My Recipe Box

Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups

A flavorful and spicy Korean-inspired dish featuring tender beef, crispy kimchi slaw, and creamy ssamjang sauce, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce cups.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 20-25 mins
Serves: 4
Author: RohanRocks

4.3 / 5 (760)


Ingredients

Beef and Marinade
  • ribeye or sirloin steak

    1 pound

  • soy sauce

    2 tablespoons

  • Gochujang

    1 tablespoon

  • brown sugar

    1 teaspoon

  • garlic

    3 cloves

Kimchi Slaw
  • kimchi

    1 cup

  • fish sauce

    1 tablespoon

  • lime juice

    1 tablespoon

  • green onions

    1 cup

  • toasted sesame seeds

    1 tablespoon

Ssamjang Sauce
  • soy sauce

    2 tablespoons

  • Gochujang

    1 tablespoon

  • rice vinegar

    1 tablespoon

  • honey

    1 teaspoon

  • sesame oil

    1 teaspoon

Assembly
  • lettuce leaves

    12 pieces

  • toasted sesame seeds

    1 tablespoon

  • chopped green onions

    1 cup


Instructions

  • 1
    Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

    In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

  • 2
    Prepare the kimchi slaw by combining kimchi, fish sauce, lime juice, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds in a bowl and mixing well.

    To make the kimchi slaw, in a medium bowl, combine chopped kimchi, fish sauce, lime juice, thinly sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. This slaw adds a nice crunch and a burst of flavor to the dish.

  • 3
    Make the ssamjang sauce by whisking together soy sauce, Gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil until smooth. This sauce is the key to bringing all the flavors of the dish together. It's slightly sweet, spicy, and savory, making it perfect for balancing the bold flavors of the beef and kimchi slaw.

  • 4
    Grill the marinated beef to desired doneness, then let it rest before slicing it thinly against the grain.

    Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Grill the beef for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the beef from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

  • 5
    Assemble the lettuce cups by spooning sliced beef, kimchi slaw, and a drizzle of ssamjang sauce into each lettuce leaf.

    To assemble the lettuce cups, place a large lettuce leaf on a flat surface. Spoon a few slices of the grilled beef into the center of the leaf, followed by a spoonful of the kimchi slaw. Drizzle a small amount of the ssamjang sauce over the top. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

424

4

211

3

88

2

12

1

25

Reviews

  • ZoZoLaurent

    OMG, these beef and ssamjang lettuce cups are LITERALLY LIFE.CHANGING!!! I mean, I'm a flexitarian with a major soft spot for Canadian comfort food (poutine, anyone?), but this Korean-inspired dish has stolen my heart. The combo of tender beef, crunchy kimchi slaw, and creamy ssamjang sauce all wrapped up in a crisp lettuce cup is absolute perfection. I do wish there was a gluten-free option for the sauce, tho - my mild gluten intolerance is no joke. Still, I'd totally make this again (and probs with a side of croissants, bc why not?). The only downside is that it's a bit of a pain to make, but trust me, it's WORTH IT. So, if you're feelin' adventurous and wanna level up your meal game, GIVE THIS A TRY!!!

  • Nalani87

    This Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups recipe, while intriguing, doesn't quite align with my pescatarian preferences. However, I can appreciate the creativity and flavors involved. The use of fresh ingredients like lettuce, green onions, and sesame seeds is commendable. I also appreciate the attention to detail in the recipe, from marinating the beef to preparing the ssamjang sauce. If I were to modify this recipe to suit my tastes, I would consider substituting the beef with a sustainable seafood option, such as grilled shrimp or tofu, to make it more inclusive for pescatarians. Additionally, I would be interested in exploring variations that incorporate Hawaiian-inspired flavors, such as adding pineapple or using Hawaiian sea salt. Overall, this recipe has potential, but it requires some thoughtful adjustments to resonate with my culinary values.

  • KaiToTheFuture

    This recipe is good. I like beef and ssamjang sauce. It is similar to sushi and ramen, but not asian food I eat every day. Kimchi slaw is crunchy and spicy. I like it with mochi sweetness. But I dont like make sauce and slaw. Too many ingridients and steps. I am happy with result. Easy eat. Good for party. I give 4 stars.

  • SofiRG

    😊 I tried this recipe and it was...interesting 🤔. As a vegetarian, I had to swap out the beef for something else, maybe tofu or portobello mushrooms? 🍄 I love trying new recipes, but this one had too much soy sauce and Gochujang for my taste 🤯. The kimchi slaw was crunchy and yummy 🥗, but I had to be careful with the gluten in the soy sauce and sesame oil 🌾. I think I would like a version of this recipe with more Mexican flavors, like cumin and chili powder 🌯. The ssamjang sauce was creamy and spicy 🔥, but I think I would use it as a dip for veggies or tacos 🌮. Overall, it was a fun try, but not my favorite 🌸.

  • MehmetTheTurk

    Wow, what a HOME RUN of a recipe! I mean, who doesn't love a good Turkish kebab, but this Korean-inspired Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups dish is a real GAME-CHANGER! As a meat-lover, I was thrilled to see the tender and juicy beef taking center stage. And let me tell you, the combination of ssamjang sauce, kimchi slaw, and crispy lettuce is a real slam dunk! The flavors are like a perfectly executed pass - they all come together in perfect harmony. I'm giving this recipe a full 5 stars, and I'm already planning my next 'at-bat' to make it again! Just one thing to note: I'm careful to avoid any nut-related ingredients, and this recipe looks totally nut-free, so that's a big plus in my book. Overall, I'm so excited to share this recipe with my friends and family - it's a real winner!

