No-Cook Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps Ready in 15 Minutes

These Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are made with sous vide beef cheeks or leftover steak coated in a tantalizing Korean bulgogi sauce nestled in crisp lettuce leaves.

If you enjoyed my Korean lettuce wraps with ground beef and kimchi, I’m certain that you will love these ones made with pre-cooked beef or steak. Although no cooking is required, combining the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with the refreshing crunch of lettuce creates a satisfying, healthy, and quick meal option. The secret lies in a homemade Korean beef bulgogi sauce and, of course, perfectly cooked beef.

My Star Ingredient: Sous Vide Beef Cheeks

As part of my weekly meal prep, I elevated these Korean beef lettuce wraps with sous vide beef cheeks. The sous vide cooking method brings out a tenderness that’s hard to achieve with other cuts. The precise temperature control breaks down the collagen in the meat, resulting in an incredibly rich and tender texture perfect for wrapping in crisp lettuce leaves.

You can use any leftover steak or beef roast for these lettuce wraps. The sauce we’re about to make will instantly transform your beef into a Korean flavor bomb.

Essential Ingredients for the Authentic Korean Beef Sauce

The real secret to bringing the bold Korean flavor to these lettuce wraps is the Korean beef bulgogi sauce. Here are what you’ll need to make it.

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari provides a profound umami depth as the savory base. Tamari offers a gluten-free alternative.
• Gochujang Korean Chili Paste brings complexity with sweet, spicy, and slightly smoky notes. It’s the key ingredient for the distinctive Korean kick.
• Rice Wine Vinegar adds acidity to balance sweetness and richness, cutting through the meaty flavors.
• Sesame Oil infuses a nutty aroma and flavor quintessential to Korean cuisine.
• Honey works with soy sauce and gochujang to create a balanced profile, offering natural sweetness. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be substituted.
• Fresh Ginger brings an aromatic, slightly spicy freshness that blends seamlessly with other robust ingredients.
• Garlic provides pungent and savory qualities, amplifying the sauce’s rich, aromatic depth.
• Red Chili Pepper Flakes: Increase heat and add subtle smokiness and visual appeal.
• Bird’s Eye Chili (Optional) brings intense heat and fresh, bright spiciness for those who enjoy an extra kick.

This sauce is also a fantastic marinade. If you don’t have any cooked beef on hand, you can marinate some sliced beef in the sauce overnight. Then grill it for these lettuce wraps.

Choosing and Preparing the Lettuce and Toppings

Selecting the right lettuce is crucial for Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps. Large, sturdy leaves like Bibb or butter lettuce are ideal, forming natural cups perfect for handheld wraps.

To prepare, wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Moisture can make the leaves wilt, so drying them well is essential. The toppings bring vibrancy and texture contrast to the wraps. Sliced tomatoes and radishes add brightness and crunch, while green onions provide a sharp bite. Fresh mint and cilantro contribute layers of freshness and complexity, balancing the rich, savory flavors of the beef.

You are encouraged to customize your wraps to create our preferred bite!

Assembling the Perfect Wrap

For quick assembly, reheat the beef if you prefer (I like it cold in my wraps!), set out your prepped vegetables and the sauce, and assemble the wraps.

1. Start with a large, dry lettuce leaf, preferably Bibb or butter lettuce.
2. Place 2-3 slices of sous vide beef cheeks centrally on the leaf.
3. Add two slices of fresh tomatoes and 2-3 thin slices of radishes for texture and color.
4. Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of Korean beef sauce over the ingredients.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh mint leaves, and cilantro.
6. Gently fold the sides of the lettuce over the fillings and secure with a tight roll.

The key to a great wrap is balance. Ensure each bite contains a bit of every ingredient for a harmonious flavor experience.

That’s a wrap! (Pun intended.) I hope you enjoy this no-cook recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. When you can make these delicious Korean beef lettuce wraps, leave a comment and let me know what you think!

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