Ingredients

Scale

For the Bulgogi Beef:

1 lb ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for spice)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

For the Lettuce Wraps and Toppings:

1 head of butter lettuce, romaine, or green leaf lettuce (separated into individual leaves)
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup kimchi (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Spicy Gochujang Sauce (Optional):

2 tablespoons gochujang
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Bulgogi Beef

In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Make the Spicy Gochujang Sauce

While the beef marinates, mix together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and water in a small bowl. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Bulgogi Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

Take a lettuce leaf and add a few pieces of cooked bulgogi beef. Top with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, kimchi, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with the spicy gochujang sauce for an extra kick.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the lettuce wraps on a platter and serve immediately. Let guests build their own wraps with their favorite toppings!

Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marinating time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 320
Sugar: 9g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g