Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

If you’re looking for a healthy, fun, and fresh dinner idea to try this week, you really can’t go wrong with these Korean ground beef lettuce wraps! They’re savory, slightly sweet, a little spicy, and incredibly satisfying—all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves for the perfect bite.

Juicy ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and gochujang, creating a deeply flavorful filling that’s balanced with crunchy cucumbers, shredded carrots, and tangy kimchi. The best part? They’re ready in 30 minutes, naturally low-carb, and so easy to customize.

Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to tacos, a fun party appetizer, or a fresh, fuss-free dinner, these wraps bring bold Korean-inspired flavors with minimal effort. Messy, delicious, and totally worth it!

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Sesame oil
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Fresh ginger
• Soy sauce 
• Gochujang 
• Brown sugar or honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame seeds
• Kimchi
• Cucumber
• Carrot
• Green onions
• Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves (for wraps)
• Additional sesame seeds, for garnish
• Extra gochujang or Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), for serving

Instructions for Making Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Do you prefer a printable recipe card for screen-free cooking? No problem! You’ll find yours ready and waiting at the bottom of this post. In this section, I’m going to dive into the step-by-step process, including some photos to demonstrate the various stages. 

• Cook the Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until browned.

• Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Season the Beef: Add the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar (or honey), and rice vinegar to the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the beef.

• Assemble the Wraps: Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large plate. Start by placing a spoonful of chopped kimchi on each lettuce leaf. Then add a portion of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the kimchi, followed by a few strips of cucumber, carrot, and a sprinkle of green onions. Add an extra dollop of gochujang or Ssamjang if desired.

• Serve: Garnish with more sesame seeds if you like, and serve immediately. To eat, fold the lettuce wraps like a taco, and enjoy!

Variations & Customizations

Want to make this recipe your own, or experiment with a few twists? Here are some ideas you might want to try: 

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or extra gochujang for more heat.
• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a lighter twist.
• Add crunch: Toss in some chopped peanuts, cashews, or crispy fried onions for texture.
• Lower-carb option: Skip the brown sugar/honey or replace with a sugar-free alternative for a keto-friendly version.
• Make it a bowl: Instead of lettuce wraps, serve the beef over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for an easy Korean beef bowl.

What to Serve with Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are flavorful and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes for a complete meal.

Korean-Inspired Sides

• Steamed rice – White, brown, or cauliflower rice for a filling base.
• Korean pickled veggies (banchan) – Pickled radish, or spicy cucumbers for a tangy contrast.
• Miso or egg drop soup – Light, warm, and comforting.

Light & Fresh Options

• Cucumber sesame salad – Crisp cucumbers tossed in sesame oil and rice vinegar.
• Asian chopped salad – A mix of greens, bell peppers, and sesame-ginger dressing.
• Fresh fruit – Mango, pineapple, or watermelon to balance the spice.

Heartier Pairings

• Kimchi fried rice – Stir-fried rice with kimchi and eggs.
• Japchae (glass noodles) – Stir-fried sweet potato noodles with veggies.

Drinks to Pair

• Sparkling water with lime – Light and refreshing.
• Iced green tea or jasmine tea – A clean, earthy contrast.
• Cold beer or Korean soju – Great for an authentic pairing.

Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a casual gathering, these Korean inspired wraps are guaranteed to be a hit.

Easy to customize and packed with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again. Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments! Did you add any fun toppings? I’d love to hear how you made them your own!