
Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Korean BBQ, pickled veg, bibb cups
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Ingredients
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Korean BBQ Filling
Pickled Vegetables
Assembly & Garnishes
Method
Pickled Vegetables
Make quick pickle brine: in a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Warm gently, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve, then remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
Pour the warm brine over the vegetables so they are fully submerged. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, refrigerate 2 hours to overnight. Drain before serving.
Korean BBQ Filling
Make the marinade/sauce: in a bowl combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang (or gochugaru). Stir until sugar is mostly dissolved.
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. When hot, add the ground beef (or thinly sliced sirloin) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until it begins to brown, 4–6 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the meat and continue cooking until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the meat is well coated and caramelized, about 3–5 more minutes. Taste and adjust: add a pinch of sugar or a splash of soy if needed.
Stir in most of the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, reserving a little for garnish. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Assembly & Garnishes
Prepare lettuce cups: gently pat bibb leaves dry and arrange on a serving platter. If leaves are small, place two together to create a sturdier cup.
Finish and serve: sprinkle remaining green onions and sesame seeds over the assembled wraps. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.