Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps
Savor the vibrant flavors of Korea with this mouthwatering recipe for Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps. Perfect for summertime meals, this dish features tender sirloin steak marinated in a delightful blend of sesame, soy sauce, and spices. The umami-rich marinade creates a juicy and flavorful beef that pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce leaves and fluffy rice. While I may not be Korean, I've crafted this recipe to encapsulate the essence of traditional bulgogi, making it a family favorite that will impress at any gathering. Enjoy the interactive experience of wrapping your own beef and accompaniments, and serve alongside kimchi and spicy gochujang for an authentic touch!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sirloin steak
1 lb (Cut into pieces about 1 inch wide, 3-4 inches long, and 1/4 inch thick.)
Sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (Toast over medium-high heat until dark brown, about 5 minutes.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Scallions
2 (Chopped.)
Garlic
3 cloves (Pressed or finely chopped.)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (N/A)
Rice wine
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Ginger
1 tablespoon (Shredded.)
Water
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the sirloin steak into strips approximately 1 inch wide, 3-4 inches long, and 1/4 inch thick.
2
In a medium-sized skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until they turn a dark brown color, releasing their nutty aroma.
3
Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a mixing bowl and add the salt, stirring to combine.
4
To the sesame salt, incorporate the remaining marinade ingredients: chopped scallions, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, shredded ginger, and water. Mix until the marinade is uniform.
5
Add the prepared beef strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly or transfer to a resealable plastic bag.
6
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for deeper flavor, mixing periodically to ensure even marination.
7
When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the marinated beef on a baking sheet and broil for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
8
Alternatively, you can grill the marinated beef on a charcoal grill, cooking for a couple of minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
9
To serve, place the cooked beef over a bed of rice and provide large lettuce leaves for wrapping.
10
Encourage diners to wrap the beef and rice in lettuce leaves or use rice wrappers, adding kimchi and a dollop of gochujang for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps?
Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant, interactive dish featuring tender sirloin steak marinated in a savory sesame and soy sauce blend, served with rice and lettuce leaves.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of sirloin steak.
How should I slice the sirloin steak?
Cut the steak into strips that are approximately 1 inch wide, 3 to 4 inches long, and 1/4 inch thick.
How do I toast the sesame seeds?
Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until they become dark brown and aromatic.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
The first step is to combine the toasted sesame seeds with salt in a mixing bowl.
What ingredients are included in the marinade?
The marinade consists of toasted sesame seeds, salt, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, shredded ginger, and water.
How long does the beef need to marinate?
The beef should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Can I cook the beef in the oven?
Yes, you can cook the beef by preheating the broiler and cooking it on a baking sheet for 3-4 minutes per side.
Is it possible to grill the beef?
Yes, you can grill the marinated beef on a charcoal grill for a couple of minutes on each side until browned.
What is the recommended serving style?
Serve the cooked beef over rice with large lettuce leaves for diners to wrap themselves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are some recommended toppings for the wraps?
Kimchi and a dollop of spicy gochujang are highly recommended accompaniments.
Can I use rice wrappers instead of lettuce?
Yes, the recipe suggests rice wrappers as a suitable alternative to lettuce leaves.
How many scallions are needed for this dish?
The recipe requires 2 chopped scallions.
How much garlic should be used?
Use 3 cloves of garlic, either pressed or finely chopped.
What type of wine is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of rice wine.
How much ginger is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of shredded ginger.
What is the purpose of the water in the marinade?
Water is added to help balance the marinade ingredients and ensure the beef is evenly coated.
Should I mix the beef while it is marinating?
Yes, you should mix the beef periodically while it is in the refrigerator to ensure even flavor distribution.
What is bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish of thin, marinated slices of beef or pork grilled on a barbecue or stove-top.
Is this recipe considered authentic bulgogi?
While the author is not Korean, the recipe is crafted to encapsulate the essence of traditional bulgogi flavors.
What flavor profile does the marinade have?
The marinade is umami-rich, savory, and slightly sweet with nutty notes from the sesame oil and seeds.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can slice the meat and prepare the marinade a day ahead to let the flavors develop overnight.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
What kind of lettuce is best for wrapping?
Large, flexible lettuce leaves like bibb, butter, or romaine work best for these wraps.
How much sugar is in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sugar.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper is included in the marinade.
Is this a good summer meal?
Yes, its light and interactive nature makes it perfect for summertime dining.
What should the beef look like when it is finished cooking?
The beef should be browned, cooked through to your desired doneness, and slightly caramelized from the sugar in the marinade.