Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

The bold, savory notes of Korean bulgogi meet the refreshing crunch of lettuce in these delicious handheld wraps. Each bite bursts with the sweet heat of gochujang, balanced by fresh, crisp veggies and a sprinkle of toasted sesame and peanuts. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fun DIY meal at the table, these Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are the way to go. Packed with flavor and easy to prep in advance, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings alike.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Bulgogi Beef:

• 2 medium sirloin or ribeye steaks (500g–600g), thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 2 tbsp gochujang paste

• 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger

• 2 tbsp light brown sugar

• 2 tbsp mirin

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 sweet apple, grated (no need to peel)

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado, rapeseed)

To Assemble:

• 2-3 heads romaine or butter lettuce (16–20 leaves)

• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cucumber, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 3 spring onions, sliced

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

• 2 tbsp toasted peanuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Place steaks in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up, making thin slicing easier.

2. Slice the steak thinly against the grain.

3. In a large bowl, combine sliced steak with soy sauce, gochujang, ginger, sugar, mirin, garlic, pepper, grated apple, and sesame oil. Mix well, cover, and marinate in the fridge for 3-4 hours.

4. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade using a slotted spoon and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until caramelized and cooked through.

5. Arrange lettuce leaves on a large platter.

6. Fill each leaf with a spoonful of cooked beef, then top with carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper, and spring onions.

7. Garnish with sesame seeds and toasted peanuts if using. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 414 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Story Behind Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps, often inspired by the popular dish Bulgogi, have become a global favorite for their vibrant flavor profile, quick preparation, and healthy appeal. The word “bulgogi” literally translates to “fire meat” in Korean, referring to the traditional method of grilling marinated thin slices of beef over an open flame. Over the years, this dish has been adapted to various cooking methods and presentation styles, including the beloved lettuce wrap format we explore here.

The use of lettuce as a vessel adds a fresh, crisp texture and reduces the need for heavy carbs, making it an excellent option for those on low-carb, gluten-free, or whole-food diets. By wrapping tender marinated beef in leafy greens and topping it with colorful, crunchy vegetables, you get a fun, interactive eating experience that’s equal parts nourishing and satisfying.

Why This Recipe is So Popular

What makes Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps stand out from other wrap-style recipes is the combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, all packed into one delicious bite. The beef is marinated in a blend of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, and grated apple. This mixture delivers umami-rich flavor, balanced heat, and a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.

This dish appeals to a wide range of palates. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors, looking for something lighter, or want to introduce your family to Korean-inspired cuisine, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s also extremely adaptable—you can easily make it spicier, add rice or noodles, or swap out the protein entirely for a vegetarian alternative.

Nutritional Benefits of Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

Aside from the taste, these wraps come with plenty of health benefits:

• Low in Carbohydrates: Using lettuce instead of bread or rice significantly reduces the carb content, ideal for those on keto or low-carb diets.
• Rich in Protein: Sirloin or ribeye beef is a great source of lean protein, aiding in muscle repair and energy levels.
• High in Vitamins and Minerals: The inclusion of fresh vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and spring onions brings in vitamins A, C, and K, along with essential minerals.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Garlic and ginger, both used in the marinade, are known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: A small amount of sesame oil adds not only a delicious nutty flavor but also contributes beneficial monounsaturated fats.

Tips for Perfect Lettuce Wraps Every Time

Achieving the perfect lettuce wrap is all about balance and preparation. Here are some tips to make sure your wraps come out just right:

• Choose the Right Lettuce: Romaine, butter, or iceberg lettuce are best. They provide a nice crunch and hold the filling without falling apart.
• Slice the Beef Thinly: Thin slices mean quicker cooking and more flavor absorption. Freezing the meat for 30 minutes before slicing makes this step easier.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, overstuffing makes the wrap harder to eat. Stick to a few tablespoons of filling per wrap.
• Serve Fresh: These wraps are best enjoyed immediately after assembling to preserve the crispness of the lettuce.

Ways to Customize Your Wraps

This dish is incredibly flexible and can be adapted based on your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out beef for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for a heart-friendly alternative.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts, cashews, or crispy shallots for more texture.
• Make it a Meal: Add a spoonful of rice or rice noodles to each wrap for a more filling option.

What Makes This Recipe Better Than the Rest

Many recipes for Korean-style beef wraps exist, but this version strikes the perfect balance between authenticity, flavor, and accessibility. Unlike versions that rely heavily on sugar or sodium, this one uses grated sweet apple in the marinade, offering a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

The prep is also minimal—aside from a few hours of marinating, it takes under 30 minutes to get everything on the table. This makes it a perfect option for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week.

Another reason this recipe shines is the use of gochujang, a fermented chili paste that’s central to Korean cuisine. It adds a robust flavor that’s spicy, slightly sweet, and deeply umami-rich, elevating the entire dish.

A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion

Whether you’re throwing a dinner party, packing a lunchbox, or simply looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea, these Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps fit the bill. They look beautiful on a platter, encourage hands-on eating (which is always fun), and are endlessly versatile. Serve them family-style and let everyone assemble their own for a customizable experience.

They’re also great for food lovers who want to expand their cooking horizons. This recipe offers a gentle introduction to Korean cooking techniques and ingredients without being overwhelming.

Ingredient Spotlight: Gochujang

A key component of this dish, gochujang is a thick, fermented paste made from chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It provides a multi-dimensional heat that builds slowly and adds a touch of sweetness. Unlike hot sauces that only bring the burn, gochujang brings flavor, complexity, and richness. It’s a pantry staple for anyone interested in Asian cuisine and can be used in marinades, sauces, soups, and more.

You can find gochujang at Asian markets or even most major supermarkets these days. Once you try it in this recipe, you’ll want to add it to everything!

Family-Friendly and Meal Prep Friendly

One of the best things about this dish is how well it fits into a busy lifestyle. The marinated beef can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. The vegetables can also be chopped in advance, making assembly quick and easy.

The individual components—cooked beef, chopped veggies, and cleaned lettuce—can all be stored separately, which means leftovers are never soggy. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave and you’ve got a fresh meal in minutes.

This dish is also surprisingly kid-friendly. The beef is flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, especially if you reduce the gochujang or serve it on the side.

Final Thoughts

Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are a prime example of how a simple dish can be loaded with flavor, color, and nutrition. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, introduce more Asian-inspired dishes into your meal rotation, or just love the thrill of bold flavors in bite-sized portions, this recipe has something for everyone.

Easy to make, even easier to customize, and guaranteed to impress—this is a must-have in your recipe collection. From the tender, caramelized bulgogi beef to the crunchy fresh toppings and cool, crisp lettuce, every bite offers a perfect harmony of texture and taste.

If you’ve never tried making Korean beef lettuce wraps before, this is your sign to start. You’ll be amazed at how restaurant-quality this dish can feel, right from your own kitchen.