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Savory Korean Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps Easy Homemade Recipe with Pickled Onion

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These savory Korean bulgogi beef lettuce wraps with pickled onion offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with tender marinated beef and crisp lettuce, ideal for quick and satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin (optional)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 head of butter or Bibb lettuce leaves
  • Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pickled Onions: In a small bowl or jar, combine rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add the thinly sliced red onions and toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and rice wine. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes, preferably 20 minutes.
  3. Cook the Bulgogi Beef: Heat skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add marinated beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Add a splash of water or sesame oil if pan gets dry.
  4. Prepare the Lettuce: Gently separate lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Choose larger leaves for wrapping.
  5. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a lettuce leaf flat, spoon a generous amount of bulgogi beef in the center, and top with pickled onions. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Notes

Do not overload lettuce wraps to avoid tearing. Cook beef in batches to prevent steaming and ensure caramelization. Pickled onions taste better after resting several hours or overnight. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Thinly slice beef for tenderness; partially freeze meat for easier slicing if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: bulgogi, Korean beef, lettuce wraps, pickled onions, quick dinner, easy recipe, Korean cuisine, savory wraps

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/savory-korean-bulgogi-beef-lettuce-wraps-easy-homemade-recipe-with-pickled-onion/