Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps | The Recipe Critic

Enjoy delicious Asian flavors in these Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps! This appetizer or main is loaded with tasty lean ground beef, sautéed shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and garlic, all tossed in a mouthwatering sauce and spooned into lettuce leaves.

Ingredients for Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

Whether you enjoy these beef lettuce wraps as an appetizer or light meal, they always deliver amazing flavor and texture. Plus, I love that they’re high in protein and low in carbs. Here is a note on all of the ingredients. Check out the recipe card for exact measurements.

• Beef: For the protein base of these wraps, you’ll need 1 pound of lean ground beef. I like to use 90% lean, so they’re plenty flavorful without much grease.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the meat an extra boost of flavor.
• Vegetables: Shredded carrots and diced red bell pepper add vibrant color and extra heartiness!
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory and spicy flavors.
• Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce. Use reduced sodium if you’d like.
• Sesame Oil: Provides the sauce with a slightly nutty, complex flavor.
• Ground Ginger: Gives the sauce a zesty, warm taste.
• Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce: This sauce perfectly combines spicy, salty, earthy and sweet. It also has a thick, sticky texture that coats the beef wonderfully.
• Butter Lettuce Leaves: You’ll need ten butter lettuce leaves to hold the filling. They add a layer of fresh crispness that can’t be beat! Boston and iceberg lettuce will also work.
• Garnish: Finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra texture.

Korean Beef Lettuce Wrape Recipe Instructions

This beef lettuce wrap recipe comes together in just four easy steps and can be ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. Now, that’s my kind of recipe – especially one that’s as tasty as this!!

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
2. Add the Veggies: Stir in the minced garlic, shredded carrots, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 4 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and Korean chili sauce.
4. Serve: Pour over the ground beef and let simmer for 2 minutes. To serve, add ¼ cup of the beef mixture to a large leaf of lettuce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes

My family goes crazy for Asian flavors! In fact, I have a whole category of Asian recipes to check out! Here are a few that I make on repeat and always get rave reviews.