Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps (Bulgogi Ssambap) is a delicious and fresh Korean dish where marinated beef is stir-fried and served in lettuce leaves, often accompanied by a variety of condiments. The crispness of the lettuce paired with the savory-sweet beef creates an unforgettable bite.
Ingredients:
- For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or thinly sliced beef)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp water (if needed to adjust consistency)
- For the Wrap:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce (or Romaine lettuce), separated into large leaves
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced chili peppers (optional)
- For Garnish:
- Additional sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Directions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame seeds, and green onions. Stir until sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the ground beef (or sliced beef) to the marinade, and mix well. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced and thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- If using sliced beef, cook until the beef is browned and tender.
- Prepare the Lettuce:
- While the beef is cooking, separate the lettuce leaves carefully, making sure they are large enough to hold a small portion of beef. Wash and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- To serve, place a lettuce leaf on a plate. Add a spoonful of the cooked beef mixture onto the center of the lettuce.
- Top with cucumber slices, julienned carrots, and any optional garnishes like cilantro and sliced chili peppers.
- Enjoy:
- Fold the lettuce over the beef and toppings, creating a wrap. Eat it with your hands like a taco or wrap for a delicious, savory bite!
Tip: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang or chili peppers to suit your preference! Enjoy with some steamed rice or a side of kimchi to make it a full meal.
