Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps
These Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps are bursting with bold, savory, and spicy flavors wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves separated
- 1 cucumber julienned
- 1 carrot julienned
- fresh cilantro for garnish
- green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Gochujang. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the marinade is smooth and fragrant.
Marinate the Beef
- Add the thinly sliced beef flank steak to the marinade, tossing to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Prep the Vegetables
- While the beef marinates, wash and separate the lettuce leaves. Julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin matchstick-sized strips. Set aside fresh cilantro and chop green onions for garnish.
Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Toast the Sesame Seeds
- In a dry pan over low heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This boosts their nutty flavor and adds a crunchy texture.
Assemble the Wraps
- Lay a lettuce leaf flat on your plate. Add a few slices of cooked beef, then top with julienned cucumber, carrot, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves, and chopped green onions. Roll or fold the lettuce around the filling and enjoy immediately.
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Serving Platter
Notes
- For tender beef, marinate for at least 1 hour but not more than 2 hours to avoid texture breakdown.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Store cooked beef and vegetables separately to keep lettuce crisp when saving leftovers.
- Toast sesame seeds just before serving to maximize their nutty aroma and crunch.
- Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegan-friendly alternative.
