Sweet-savory grilled beef with rice, ssamjang, and crisp lettuce
Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
Sweet-savory grilled beef with rice, ssamjang, and crisp lettuce
Thinly sliced beef marinated in pear, soy, garlic, and sesame, cooked until caramelized and piled into lettuce wraps with rice and ssamjang.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Bulgogi is one of the easiest Korean dishes to bring into regular rotation because the marinade does most of the work. The beef cooks quickly, tastes deeply savory-sweet, and turns dinner into an interactive meal without extra fuss.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin
- 1/2 Asian pear, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Butter lettuce leaves for serving
- Cooked rice and ssamjang for serving
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together the grated pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
- 2
Toss the beef with the marinade and let it sit for 20 minutes while you prep the rest of dinner.
- 3
Cook the beef in a large skillet over high heat in batches until browned and lightly caramelized.
- 4
Transfer the beef to a platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- 5
Serve with lettuce, rice, and ssamjang so everyone can build wraps.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Asian pearBosc pear or kiwi
Both help tenderize the meat, though pear has the most traditional flavor
RibeyeChicken thighs
The marinade is also excellent on thinly sliced chicken thigh meat
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Sesame Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the sesame oil matters
A small amount of toasted sesame oil changes the aroma fast. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sauce or dressing taste more complete.
This ingredient adds most of its value in aroma and finish.
- Adds nutty depth with very little effort
- Useful in noodles, dressings, and marinades
Toasted sesame oil is a small bottle that tends to have outsized payoff.
Shop sesame oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not crowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of char.
A little kimchi on the side makes the wraps feel much more complete.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked beef for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat quickly in a hot skillet so the beef stays tender.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein29g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat27g
Fiber1g
Sugar10g
Sodium980mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground beef?
- Yes. It will not be classic bulgogi, but the marinade still works very well for a budget version.
- What cut is best?
- Ribeye is the most tender, but sirloin works well if sliced very thinly.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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