Korean-Inspired Beef Lettuce Rolls
Korean-Inspired Beef Lettuce Rolls bring together tender slices of bulgogi beef, marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, and wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, flavorful bite. This dish is perfect for a light and satisfying meal, offering all the vibrant flavors of Korean BBQ in a handheld wrap, ready in under an hour.
How to Make It
- Prepare the Beef: Start by placing the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up slightly, making it easier to slice thinly. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the sliced steak with dark soy sauce, gochujang paste, minced ginger, light brown sugar, mirin, minced garlic, black pepper, grated apple, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to let the flavors develop.
- Cook the Beef: Heat neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, lift the steak slices from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Fry the beef in the hot oil, using tongs to separate the slices. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and caramelized.
- Assemble the Lettuce Rolls: Lay out the lettuce leaves on a large platter. Fill each leaf with a portion of the bulgogi beef, then top with carrot strips, cucumber, bell peppers, and spring onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the top for added crunch.
- Serve: Serve the lettuce rolls immediately, adding a spoonful of cooked rice to each wrap if you prefer a heartier meal.
Korean-Inspired Beef Lettuce Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Large frying pan (skillet)
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Slotted spoon
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- Bulgogi Beef:
- 2 medium Sirloin or ribeye steaks thinly sliced (about 500g/1.1lb-600g/1.3lb)
- 2 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp Minced fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp Light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Mirin
- 2 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ tsp Freshly ground black pepper
- 1, Grated sweet apple no need to peel
- 1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil
- To Assemble:
- 1 large Carrot, sliced into thin strips
- ⅓ Cucumber chopped into small chunks
- 1 Red bell pepper seeded and chopped into small chunks
- 3, Spring onions scallions, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tsp Sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp Unsalted toasted peanuts roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef: Place the steak in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up slightly. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the sliced steak with dark soy sauce, gochujang paste, minced ginger, light brown sugar, mirin, minced garlic, black pepper, grated apple, and toasted sesame oil. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
- Cook Beef: Heat the neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the steak from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off. Fry the steak in the hot oil, using tongs to separate the slices. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and caramelized.
- Assemble Wraps: Place the lettuce leaves on a large platter. Fill each with bulgogi beef, carrot, cucumber, bell peppers, and spring onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped peanuts if desired.
- Serve: Serve the lettuce rolls immediately, optionally adding a spoonful of cooked rice to each wrap for a more substantial meal.
Notes
- Lettuce: Crispy lettuce leaves, such as romaine, work best for these wraps as they hold together better.
- Tip: Add a spoonful of cooked rice or cauliflower rice to each wrap to make them more filling.
Final Flavor
These Korean-Inspired Beef Lettuce Rolls are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, from the tender, caramelized beef to the crisp, fresh vegetables. The sweet and spicy marinade infuses the beef with rich flavors, making these wraps a light yet satisfying option for any meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party dish, they bring the essence of Korean BBQ to your table in a simple, delicious way.