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Korean lettuce wraps filled with Korean ground beef, shredded carrots, and green onions, garnished with sesame seeds. A bowl of dipping sauce is visible in the background.
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5 from 1 vote

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

These Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are the ultimate combination of bold flavors and fresh, crunchy textures. Perfect for a light dinner or an impressive appetizer, they’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Servings: 4
Calories: 375kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 cup kimchi chopped
  • 1 cucumber julienned
  • 1 large carrot julienned
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves for wraps
  • Additional sesame seeds for garnish
  • Extra gochujang or Ssamjang Korean dipping sauce, for serving

Instructions

  • Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until browned.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar (or honey), and rice vinegar to the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the beef.
  • Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large plate. Start by placing a spoonful of chopped kimchi on each lettuce leaf. Then add a portion of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the kimchi, followed by a few strips of cucumber, carrot, and a sprinkle of green onions. Add an extra dollop of gochujang or Ssamjang if desired.
  • Garnish with more sesame seeds if you like, and serve immediately. To eat, fold the lettuce wraps like a taco, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Taste the beef mixture and adjust soy sauce, sugar, or gochujang as needed before serving.
  • Chop all your veggies and make the beef mixture in advance for easy assembly later.
  • Lettuce wraps are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crunch and freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 720mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g