Korean-Style BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender marinated beef grilled to perfection and served wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. This korean-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoon sesame oil, tablespoon 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 350 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Add 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar to make the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated beef slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 8 large butter lettuce leaves on a platter. Top each leaf with a few slices of grilled beef, drizzle with the gochujang sauce, sprinkle with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as wraps, encouraging diners to fold the lettuce around the beef and sauce for a spicy, savory bite.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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-Style BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce?

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-Style BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce?

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-Style BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce 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.

Is Korean-Style BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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