Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Dressing

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

Savory marinated beef strips stir-fried to perfection and served in crisp lettuce cups with a nutty sesame dressing for a fresh, flavorful bite. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes blends thinly sliced flank steak, soy sauce, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and 2 sliced green onions to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 shredded medium carrot and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, spoon the beef mixture into 12 butter lettuce leaves, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately as handheld wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Dressing?

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 Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Dressing 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 Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Dressing?

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.

Related recipes