Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Bowls: A Flavor-Packed, Healthy Delight

Looking for a meal that’s equal parts delicious, nutritious, and simple to prepare? Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Bowls are a perfect fusion of bold flavors and light textures. This dish transforms traditional Korean bulgogi—thinly sliced, marinated beef—into a modern, low-carb meal when wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a go-to for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with something fresh and vibrant.

What Are Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Bowls?

Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Bowls are a creative twist on the classic Korean BBQ dish, bulgogi, which means “fire meat” in Korean. Traditionally grilled or pan-fried, the marinated beef is tender, savory, and slightly sweet thanks to a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, sugar, and Asian pear.

By serving bulgogi in lettuce leaves instead of over rice, you create a refreshing handheld bowl that’s gluten-free, low in carbs, and full of texture and crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create these tasty lettuce wraps:

For the Bulgogi Marinade:

• 1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
  
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
  
• 1 Asian pear or Bosc pear (grated)
  
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
  
• 2 green onions (chopped)
  
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
  

For Serving:

• Butter or Bibb lettuce leaves (washed and dried)
  
• Cooked white rice or cauliflower rice (optional)
  
• Julienned carrots
  
• Cucumber slices
  
• Kimchi or pickled radish
  
• Toasted sesame seeds
  
• Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) or sriracha for heat
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, pear, garlic, ginger, green onions, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Cook the Bulgogi

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef (in batches if needed) and cook until browned and caramelized, about 3–5 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear.

3. Assemble the Lettuce Bowls

Lay out the lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon a bit of rice (optional) into each leaf, then top with cooked bulgogi, carrots, cucumbers, and kimchi. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and add a small dollop of gochujang for spice.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Roll or fold the lettuce like a taco and enjoy immediately. Perfect as a main dish or served as part of a larger Korean-style meal.

Tips and Variations

• 🥩 Substitute the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a different protein.
  
• 🥬 Romaine or green leaf lettuce works well if butter lettuce isn’t available.
  
• 🌱 Make it vegan by using marinated mushrooms or tofu in place of meat.
  
• 🍚 Want a heartier meal? Serve over a bowl of jasmine rice instead of in lettuce leaves.
  

Health Benefits

Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Bowls are a nutritious choice, offering:

• High protein content from lean beef
  
• Fiber and vitamins from fresh veggies and lettuce
  
• Low carb alternative to traditional rice bowls
  
• Antioxidants and gut-healthy probiotics if paired with kimchi
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of beef is best for bulgogi?

Ribeye or sirloin sliced very thinly works best. You can ask your butcher to shave it or freeze it slightly to make slicing easier.

Can I make bulgogi lettuce bowls ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate and cook the beef ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble with fresh toppings.

Is bulgogi spicy?

Traditional bulgogi isn’t spicy on its own. However, you can add gochujang or red chili flakes for heat if desired.

What’s a good side dish for these lettuce bowls?

Steamed rice, kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a light miso soup pair beautifully with this meal.

Conclusion

Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Bowls bring the savory-sweet flavors of Korean cuisine into a light, easy-to-handle format. They’re customizable, healthy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, these lettuce wraps are sure to impress.

Now that you have the recipe and tips, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this tasty Korean-inspired dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!