Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful fusion of savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors, all nestled within crisp lettuce leaves. This dish combines seasoned ground beef with fresh vegetables, providing a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a rich and aromatic profile.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable with various protein options and additional toppings to suit your preferences.

• Low-Carb Option: Using lettuce leaves as wraps makes this dish a healthier alternative to traditional carb-heavy meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Garlic

• Fresh ginger

• Soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)

• Brown sugar (or honey)

• Sesame oil

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• Green onions

• Water chestnuts (optional, for added crunch)

• Lettuce leaves (such as Bibb, Boston, or butter lettuce)

• Optional toppings: shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

3. Combine: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef evenly.

4. Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped green onions and water chestnuts (if using) for added flavor and crunch. Cook for an additional minute.

5. Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the beef mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Top with desired optional toppings such as shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro.

6. Serve: Arrange the assembled wraps on a platter and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute in place of ground beef.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to increase or decrease the heat according to your preference.

• Additional Toppings: Customize with toppings like chopped peanuts, bean sprouts, or a drizzle of spicy mayo for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves and any additional toppings separate to maintain freshness.

• Reheating: Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes. Assemble the wraps just before serving to ensure the lettuce remains crisp.

FAQs

What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?

Bibb, Boston, or butter lettuce are ideal due to their soft, pliable leaves that hold the filling well without tearing.

Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the beef mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the wraps to serve.

Are these lettuce wraps gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a drizzle of sriracha or another hot sauce to the assembled wraps.

Can I add rice to these wraps?

Yes, adding a small scoop of cooked white or brown rice to the lettuce leaves before the beef mixture can make the wraps more filling.

What can I serve alongside these lettuce wraps?

Serve with sides like steamed edamame, cucumber salad, or miso soup to complement the flavors.

How do I prevent the lettuce leaves from tearing?

Handle the lettuce leaves gently and ensure they are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent tearing.

Can I freeze the beef mixture?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Are there low-carb options for this recipe?

The lettuce wraps themselves are low-carb. For an even lower carb option, omit any added sugars in the sauce and avoid adding rice.

Can I use pre-shredded lettuce?

It’s best to use whole lettuce leaves to hold the filling properly. Pre-shredded lettuce may not provide the necessary structure for the wraps.

Conclusion

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that brings a taste of Korean cuisine to your table. With the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, combined with the crisp freshness of lettuce, this dish is sure to become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.

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Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

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• Author: Sarra
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Korean

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Description

These Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, low-carb meal packed with savory-sweet beef, fresh lettuce, and Korean-inspired seasonings. Perfect for a healthy dinner or meal prep idea.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp gochujang or sriracha (optional for spice)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
• Optional toppings: cooked rice, julienned carrots, sliced cucumber

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Instructions

• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang (if using), and rice vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Turn off the heat, then mix in green onions.
• Scoop the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds and desired toppings.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Notes

• For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add fresh vegetables like radish or cucumber for extra crunch.
• Store leftover beef in the fridge and assemble wraps fresh when ready to eat.

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Nutrition

• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg