Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Korea right into your kitchen! These Grilled Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps are not just a meal, they're an experience that combines tender, marinated beef, crisp lettuce, and a burst of fresh vegetables that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Seoul. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade for the beef. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- Place the thinly sliced beef sirloin into the bowl with the marinade. Ensure that all the beef slices are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- While the beef is marinating, prepare the lettuce wraps. Take the head of lettuce and carefully separate the leaves. Rinse them under cold water to clean, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Set the lettuce leaves aside on a clean plate.
- Next, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded carrots and chopped green onions. Toss them together to mix evenly. This will serve as a fresh and crunchy filling for your lettuce wraps.
- After the marination time has elapsed, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the beef from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
- Place the marinated beef slices on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the beef is nicely charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Be careful not to overcrowd the grill; you may need to do this in batches.
- Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This will help retain its juices.
- To assemble the wraps, take a lettuce leaf and place a few slices of grilled bulgogi beef in the center. Top it with a generous amount of the carrot and green onion mixture.
- Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to create a wrap. Repeat this process for the remaining beef and lettuce leaves.
- Serve the grilled bulgogi beef lettuce wraps immediately, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Korean-inspired meal!
Tips
- Slice the beef as thinly as possible for the most tender and flavorful result. Partially freezing the meat for 15-20 minutes can help you achieve those perfect, thin slices.
- Don't rush the marinating process! The longer the beef sits in the marinade (up to 4 hours), the more intense the flavor will be.
- For the best char and flavor, ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the beef.
- If you don't have a grill, you can easily cook the beef in a hot cast-iron skillet for similar results.
- Choose large, sturdy lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine for the best wrap structure.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
