Grilled Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
These Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps are made with thinly sliced flank steak that’s flavored with the most incredible marinade. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights!
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Creating These Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
The meat in these bulgogi lettuce wraps takes on a sort of sweet/salty combo flavor from the bulgogi marinade and is incrediblly tender from the kiwi.
This was one of those meals that just fell together effortlessly and felt a little bit special, but was so fast for a weeknight.
I mixed the bulgogi marinade up in the morning and tossed the beef in a ziplock bag with it to sit in the refrigerator for the day. When the time came for dinner, all I had to do was start the rice and thread the beef onto the skewers.
While they grilled, I washed the lettuce, chopped the green onions, and set the table. So easy!
What Is Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a Korean dish consisting of thinly sliced pork or beef that’s flavored with a rich marinade. The meat is often grilled, but it can also be cooked in a hot skillet.
Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps Ingredients
To make the bulgogi marinade and wraps, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Kiwi
- Granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Rice wine
- Apple cider vinegar
- Flank steak
- Jasmine rice
- Green onions
- Red lettuce
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
This bulgogi wrap recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Here are the basic steps:
- Puree the ingredients for the bulgogi marinade in a small food processor or blender until smooth.
- Place steak strips in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over beef and seal the bag.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Thread strips of beef onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat until meat is cooked through.
- Serve in lettuce leaves filled with jasmine rice. Top with green onions.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Can This Recipe Be Prepared in Advance?
Yes, you can slice and marinate the steak up to 24 hours before you plan on grilling the meat.
Can This Recipe Be Made Soy-Free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos. The flavor of the bulgogi marinade will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Tools Needed for This Recipe
- Blender: I like to blend the marinade to ensure it’s extra smooth and so that the onion and garlic flavor can really penetrate the meat.
- Weber grill: This is the grill we use and we love it!
- BBQ tongs: Make flipping the Korean beef bulgogi skewers easier (and safer!).
More Lettuce Wrap Recipes:
This Banh Mi Lettuce Wrap Recipe is a healthier, low-carb, gluten-free version of the classic Banh Mi sandwich recipe.
Wondering what to make with ground chicken? Make these easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps! These will become one of your family’s favorite recipes in no time.
Next time you’re craving pork carnitas, try this Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Lettuce Wrap version. Top it off with some fruity mango salsa for a fresh burst of flavor.
Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps are perfect for satisfying your next Taco Tuesday craving while helping you stick with the inevitable New Year’s Resolution to eat healthier.
I decided why not turn a salad into a lettuce wrap? These Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps are a fun break from the ordinary.
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Grilled Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
These Korean Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps are made with thinly sliced flank steak that's flavored with the most incredible marinade. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Quick Korean Pickled Vegetables
- 1 cup julienned daikon radish
- ½ cup julienned carrot
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Bulgogi Marinade
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 ripe kiwi (use 2 if marinating 1–2 hours only)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ of a yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup Korean cooking rice wine
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or use additional rice wine)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon kosher salt (taste marinade before adding)
For the Beef
- 1½ pounds flank steak, sliced against the grain into thin strips
- Neutral oil, for grilling or searing
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Wraps & Sides
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
- Red leaf lettuce, washed and separated into whole leaves
- Julienned fresh Asian pear (for garnish or added crunch)
- Pickled Vegetables
- 4–5 green onions, thinly sliced
Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
Instructions
Make the Pickled Vegetables
- In a bowl, combine the daikon and carrot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional gochugaru.
- Pour brine over the vegetables. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 5 days).
Make the Marinade
- In a blender or small food processor, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, kiwi, sugar, onion, garlic, rice wine, vinegar, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before adding optional salt.
Marinate the Beef
- Place sliced steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the meat and mix to coat.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours (if using 2 kiwi) or up to 24 hours (if using 1 kiwi). Do not over-marinate with 2 kiwi—this can cause mushy texture.
Grill or Sear the Beef
- Preheat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
- Cook steak slices in a single layer, 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly charred and just cooked through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, sesame seeds, and green onions.
To Serve
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter alongside jasmine rice, pickled vegetables, dipping sauce, and optional Asian pear.
- Everyone can build their own wraps: spoon rice into a lettuce leaf, top with grilled beef, a few pickled vegetables, green onion, and a drizzle of dipping sauce.
- Serve immediately, family-style.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 566Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 134mgSodium: 1549mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 51g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Vanessa says
Looking forward to making these this week! Quick question – you mention 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/4 tsp black pepper – is this a typo? Or is one supposed to be red pepper or something different? Thanks!
Katie says
It is a typo. Thanks for pointing it out. Going to fix it now. Enjoy!
Kevin says
That looks good! I like all of the green in lettuce wraps like this.
TasteHongKong says
Looks like Asian food is one of your favorites!?
Jamie says
Katie…these look fabulous!
Just Another Hofeling says
Looks delicious! I think I'm going to have to pull out my cookware and try it. Never had Kiwi in any wraps before though.
Kristen says
This is such a unique lettuce wrap recipe. I love the addition of kiwi fruit!
Pili says
This looks really interesting!
Jodi Nina says
This looks awesome! I'm definitely going to try this – thank you!
RecipeGirl says
Looks terrific. I've done an Asian Lettuce Wrap before but it was much different. This looks great w/ the flank steak & spices. Kiwi sounds like a yummy addition too!
Kelsey B. says
Looks delicious!