My husband loves spicy food, but he isn’t always in the mood for complicated meals in the middle of the week. Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are perfect because they are quick, flavorful, and surprisingly filling without being heavy. The sweet and savory sauce, with just a hint of spice, makes them irresistible, and he always asks for seconds when I make them. I love that this dish feels special, yet it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

I have tried many ground beef recipes, but this one has become a favorite in our household. I use lean ground beef to keep it lighter and healthier, and I always make sure to prepare my garlic, ginger, and green onions before I start cooking. Always having butter lettuce washed and ready in the fridge makes assembly fast and fun. The combination of the savory beef with the crisp lettuce creates a balance of textures that is hard to beat.

You can serve these wraps as a main course for dinner, some as a light lunch, or even as appetizers at a party. They also work beautifully with steamed rice on the side, some pickled vegetables for tang, and even with kimchi to add a spicy, fermented kick. The dish is versatile enough to fit any meal plan or occasion.

Its Perfect For:

• Quick weeknight dinners that don’t require much prep
• Lunchboxes for work or school that need something hearty
• Family gatherings where finger foods are appreciated
• Light and healthy meals without feeling like you’re dieting
• Impressing friends with a restaurant-style meal at home

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha for milder heat
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated
• Optional toppings: shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, kimchi

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
• Small mixing bowl for the sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board for veggies and aromatics
• Small bowl or plate for toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Step 1

Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic and ginger, slice the green onions, and separate the lettuce leaves. Having everything ready before cooking will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2

Cook the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma should fill the kitchen—this is the flavor foundation of the dish.

Step 3

Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid clumps.

Step 4

Add the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the meat with a glossy, flavorful glaze.

Step 5

Finish with garnishes: Remove from heat and stir in half of the sliced green onions and the toasted sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a little more gochujang or soy sauce if you like it spicier or saltier.

Step 6

Assemble the wraps: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf. Top with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or optional toppings like shredded carrots, cucumber slices, or a small spoonful of kimchi for a tangy kick.

Step 7

Serve immediately: Arrange the wraps on a platter and enjoy while warm. Encourage guests to fold the lettuce like a taco, taking a bit of beef, garnish, and sauce in every bite. These wraps are light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun, interactive meal.

Tips for Making the Best Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

• Use lean ground beef – It reduces excess grease and makes the wraps lighter. Always drain any fat after browning for a cleaner taste.
• Prep your ingredients first – Mince garlic and ginger, slice green onions, and separate lettuce leaves. Cooking will go faster if everything is ready.
• Cook aromatics carefully – Sauté garlic and ginger for just 30–60 seconds. Overcooking can make them bitter.
• Mix the sauce well – Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and gochujang before adding to the meat. This ensures even flavor.
• Taste as you go – Adjust sweetness or heat if needed. Some gochujang brands are spicier than others.
• Warm lettuce leaves – A few seconds in the microwave with a damp paper towel makes them more pliable and easier to fold.
• Serve immediately – These wraps are best fresh. The beef is juicy, and the lettuce stays crisp. Waiting too long makes the leaves soggy.

Optional Ingredients

• Sliced cucumbers for crunch
• Shredded carrots for color and sweetness
• Kimchi for a tangy, fermented kick
• Bean sprouts for texture
• Chopped cilantro for freshness
• Crushed peanuts for extra flavor and crunch

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

I like to start by laying out all the ingredients on a large platter so everyone can see and choose what they want. I place the cooked beef in a shallow bowl or dish in the center, then surround it with fresh butter lettuce leaves. This way, each person can make their own wrap exactly how they like it. I also set out small bowls of optional toppings like shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, kimchi, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It turns dinner into a fun, interactive experience that feels special without being fussy.

I serve these wraps with a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice, depending on whether I want a more filling meal or a lighter one. Some nights, I even put out a small dipping sauce made of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of rice vinegar. The dipping sauce gives extra flavor with every bite and allows each person to control how much they want. I love that this dish can be as simple or as customized as you like, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and casual entertaining.

I also enjoy letting my family assemble their own wraps at the table. It gives everyone a sense of choice and makes dinner feel lively. Kids usually go for just beef and lettuce, while adults pile on kimchi, green onions, or shredded carrots. Sometimes, I like to add a little crunch with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds. It’s satisfying to watch everyone take a simple meal and turn it into a colorful, layered wrap full of textures and flavors. It becomes more than just dinner—it feels like a shared experience.

Is Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Healthy?

Yes, it is! Using lean ground beef and lots of fresh vegetables keeps this dish lower in fat while still being satisfying. Lettuce provides fiber and vitamins, making each bite lighter and more nutritious.

The recipe also allows flexibility with sodium and sugar. You can adjust soy sauce or brown sugar to taste, making it a healthier alternative to takeout Korean dishes without losing flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Ground turkey or chicken – Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Cook the same way with the sauce; flavor remains delicious.
• Vegetarian version – Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of beef. Sauté until golden and then add sauce for a satisfying plant-based meal.
• Spicy level – Adjust gochujang for more heat or replace with sriracha. You can make it mild for kids or extra spicy for adults.
• Rice wraps – For gluten-free or lower-carb, try using large collard green leaves or rice paper instead of lettuce.
• Extra crunch – Add water chestnuts or chopped nuts to the beef mixture. They add texture and make the wraps more interesting.
• Noodle bowls – Serve the beef over rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a twist. Keeps flavors similar but changes presentation.
• Sauce variations – Add hoisin sauce or oyster sauce to the beef for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Asian-inspired toppings – Top with kimchi, pickled radish, or daikon sprouts. Each topping changes the taste experience and makes it more fun.

How to Store and Reheat

You can store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce leaves separate so they don’t become soggy. Label your container so you remember it’s pre-cooked and ready to enjoy later.

To reheat, place the beef in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm. Toss gently to bring back moisture. Assemble fresh lettuce leaves right before serving so wraps stay crisp. Optional toppings can be added straight from the fridge for freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the beef in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate in a sealed container so it doesn’t get soggy. When you’re ready to eat, assembly is quick and the wraps stay fresh and crisp.

Can I freeze the beef?
Absolutely! Let the cooked beef cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of butter lettuce?
Yes, iceberg works fine if you prefer a firmer, crunchier leaf. Butter lettuce is softer and folds more easily, which makes it ideal for wrapping. Either choice tastes delicious; it just depends on whether you want soft or extra crunch.

How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much gochujang you add. Start with one tablespoon for a mild, kid-friendly flavor, or add more for a spicier taste. You can also serve extra gochujang on the side so everyone can adjust individually.

Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main DishCuisine: Korean-InspiredDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Quick and easy Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps recipe for a healthy, flavorful weeknight meal. Learn tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions for a delicious, family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha for milder heat

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated

• Optional toppings: shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, kimchi

Directions

• Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic and ginger, slice the green onions, and separate the lettuce leaves. Having everything ready before cooking will make the process smooth and stress-free.
• Cook the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma should fill the kitchen—this is the flavor foundation of the dish.
• Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid clumps.
• Add the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the meat with a glossy, flavorful glaze.
• Finish with garnishes: Remove from heat and stir in half of the sliced green onions and the toasted sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a little more gochujang or soy sauce if you like it spicier or saltier.
• Assemble the wraps: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf. Top with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or optional toppings like shredded carrots, cucumber slices, or a small spoonful of kimchi for a tangy kick.
• Serve immediately: Arrange the wraps on a platter and enjoy while warm. Encourage guests to fold the lettuce like a taco, taking a bit of beef, garnish, and sauce in every bite. These wraps are light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun, interactive meal.