Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps That Wow at Every Party

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These Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and perfect for any kind of party — summer BBQs, game day tailgates, backyard picnics, or fun Friday nights with friends.

They’re quick to make, super tasty, and look amazing on a platter.

Everyone will love building their own wrap with all the colorful toppings.

Plus, they’re low-carb and easy to adapt for different diets.

This is one of those party dishes that’s fun, fresh, and full of flavor!

 

 

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe:

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

 

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

 

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 23g
    Total Calories (for the recipe): 1500 kcal

 

 

Step-by-step Guide:

1 – Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2 – Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

3 – Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until browned.

 

 

 

4 – Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and ginger.

 

 

5 – Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

 

 

6 – Add the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar (or honey), and rice vinegar to the beef mixture.

 

 

7 – Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning.

 

 

8 – Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

9 – Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the beef.

 

 

10 – Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large plate.

 

 

11 – Place a spoonful of chopped kimchi on each lettuce leaf.

 

 

12 – 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.

 

 

 

A picture of two butter lettuce leaves topped with kimchi, seasoned ground beef, sliced cucumber, and slivers of carrots.

 

 

13 – Add an extra dollop of gochujang or Ssamjang if desired.

14 – Garnish with more sesame seeds if you like, and serve immediately.

 

 

15 – To eat, fold the lettuce wraps like a taco and enjoy!

 

 

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Swap the beef – Try ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if you want a leaner or vegetarian version.

  • Go mild or spicy – Adjust the gochujang to control the heat level. Add more for spice lovers or go easy for milder tastes.

  • Add crunch – Toss in chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips for extra texture.

  • Keep it cool – Place lettuce leaves on a chilled tray so they stay crisp even if they sit out for a while.

  • Serve buffet-style – Set everything out separately so guests can build their own wraps. It’s fun and interactive!

 

 

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful way to bring something exciting to your next gathering.

Whether you’re tailgating, hosting a summer BBQ, or setting up a snack table for movie night, these wraps are a crowd-pleaser that you can feel great about serving.

Easy, fast, and bursting with bold Korean flavor — they’re sure to disappear fast!

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