Looking for a fresh, fun, and flavorful dish to spice up your summer meals? Look no further than Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps! 

This recipe combines the savory goodness of marinated beef with the crisp freshness of lettuce cups, making it a hit for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or an al fresco gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps are incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for DIY plates. 

Imagine setting out a spread where everyone can build their own wraps, enjoying the vibrant flavors and the social, hands-on dining experience. 

Plus, this dish transitions seamlessly into delicious leftovers, making it a win-win for any meal planner.

Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Beef Bulgogi:

¼ pear, grated: Adds a natural sweetness to the marinade.

3 cloves garlic, grated: Infuses the meat with a robust, aromatic flavor.

3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami depth.

1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil: Enhances the richness and adds a nutty note.

1 tablespoon ginger, grated and peeled: Lends a warm, spicy kick.

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds heat; adjust to your taste.

1 tablespoon light brown sugar: Balances the marinade with a hint of sweetness.

1 pound trimmed hanger steak: A tender cut perfect for thin slicing.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: For cooking the beef.

Kosher salt: To taste.

For the Scallion Salad:

8 scallions, thinly sliced on a bias: Fresh, crisp, and slightly pungent.

1 cup cilantro leaves, picked off and stems removed: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.

2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds richness and ties the salad to the main dish.

1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Provides a tangy counterbalance.

1 teaspoon sesame seeds: For a bit of crunch.

Salt: To taste.

To Serve:

Bibb Lettuce: Crisp and perfect for wrapping.

Steamed White Rice: Complements the rich flavors of the beef.

Tips for the Best Beef Bulgogi

For the ultimate Beef Bulgogi, freeze your meat for about 30 minutes before slicing. This allows you to achieve super thin slices that cook quickly and evenly. 

Hanger steak is a favorite for this recipe due to its tenderness, but ribeye works wonderfully too. 

If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to dial back or omit the red pepper flakes. However, the subtle heat truly enhances the dish!

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Meat:

Freeze the hanger steak for 30 minutes to make slicing easier.

While the meat chills, mix the grated pear, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sugar in a large zip-top bag.

2. Slice and Marinate:

After 30 minutes, thinly slice the steak against the grain.

Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour or refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

3. Cook the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the beef in batches, laying it in a single layer, and season lightly with salt.

Sear each batch for 1-2 minutes without moving, then toss and cook until crisp at the edges, about 3-4 minutes total.

Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining oil and beef.

4. Make the Scallion Salad:

Combine the sliced scallions, cilantro, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds in a bowl.

Toss well and season with salt to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your beautifully cooked beef with crisp Bibb lettuce cups, steamed white rice, and the fresh scallion salad. 

Guests can assemble their own wraps, layering the beef and salad into the lettuce cups for a perfect bite every time. 

And don’t forget, any leftover bulgogi makes a fantastic addition to a rice bowl or fried rice the next day!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps contains approximately:

Calories: 486

Carbohydrates: 25g

Protein: 26g

Fat: 31g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g

Monounsaturated Fat: 13g

Cholesterol: 69mg

Sodium: 695mg

Potassium: 481mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 5g

Vitamin A: 677IU

Vitamin C: 7mg

Calcium: 50mg

Iron: 3mg

Enjoy this perfect summer meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!