If you’re craving Korean flavors but want to stick to your keto diet, this Keto Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps recipe is your answer. It’s a low-carb, high-flavor dish that beautifully brings together savory marinated beef with fresh, crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish balances nutritional needs with delightful taste.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds
– 1 tbsp green onions, chopped
– 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
– Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
– Large mixing bowl
– Knife and cutting board
– Large skillet
– Tongs or cooking chopsticks
How to Make Keto Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar-free sweetener, minced garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly until the sweetener is fully dissolved. This marinade will infuse your beef slices with a rich umami flavor, complementing the natural taste of the ribeye.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to deepen, making the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and once hot, add the marinated beef slices. Use tongs or chopsticks to occasionally stir and cook the beef until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Lettuce Wraps
While the beef is cooking, wash the lettuce leaves and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are intact without tears, as these will hold the beef filling. Arrange them on a serving platter for easy access when the beef is ready.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Once your beef is cooked and your lettuce leaves are ready, it’s time to assemble the wraps. Place a spoonful of cooked beef onto each lettuce leaf. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of warm beef and cool, crunchy lettuce.
How to Serve Keto Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
To serve these delightful wraps, place them on a large platter, allowing guests to assemble their own. You can offer a small bowl of sesame seeds and green onions on the side for additional garnishing. Pair them with a side of kimchi for an authentically Korean experience that remains low-carb and high in flavor.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best result, ensure your beef is sliced as thin as possible. If your knife skills are not quite there yet, partially freezing the beef before slicing can make this task more manageable. Additionally, allowing enough time for the beef to marinate is key to achieving optimal flavor—if time allows, leaving it overnight is even better.
Packed with Protein: A High-Protein Spin on Keto Beef Bulgogi
Looking to increase the protein count in this dish? Simply add some cooked, sliced mushrooms or firm tofu to the beef mixture during the last few minutes of cooking. Not only will this boost your protein intake, but it also adds another layer of flavor and texture to the wraps.
Low-Carb Delight: Tailoring Your Keto Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps for Minimized Carbs
To keep the carb content as low as possible, opt for leafy green lettuce like romaine or butterhead. You can also experiment with other low-carb vegetables like sliced cucumbers or bell peppers as additional fillers to add crunch and volume to your wraps without adding carbs.
Storage Instructions
Leftover cooked beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare in bulk, marinate and freeze uncooked beef slices in portion-sized bags for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? Absolutely! Chicken or pork can be excellent substitutes if you fancy a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe spicier? Yes, feel free to add chili paste or flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe? Try substituting the beef with portobello mushrooms or extra firm tofu for a vegetarian version that still boasts plenty of flavor.
What can I use instead of sugar-free sweetener? If you’re not strictly keto, a teaspoon of honey, coconut sugar, or maple syrup can work well, but keep in mind these options will increase the carb content slightly.
Wrap It Up: Final Thoughts on Keto Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
These Keto Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps are not only a healthy alternative to traditional bulgogi but also a delightful exploration of flavor and texture. Give this recipe a try, and remember to share your experience or any tweaks you made in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow keto lovers!
Keto Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Large skillet
- Tongs or cooking chopsticks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye steak thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp green onions chopped
- 1 head lettuce leaves separated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar-free sweetener, minced garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
- Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices, stirring occasionally, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Wash the lettuce leaves and pat them dry. Arrange them on a serving platter.
- Place a spoonful of cooked beef onto each lettuce leaf. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.