Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Seoul with these mouthwatering Korean Grilled Beef Lettuce Wraps! Imagine tender, caramelized beef slices nestled in crisp, fresh lettuce leaves, bursting with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. This bulgogi-inspired dish isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich traditions of Korean cuisine with the interactive joy of hands-on eating. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious home cook, these lettuce wraps will revolutionize your dinner routine and have everyone at the table begging for more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 head of lettuce, for wraps
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by thinly slicing the sirloin against the grain into approximately 1/8-inch thick pieces. If the meat is slightly frozen, it will be easier to slice thinly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, create the marinade by combining soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-3 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Wash and separate the lettuce leaves, patting them dry with paper towels. Arrange the leaves on a serving platter and set aside.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. The surface should be very hot to create a nice sear on the beef.
- Remove the beef from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Grill the beef slices for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice caramelized exterior and are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Transfer the grilled beef to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- To serve, allow guests to create their own wraps by placing grilled beef pieces inside lettuce leaves, optionally adding additional condiments like sriracha or kimchi.
Tips
- Meat Slicing Hack: Partially freeze your beef sirloin for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This makes cutting ultra-thin pieces much easier and ensures even marination.
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marinating process! While 30 minutes works, letting the beef sit for 2-3 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- High Heat is Key: When grilling, ensure your pan or grill is scorching hot. This creates those delicious caramelized edges and prevents the meat from becoming tough.
- Lettuce Selection: Choose butter lettuce or green leaf lettuce for the most tender and pliable wraps. Wash and dry thoroughly to prevent soggy wraps.
- Customize Your Wrap: Set out additional condiments like sriracha, kimchi, or pickled vegetables to let everyone personalize their perfect bite.
- Meat Temperature: For the juiciest results, aim for medium to medium-rare when cooking the beef. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
