Imagine a dish that combines the sizzling, caramelized flavors of Korean barbecue with the fresh, crisp crunch of lettuce – a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast! These Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Cups are not just a recipe; they're a journey through the vibrant streets of Korea, packed into a handheld delight that will transport your senses and leave you craving more with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by thinly slicing the sirloin against the grain into bite-sized strips, ensuring even cuts for quick and uniform cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a marinade with balanced sweet and savory flavors.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Cook the marinated beef in batches, stirring quickly to prevent overcrowding and ensure each piece gets a nice caramelized exterior, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Carefully separate and wash lettuce leaves, patting them dry with paper towels to create crisp, clean cups for serving.
- Transfer cooked beef to a serving platter and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
- Serve the hot bulgogi immediately with lettuce leaves, allowing guests to create their own lettuce wraps.
Tips
- Meat Cutting Technique: Slice the beef sirloin when it's slightly frozen for ultra-thin, uniform cuts that will cook quickly and absorb marinade perfectly.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the beef sits (up to 2 hours), the more deeply the flavors will penetrate the meat.
- High Heat is Key: Use a very hot skillet or wok to achieve that signature caramelized exterior on the beef. Work in small batches to prevent steaming and ensure proper browning.
- Lettuce Selection: Choose crisp, sturdy lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or iceberg for the best wrap experience. Wash and dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions aren't just a topping – they're a flavor booster. Slice them thinly for the most delicate and aromatic finish.Pro Tip: Serve immediately while the beef is hot and the lettuce is cool for the ultimate temperature and texture contrast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
