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Flavorful Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps Easy Spicy Gochujang Recipe

Korean beef lettuce wraps - featured image
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These Korean beef lettuce wraps feature a savory, sweet, and spicy beef filling paired with fresh crisp lettuce and a bold gochujang sauce, perfect for quick meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce leaves (washed and separated)
  • Optional extras: thinly sliced green onions, shredded carrots, or cucumber strips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce until smooth. Set aside to let the flavors meld (about 5 minutes).
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and starting to crisp on edges. Splash a teaspoon of water if pan gets too dry.
  5. Season: Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef.
  6. Toss with Gochujang Sauce: Remove skillet from heat and pour prepared gochujang sauce over beef. Stir quickly to combine.
  7. Prepare Lettuce Wraps: Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Place optional sliced green onions, shredded carrots, or cucumber strips nearby.
  8. Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous tablespoon of beef mixture into each lettuce leaf. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional toppings if desired. Fold and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef to get a crispy edge. Let the gochujang sauce rest for 10 minutes before serving for better flavor. Store beef and lettuce separately to avoid sogginess. For gluten-free, use tamari and check gochujang brand for wheat content. Optional toppings like chopped water chestnuts or toasted peanuts add crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef lettuce wraps, gochujang recipe, spicy beef wraps, quick Korean dinner, easy lettuce wraps

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/flavorful-korean-beef-lettuce-wraps-easy-spicy-gochujang-recipe/