that brings the essence of Korean cuisine into a simple, healthy format. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, these wraps deliver on taste, texture, and ease of preparation. Enjoy the harmonious blend of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs wrapped in tender lettuce leaves for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps