Fitness / September 24, 2024

Korean Lettuce Wraps

Sweet, spicy, and rolled up perfectly in a crisp lettuce leaf. Sign me up!

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Hello friends, I’m back with another recipe. And this time, it is one of my favorite dishes to add to my weekly routine. Loosely based on bulgogi (Korean thinly-sliced beef), Korean lettuce wraps are delicious, healthy, and simple to make. They’re great for a filling lunch or a satisfying dinner, while also being immensely make-ahead-friendly for all my meal-preppers out there. There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen or use a complicated marinade. Everything is easy and straightforward, making Korean lettuce wraps all the more enjoyable.

Sweet or spicy? A classic debate, but there is no need to choose sides with Korean lettuce wraps. They’re gloriously sweet AND spicy, boasting intense flavor with every bite. Plus, with the added flavors of sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and onion, your palate will be impressed and your stomach will be well-pleased. While very filling, I also love how light these lettuce wraps are. When I’m feeling bloated, or simply wanting to avoid a lot of carbohydrates, Korean lettuce wraps are one of my go-to meals. Why not try them out for a refreshing yet invigorating meal this week?

Are Korean Lettuce Wraps Healthy?

Korean lettuce wraps are considered pretty healthy for multiple reasons. They are great because they call for lean ground beef (which is lower in fat than typical ground beef) and just one tablespoon of sesame oil. Korean lettuce wraps are jam-packed with vegetables and spices. Garlic, ginger, carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper, and onion all add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet, overall promoting a well-balanced meal. Finally, using lettuce leaves instead of a carb significantly reduces the overall carbohydrates in the meal, making Korean lettuce wraps a lighter and more refreshing option.

What is the best lettuce to use for Korean lettuce wraps?

A good lettuce leaf is what really makes for stellar Korean lettuce wraps. Why waste beautifully marinated beef by putting it into a small or wilted lettuce leaf? That would be so sad! And that is why I recommend Boston or Bibb lettuce. Their medium-to-large, round, cupped leaves make it a perfect choice for lettuce wraps. Each bite into a Boston or Bibb lettuce wrap is smooth yet crunchy, delivering a perfectly crisp experience. But hey, I’m not a ‘lettuce connoisseur,’ so go ahead and use whatever lettuce you prefer when crafting your lettuce wraps. I’ve heard Iceberg and Romaine can also be great options!

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 head Boston or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook

Brown beef, drain fat.

Mix

Combine beef with sauce, and cook briefly.

Assemble

Fill lettuce leaves with beef and toppings

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Korean lettuce wraps are easy to love for their gorgeous flavor profile and the fact that they can be made in advance or enjoyed as leftovers. Simply allow your beef and veggie mixture to cool after cooking, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the mixture and then add it to your fresh lettuce leaves. Additionally, you can also marinate your beef for up to 24 hours if you would like to intensify the marinade flavor.

Use fresh ingredients

To create the perfect Korean lettuce wraps, you absolutely must use fresh ingredients! Especially when it comes to the lettuce, so you don’t sacrifice that lovely crispiness. Additionally, ensuring your garlic and ginger are fresh will add a more vibrant flavor to your marinade.

Brown the meat

When cooking lean ground beef in a marinade, make sure to cook it long enough to allow the sugar to almost caramelize the beef. This will create a deeper flavor and a thicker sauce, and thus, more enjoyment for you!

Serving Suggestions

Korean lettuce wraps are perfect on their own, but if you enjoy having multiple dishes to pick from during your meal, then I have a couple of suggestions for you. If a low-carb meal is not a goal for your current health journey, then a side of white or brown rice would create a more filling meal. You could also make a few sides/appetizers, such as Egg Rolls, Spring Rolls, Pickled Red Onions, or a Cucumber Salad.