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Fast Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves separated
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish optional
  • Lime wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Cook the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Make the sauce. While the beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha or gochujang in a small bowl.
  3. Add aromatics. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the sauce. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Finish with green onions. Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions.
  6. Prep the lettuce. While the beef cooks, wash and dry lettuce leaves. Pat them very dry so the beef doesn't make them soggy.
  7. Assemble the wraps. Spoon the Korean beef into lettuce leaves. Top with shredded carrots, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.