Korean Spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps are a bold, flavorful dish that combines the deep umami of Korean spices with the freshness of crisp lettuce. Savory ground or thinly sliced beef is cooked in a spicy-sweet sauce made with gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then spooned into cool lettuce cups for a perfect balance of heat, richness, and crunch.

This dish is inspired by classic Korean flavors but presented in a light, modern way that makes it ideal for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or a fun shared meal. It delivers big flavor without feeling heavy and is both satisfying and refreshing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is fast, exciting, and packed with flavor. The spicy beef is rich and deeply seasoned, while the lettuce wraps keep everything fresh and light. It is one of those meals that feels indulgent yet balanced, and it comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The contrast between warm, spicy beef and cool, crunchy lettuce makes every bite interesting and delicious.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it showcases Korean flavors in an approachable and versatile way. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys spicy food and bold seasoning but also wants a lighter alternative to traditional rice bowls. Korean Spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps are easy to customize, great for sharing, and impressive enough to serve to guests while still being simple to prepare at home.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving
Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

For the Spicy Beef

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 green onions, chopped

For the Lettuce Wraps and Toppings

• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Optional: kimchi, sliced radishes, or cooked rice

Cooking Directions

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
Add beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
Remove from heat and stir in green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Wash and dry lettuce leaves and set aside.
Step 2: Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and ginger.
Step 3: Add beef and cook until fully browned.
Step 4: Mix in gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and vinegar.
Step 5: Simmer briefly until the beef is glossy and well coated.
Step 6: Stir in green onions and remove from heat.
Step 7: Spoon beef into lettuce leaves and add desired toppings.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Korean Spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps immediately while the beef is hot. Let everyone assemble their own wraps by spooning beef into lettuce leaves and adding toppings. These wraps pair well with steamed rice, kimchi, or a light cucumber salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

Use butter lettuce for the best texture and flexibility.
Adjust gochujang to control spice level.
Do not overcook the beef to keep it juicy.
Serve immediately for the best contrast of hot and cold elements.

Variations

Substitute beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
Add mushrooms or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
Make it extra spicy with chili flakes or chopped Korean green chilies.
Serve the beef over rice or noodles instead of lettuce for a heartier meal.
Top with a fried egg for added richness and protein.

Freezing and Storage

Store cooked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The beef mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Lettuce and fresh toppings should not be frozen and should be prepared fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Serving platter or bowls

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of gochujang and add a little extra soy sauce or honey.

Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?
Yes, the beef can be cooked in advance and reheated just before serving.

What lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce, bibb lettuce, or romaine hearts work best due to their shape and texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Korean Spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, fast, and satisfying dish that highlights the bold tastes of Korean cuisine in a fresh and modern way. With savory-spicy beef, crisp lettuce, and customizable toppings, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or casual family meals. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it is a dish you will want to make again and again.