  • elenav88

    I recently tried the Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups recipe, and I must say it was an interesting experience. As a flexitarian who prefers to avoid meat, I was initially hesitant about the dish. However, I was willing to try it for the sake of exploration. The combination of flavors and textures was quite unique, with the spicy ssamjang sauce, crunchy kimchi slaw, and tender beef. Although I didn't particularly enjoy the beef, I appreciated the creativity and effort that went into preparing the dish. The ssamjang sauce and kimchi slaw were particularly enjoyable, and I can see myself using them in future recipes. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those who enjoy trying new flavors and cuisines, but I would suggest substituting the beef with a more suitable alternative for my personal taste.

  • sofia_sky

    I'm low-key obsessed with this Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups recipe! As a pescatarian, I don't usually go for beef, but I gotta say, the flavors in this dish are straight fire. The combination of Gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil is giving me major umami vibes. I love how customizable it is, too - I can easily swap out the beef for some grilled shrimp or tofu if I'm feelin' it. The kimchi slaw adds a nice crunch and a burst of flavor, and the ssamjang sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. My only gripe is that it's a bit of a sugar bomb, but I'm willin' to make an exception for this recipe. I'd def make it again, and I'd probs experiment with some variations to make it more seafood-friendly. Overall, it's a solid 4 stars from me - I'd give it 5 if there was a low-sugar version!

  • Caspervdm

    OMG, this beef and ssamjang lettuce cups recipe is lit! I mean, I'm a big fan of trying new foods and this one is def spicy and flavorful. The combination of tender beef, crispy kimchi slaw, and creamy ssamjang sauce is a winner. I'm also trying to eat healthier, so I love that it's wrapped in lettuce cups instead of a traditional bun. Only downside is that I had to sub out the honey for a lactose-free alternative, but it still turned out great. Would def make again and add some fried chicken on top (just kidding, sorta).

  • MariuszW79

    Upon initial examination, I found the recipe for Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups to be a fascinating blend of Korean-inspired flavors. The combination of tender beef, crispy kimchi slaw, and creamy ssamjang sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce cups, presents an intriguing culinary experience. As an individual with a penchant for traditional Polish dishes, I was eager to assess the extent to which this recipe would align with my gastronomical inclinations. While it deviates from the conventional pierogi and bigos, I appreciate the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The ssamjang sauce, in particular, demonstrates a noteworthy synergy of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Although I may not indulge in this dish frequently, I acknowledge its merit and would consider preparing it again in the future. The recipe's medium difficulty level and preparation time of 30-40 minutes are reasonable, and I appreciate the detailed instructions provided.

  • SofiR83

    I like this recipe! The beef was cooked very well. I didn't use kimchi because I don't like spicy food that much. I added some Mexican spices to the ssamjang sauce to give it a little more flavor. The lettuce cups were a great idea. I will make this again.

  • KaiSan88

    This Korean-inspired dish is a perfect match for my taste buds! As a fan of spicy foods, I appreciated the bold flavors of the ssamjang sauce and the kimchi slaw. The grilled beef was tender and flavorful, and the lettuce cups added a nice crunch. I was also pleased to see no dairy products used in the recipe, which is a must for me given my lactose intolerance. The combination of soy sauce, Gochujang, and sesame oil created a rich and savory flavor profile that I thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a spicy and satisfying meal.

  • RafaBR77

    I just devoured this Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups recipe and I must say, it's a real showstopper! The combination of tender beef, crispy kimchi slaw, and creamy ssamjang sauce is absolutely delightful. As a meat-lover, I was particularly fond of the grilled beef - it was cooked to perfection and had a wonderful char on the outside. The ssamjang sauce, while slightly spicy, was manageable for my sensitive palate. I did find myself wishing for a bit more heat, but that's just a personal preference. The best part? It's incredibly easy to impress your friends with this dish - just imagine serving up these beautiful lettuce cups at your next dinner party! The flavors are bold, the presentation is stunning, and the conversation is sure to flow. Trust me, I've done it and the compliments were pouring in. If you're looking for a dish that's sure to wow, look no further. Just be sure to have some milk or yogurt on hand to cool down the flames - my mouth is still tingling just thinking about it!

  • rohanjain2001

    I was exited to try this recipe, but unfortunately its not for me. I'm a vegetarian and this dish has beef. The ingredients and steps look interesting. I like that it has spicy Gochujang sauce. I think people who like beef and spicy food will enjoy it. The kimchi slaw and ssamjang sauce are good ideas. I'm not sure about the fish sauce in the slaw, I'm alergic to shellfish. Maybe thay can use another ingredient. The recipe seems medium dificult, I can try to make a vegetarian version. I'm happy to learn new recipes and improve my cooking skills.

  • ZeeZee86

    This Beef and Ssamjang Lettuce Cups recipe, while intriguing in its Korean-inspired flavors, didn't quite align with my traditional Pakistani and Middle Eastern culinary tastes. The use of Gochujang and ssamjang sauce introduced a spicy and savory profile that, although interesting, felt somewhat distant from the warm, aromatic spices I'm accustomed to. The inclusion of beef marinated in soy sauce and garlic was thoughtful, but I couldn't help but think of the rich flavors of basmati rice and traditional Pakistani dishes like haleem or nihari. The preparation and steps seemed straightforward, yet I found myself pondering the possibilities of adapting this recipe to incorporate elements like cumin, coriander, and cardamom to better suit my palate. The concept of lettuce cups with a flavorful filling is appealing, and with some creative adjustments, this dish could potentially resonate with my love for spices and traditional cuisine. Overall, it was an enjoyable exploration of new flavors, even if it didn't fully meet my expectations.