Description
Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy dish that brings the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine into a fresh, light wrap. Ground beef is cooked with a sweet and savory marinade, featuring soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil, then served in crisp lettuce leaves for a perfect balance of texture and flavor. These wraps are ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or as an appetizer for a gathering. The combination of juicy beef, tangy sauce, and fresh vegetables wrapped in tender lettuce leaves will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Wraps:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (for wrapping)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Ground beef provides a rich, hearty base for this dish, absorbing the bold flavors of the marinade and becoming perfectly tender.
- Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil imparts a nutty flavor that is a key component of Korean cooking.
- Lettuce: Crisp lettuce leaves act as the perfect vessel for wrapping up the savory beef and fresh vegetables, offering a light and refreshing contrast.
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang (if using). Pour this sauce over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly. Let the beef simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Finish the Beef: Stir in the sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Lettuce Wraps:
- Prepare the Lettuce Leaves: While the beef is cooking, carefully separate the lettuce leaves, washing and drying them gently. Use larger leaves for wrapping.
- Prepare the Toppings: In a small bowl, combine the shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, and any additional toppings you’d like to use.
- Assemble the Wraps: To assemble, place a spoonful of the Korean beef mixture onto the center of a lettuce leaf. Top with the shredded carrots, cucumber, and fresh cilantro if desired. Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf and roll it up to form a wrap.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 20g