Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are just simply to die for. The Loon and I have a love affair with almost all types of Asian cuisine, and Korean is definitely one of our top favorites. Another classic Korean dish that we love is Authentic Bibimbap!
The bold flavors from the beef, which is called ‘bulgogi’, and the Korean BBQ sauce, along with the incredible condiments make this one of the most delicious bites you will ever encounter.
It’s that good!
We love making Bulgogi for Korean Lettuce Wraps!
HOW TO MAKE KOREAN BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS
Get ready for taste overload!
The bulgogi marinates in the most luxurious sauce that consists of pureed Asian pear, onion, ginger, garlic and Asian aromatics.
We love to use a nice marbled piece of beef like a boneless ribeye, sliced nice and thin!
We’ve got the makings for something amazing!
Traditionally, the beef is grilled on a Korean-style BBQ pit with a fine-mesh grate that keeps the meat from falling through. That, of course, is wonderful. But, don’t despair if you don’t happen to have a Korean-style BBQ pit at your disposal…they cook up beautifully in your skillet or a wok.
So much flavor in this bulgogi!
The bulgogi is definitely the star of these amazing beef lettuce wraps. But, the condiments play an equally important role in the show-stopper of a meal.
We absolutely love julienning carrots and cucumber and then pickling them by letting them soak in apple cider vinegar for 2 hours or overnight. Throw in some chopped pickled jalapeño, toasted sesame seeds…and homemade Korean BBQ sauce, and you’ve got the perfect lettuce wrap – right within reach!
GOCHUJANG IS DEEPLY FLAVORFUL
Now, a word about that Korean BBQ sauce. The key ingredient is gochujang, which is a Korean hot pepper paste. It’s really not too spicy, but loaded with flavor.
You can find it at your local Asian food market, or by clicking here.
Combine the gochujang with sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, some sugar and fresh garlic…and you’ve got one of the tastiest condiments you’ll ever try.
We just love this Korean BBQ sauce much. Major flavor explosion!
Wow, is this stuff good.
Okay, we just need to re-iterate…this Bulgogi Lettuce Wrap is over-the-top delicious. And perfect for serving a group of people. Just set the bulgogi, lettuce and condiments out, and let your guests build their own wraps. So much fun, and incredibly delicious.
Just look at that…don’t you want to make this Korean Beef (Bulgogi) Lettuce Wrap recipe?
Now is the time! Seize the moment and go make this incredible Korean Beef (Bulgogi) Lettuce Wrap recipe!
You’ll be so glad you did!
Korean Beef (Bulgogi) Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
FOR THE BULGOGI
- 1 lb beef ribeye or skirt steak works well
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Asian pear peeled, cored and roughly chopped (Bosc pear works, too)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tsp fresh ginger chopped
- 1 green onion chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sesame seeds toasted
FOR THE LETTUCE WRAPE
- Lettuce leaves green leaf, or iceberg work well
- Carrots peeled and julienne cut (or shredded) - soaked in apple cider vinegar for at least 2 hours, then drained
- Cucumber seeded and cut into 1-inch sticks - soaked in apple cider vinegar for at least 2 hours, then drained
- Hot pepper sliced into small pieces
- 2 garlic cloves roughly chopped
FOR THE KOREAN BBQ SAUCE
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove minced
Instructions
PREPARE THE BULGOGI
- Wrap the meat in plastic wrap and place in freezer for 30 minutes.
- Mix the garlic, pear, onion, ginger, green onion, soy, oil, brown sugar, honey, pepper and sesame seeds in a medium bowl.
- Remove the meat from the freezer, and using a sharp knife, cutting against the grain, slice into thin pieces.
- Place the sliced beef in a large freezer plastic bag, and then add the marinade. Seal, and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight, up to 24 hours.
- Using a large skillet, such as cast iron, heat over high heat.
- Add the meat to the skillet and cook until browned and much of the liquid has evaporated. About 4 to 5 minutes. (It's okay for some of the marinade to go into the skillet with the meat).
- Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
ASSEMBLE THE LETTUCE WRAPS
- Mound the lettuce leaves on a plate and place all the garnishes in bowls.
- Place meat in a lettuce leaf and add desired toppings.
KOREAN BBQ SAUCE
- Mix all the ingredients together in a small/medium bowl.
Nutrition
This was an amazing recipe! It took a little time but was definitely worth it. Thank you.
I just want to thank you for this recipe, it was so amazing my 2 year old ate every bite, and my husband and I both went back for seconds! We’ve added this to our recipe archives!!!
Keep cooking!
Hi Jen!! That is so awesome to hear!! We absolutely LOVE these Korean lettuce wraps!! And major win that your 2 year old loved them, too! Wow!! So cool. Thank you so much for letting us know and for the great review! We appreciate that so very much! Please stay in touch!! All the best, Kris & Wesley