Garlic and Herb Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and savory marinated Korean beef, quickly grilled and served in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh herbs. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef ribeye, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye with 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Add marinated beef in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 12 romaine lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Divide cooked beef among leaves, sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately with gochujang on the side for an optional spicy kick.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Herb Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Herb Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced beef ribeye from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Herb Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic and Herb Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic and Herb Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps?

Korean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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