Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger Sauce

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

Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection, served in crisp lettuce leaves with a tangy sesame ginger dipping sauce. This korean-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 50 minutes blends ribeye or sirloin beef, thinly sliced, 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
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Add 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp rice vinegar and 1 tsp honey to create a simple dressing for the vegetables.
  4. Step 4: To assemble, place a spoonful of cooked beef onto one butter lettuce leaf (about 1 leaf per serving), top with 1 tbsp julienned carrot and 1 tbsp thin cucumber slices, drizzle with the rice vinegar-honey dressing, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as handheld lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger Sauce 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-Style Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger 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 Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger 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 Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger 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 Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger 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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