Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
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I’ve prepared Korean beef in various ways before, but I had never tried it as a wrap. I must say, I loved it even more when wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce! Korean beef lettuce wraps are now a new favorite in my household.
What I absolutely adore about Korean beef is that it is BURSTING with flavor. It’s a great blend of sweet and savory. These lettuce wraps are incredibly easy to make, featuring ground beef that is perfectly seasoned and packed with that distinctive Korean taste.
The entire dish comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you substitute tamari for soy sauce. Feel free to swap and the rice for cauliflower rice to make them even more healthy. Quick, easy, and loaded with flavor—these wraps are a must-try!
Ingredients for Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
- LONG GRAIN WHITE RICE
- TAMARI (FOR GLUTEN FREE) OR SOY SAUCE
- SUGAR
- CHILI GARLIC SAUCE
- GROUND GINGER
- SESAME OIL
- LEAN GROUND BEEF
- GREEN ONIONS
- WHITE PEPPER
- GARLIC
- TOASTED DESAME SEEDS
- BUTTER OR BOSTON BIBB LETTUCE
Instructions for Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
Prepare the Rice: Cook 1 cup of white rice according to the package directions. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sauce mixture.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine Tamari (or soy sauce), sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Cook the Beef: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped white and light green parts of the green onions, white pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about a minute to release the flavors.
Incorporate the Sauce: Pour the prepared Tamari (or soy sauce) mixture into the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional minute, stirring to coat the beef evenly with the sauce.
Assemble the Wraps: To assemble, spoon some cooked rice onto each lettuce leaf. Top with a portion of the beef mixture.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the dark green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey. Each will offer a slightly different flavor, but all will work well in this recipe.
What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce, Romaine lettuce, or iceberg lettuce are great choices for wraps. They are sturdy enough to hold the filling and have a nice crunch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add some chopped fresh chilies or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Are there any substitutes for Tamari or soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy-free option, you can use coconut aminos as a substitute. It has a similar flavor profile and works well in this recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to the wraps?
Absolutely! You can add thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, cucumber, or even radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce should be stored separately to keep it fresh and crisp. Reheat the beef mixture and assemble the wraps just before serving.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- ¼ cup Tamari or soy sauce use Tamari to make it gluten free
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp chili garlic sauce
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 green onions chopped – white and light green parts, and dark parts divided
- white pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 head butter or Boston Bibb lettuce leaves separated
Instructions
- Prepare 1 cup of white rice. While the rice cooks, mix the Tamari or soy sauce in a bowl along with the sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger together.
- In a skillet add the sesame oil and ground beef. Cook over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add in the white and light green parts of the green onion, white pepper, and garlic and cook for a minute. Add in the soy sauce (or Tamari) mixture and cook for a minute more.
- Spoon some rice on the lettuce leaves followed by some of the meat mixture and garnish with the dark ree parts of the green onion along with sesame seeds. Serves 4.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Iowa Girl Eats.
