Korean-Style Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps

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

Tender marinated beef strips cooked with garlic and sesame, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and flavorful Korean-inspired appetizer or light meal. 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) 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 medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 thinly sliced green onions, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the bulgogi marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and keep warm. To serve, spoon the cooked beef into 8 large romaine lettuce leaves, top each with 1/2 cup shredded carrots, a sprinkle of 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and drizzle with 2 tbsp gochujang sauce if desired for extra heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Bulgogi Beef 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 Korean-Style Bulgogi Beef 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 Korean-Style Bulgogi Beef 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 Korean-Style Bulgogi Beef 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 Korean-Style Bulgogi Beef 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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