These beef lettuce wraps, also called ssam, are real umami bombs. Imagine succulent sauteed beef seasoned with green onions, nutty sesame seeds, made sweet and slightly spicy with Korean red pepper paste. Then, it is all wrapped up in crunchy lettuce cups, perfect to be devoured in one big bite. Pair them with white rice and other Korean side dishes like candied sweet potatoes and bok choy kimchi for a filling Korean feast.
Tips on Making Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
These no-marinade beef lettuce wraps or ssam are highly customizable. You can swap and substitute other ingredients, and they pair well with a lot of side dishes. Meanwhile, to ensure you won’t miss the authentic Korean flavors in this dish, here are some valuable tips to take note of in making this recipe:
- Most importantly, make sure to use gochujang (fermented red chili paste). Because first, the thick sweet and spicy chili paste packs a ton of essential Korean flavors in your dish. Secondly, its pigmented red color makes the dish more appetizing.
- The best lettuce to use is butter lettuce because its cup-shaped leaves make it perfect for holding the beef in. In the same way, you can also use romaine, iceberg lettuce, and perilla leaves.
- This Korean ground beef recipe calls for healthy extra-lean ground beef. But if you’re in for a juicier alternative, use this instant pot beef bulgogi instead.
- On the other hand, you can use other types of protein like pork for a ground pork lettuce wrap or samgyupsal (Korean pork belly lettuce wraps). Whichever you prefer, first, be sure to bring them to room temperature. After that, saute them well until they develop browning. As a result, you will have a yummy savory filling for your ssam.
These mouth-watering beef lettuce wraps are gluten-free, keto-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes. So if you’re ready for your at-home Korean food adventure, let’s get right on to making it.
How To Make Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
Make succulent and savory Korean beef lettuce wraps made of ground beef and broccoli stems sautéed in spicy and umami seasonings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground beef, extra-lean
- 3 tbsp soy sauce, reduced-sodium
- 1 tbsp sriracha, or gochujang
- 2 tsp sesame oil, toasted
- 12 oz broccoli, (1 pkg), shredded
- 8 ice-berg lettuce leaves, or butter lettuce
- ½ cup red sweet pepper , cut into strips
To serve:
- peanuts, green onions or sesame seeds, optional
- lime wedges
Instructions
- In an extra-large skillet cook beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, Asian pepper sauce, and sesame oil.
- Stir in broccoli then cook and stir over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture is just wilted.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the lettuce leaves then top with sriracha or gochujang, red sweet pepper and if desired, garnish with peanuts, green onions, or sesame seeds.
- Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Sugar: 6g
- :
- Calcium: 116mg
- Calories: 397kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Cholesterol: 81mg
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Iron: 4mg
- Potassium: 983mg
- Protein: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 666mg
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Vitamin A: 1639IU
- Vitamin C: 108mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Koreans wrap food in lettuce?
A huge part of traditional Korean food culture, and Asian food in general, come in bite-sized pieces. For example, some well-loved wrapped food are maki, sushi, mochi, Chinese siomai, siopao, dumplings, lumpia, Filipino turon, and samgyupsal. They’re wrapped to keep all the fillings together inside so that they are easier to eat. Similarly, Koreans use lettuce for samgyupsal and ssam because its fresh, crisp taste balances out the flavor-packed meat.
What to put in ssam?
Other Korean lettuce wrap fillings include garlic slices, enoki mushrooms, green onions, Korean pickled radish and rice. Korean short ribs (galbi) is also a popular filling. For sauces, you can use gochujang, sesame oil, and ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce).
What do I serve with Korean beef wraps?
Korean meals are served with a lot of side dishes called banchan. Before having your Korean lettuce wraps, you can start your meal with this hot kimchi soup and kimchi patties on the side. Complete the meal with a glass of refreshing soju cocktail for drinks.
Conclusion
Have a taste of these spicy and flavorful Korean beef lettuce wraps through this wonderful ssam-making endeavor. Paired with Korean side dishes and drinks, it’s sure to make your mouth full and your heart happy.Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
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