Korean Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Cups

Bulgogi, Korean for "fire meat," brings thinly sliced beef kissed by a sweet-savory marinade of soy, sesame, and pear. Tucked into crisp lettuce cups with rice and kimchi, these handheld bites turn a classic barbecue favorite into an easy lunch.

Serves 4 · 25 min prep · 10 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 445 cal
• 32g protein
• 38g carbs
• 18g fat
• 4g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak or ribeye
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
• 1/2, grated Asian pear or apple
• 4, sliced green onions
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 2 heads butter lettuce or romaine hearts
• 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
• 1 cup kimchi
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tsp rice vinegar

Instructions

1. 1In a medium bowl whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated pear, and half the green onions until the sugar dissolves. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature 15–20 minutes while you prep the rest.
2. 2Separate the lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat completely dry. Arrange on a platter. Warm the cooked rice and set out the kimchi.
3. 3Stir together gochujang and rice vinegar in a small bowl to make a quick spicy drizzle; thin with water if needed.
4. 4Heat a large cast-iron skillet or wok over high heat until very hot. Add the neutral oil and swirl. Working in two batches to avoid steaming, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
5. 5Cook each batch 2–3 minutes without moving, then stir-fry another 1–2 minutes until the edges are caramelized and the meat is just cooked through. Transfer to a plate; repeat with remaining beef.
6. 6Return all beef to the skillet for 30 seconds to reheat and coat in the glossy sauce. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and sesame seeds.
7. 7To assemble, spoon a small scoop of warm rice into each lettuce cup, top with bulgogi, a little kimchi, and a drizzle of gochujang sauce.
8. 8Serve immediately family-style so everyone can build their own cups. Leftover beef keeps well for next-day lunch boxes.