Low-Carb Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger Sauce

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

Savory ground beef seasoned with classic Korean flavors served in crisp lettuce cups topped with a zesty sesame ginger sauce. This Korean-inspired low-carb recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs ground beef, green onions, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 lb ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 thinly sliced green onions to the skillet. Sauté together with the beef for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef evenly.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp rice vinegar and 1 tbsp water to create a light sesame ginger dressing.
  5. Step 5: To serve, spoon the beef mixture into individual iceberg lettuce leaves and drizzle with the sesame ginger dressing. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch and garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Carb Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Low-Carb Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger Sauce?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Korean Beef 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 Low-Carb Korean Beef 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 Low-Carb Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Ginger Sauce low carb?

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

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