Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Beef?
It is a traditional-style Korean dish featuring thinly sliced, grilled sirloin or rib eye steak wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves with savory and spicy seasonings.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Sirloin or rib eye steak is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.
How should the beef be prepared?
The beef should be sliced thin, approximately 3 inches long and 2 inches wide.
What is the trick for slicing steak thinly?
Partially freezing the steak for 30 minutes before cutting makes it much easier to achieve thin slices.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should marinate for at least 15 minutes in a mixture of salt, sesame oil, and black pepper.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
Boston lettuce is highly recommended for its size and flexibility, making it perfect for wrapping.
How do I prepare the scallions?
Cut the scallions into julienne strips and soak them in ice water for 15 minutes to make them crisp.
What goes into the scallion dressing?
The scallions are tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil after being drained.
How is the lettuce seasoned?
A mixture of cayenne chili powder, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds is rubbed inside the curls of each lettuce leaf.
How long does it take to grill the beef?
The beef grills quickly, taking only 1 to 3 minutes per side depending on your desired level of doneness.
What heat setting should I use for grilling?
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for the best results.
How do I assemble the wraps?
Place grilled beef slices in a prepared lettuce leaf, top with seasoned scallions and sliced garlic, then fold the lettuce over.
How many calories are in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 208 calories.
How much protein is in the Korean beef wraps?
This dish provides 17.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There is 12.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 6.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its high protein and low carbohydrate profile.
Can I serve these for a party?
Absolutely, these wraps are excellent finger food and party food because they are fun to assemble and eat.
What dipping sauces are recommended?
You can serve them with extra soy sauce or chili paste on the side.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, to be used as a topping.
Is the dish spicy?
The heat level is adjustable based on the 1-3 teaspoons of cayenne chili powder used in the lettuce rub.
How many lettuce leaves are needed?
You will need between 10 to 12 large lettuce leaves.
What kind of sesame oil should I use?
The recipe calls for sesame oil for both the beef marinade and the scallion dressing.
Should the beef rest after cooking?
Yes, let the beef rest for a moment after removing it from the grill before assembling the wraps.
What is the purpose of sugar in the recipe?
The teaspoon of sugar is used in the lettuce rub to balance the flavors of the chili and sesame.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan over medium-high heat works perfectly for this recipe.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 lbs of steak.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as Korean cuisine, beef, grilled steak, lettuce wraps, and barbecue.
What is the ingredient count?
The recipe uses a total of 12 ingredients.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds.