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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low-Carb and Healthy: Using lettuce as a wrap keeps these dishes light and low-carb while still being hearty and filling.

  • Flavorful: The Korean-inspired sauce with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil brings amazing umami flavors to the beef.

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy nights.

  • Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, add veggies, or switch up the protein to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, )

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (for spice)

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra flavor)

  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

  • 12 large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce)

  • Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber slices, crushed peanuts, or pickled vegetables

Directions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

  2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang (or sriracha), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and an additional teaspoon of sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the pan with the beef and stir to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

  4. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: To assemble the wraps, take a lettuce leaf and spoon the Korean ground beef mixture into the center of the leaf. Add any additional toppings you like, such as shredded carrots, cucumber, or pickled vegetables.

  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro on top for added freshness. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges or chili sauce for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 (makes about 12 wraps)

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

  • Add More Veggies: You can add shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef for more texture and flavor.

  • Spicy Kick: If you like extra heat, add more gochujang or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the beef mixture.

  • Gluten-Free: Ensure you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent them from wilting.

  • Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and serve with fresh lettuce leaves.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey works perfectly in this recipe. They provide a leaner option compared to ground beef but still absorb the flavors of the sauce well.

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made with fermented soybeans, rice, and chili peppers. It adds a unique depth of flavor and heat to dishes. If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute with sriracha sauce, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or romaine lettuce all work well as wraps. Just choose a variety with sturdy leaves that will hold the filling.

How do I make this spicier?

If you want more heat, you can add more gochujang or sriracha to the beef mixture, or garnish with fresh sliced chili peppers.

Conclusion

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet or anyone simply craving a fresh, delicious meal. The combination of savory beef, spicy sauce, and crunchy lettuce creates the perfect bite-sized treat that’s both healthy and satisfying. Customize the toppings and protein to your liking, and enjoy a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love!

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Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

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  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful, and low-carb dish that combines savory ground beef with a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired sauce. Served in crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps are packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal. Customize with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a fresh twist on traditional tacos or wraps!

Ingredients

  • For the Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, )

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (for spice)

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra flavor)

  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Lettuce Wraps:

  • 12 large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce)

  • Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber slices, crushed peanuts, or pickled vegetables

Instructions

  • Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

  • Add Garlic and Ginger: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang (or sriracha), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef, stir to coat, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  • Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Add any additional toppings you like (carrots, cucumber, etc.).

  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges or chili sauce for added flavor.

Notes

Vegan Option: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.Extra Veggies: Add shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.Spicy Kick: Adjust the heat by adding more gochujang or sriracha.Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.Storage: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce leaves separate to prevent wilting.

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