Savory Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw Recipe

Name: Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean); 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup Asian pear, thinly sliced; 8 large butter or romaine lettuce leaves; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 cup cilantro (optional); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Recipe By:

Scott

Posted:

December 18, 2025

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Imagine biting into a crisp lettuce leaf, bursting with the savory goodness of Bulgogi Beef, perfectly marinated and grilled to juicy perfection, topped with a refreshing pear slaw that sings of sweetness. The delightful dance of flavors and textures in these Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw is like a party in your mouth, and trust me, you want an invitation.

Every time I whip up these wraps, I’m transported back to summer barbecues at my friend’s house where laughter mingled with the aroma of grilled meats. The sight of everyone eagerly grabbing their wraps made my heart swell with joy, as if we were all partaking in a delicious secret. These wraps are perfect for gatherings or when you just want to impress your dinner guests while keeping it casual and fun.

Why You'll Love This Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw

This incredible Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

I’ll never forget the time I served these at a family gathering; my cousin declared it was the best thing she’d ever eaten!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Use high-quality beef for rich flavor; leaner cuts help keep it juicy without excess grease.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to control the saltiness while enhancing that umami flavor.
Asian Pear: Sweet and crunchy, it adds a unique twist; make sure it’s ripe but firm for the best texture.
Lettuce Leaves: Butter or romaine lettuce works well; choose crisp leaves for easy wrapping.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves deliver bold flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties if you can.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; peel and finely grate it for maximum impact.
Sesame Oil: A touch of this fragrant oil elevates the dish; use toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor.
Green Onions: Chop them finely to sprinkle on top for a fresh crunch!
Rice Vinegar: Balances sweetness in the slaw; look for unseasoned rice vinegar for best results.
Cilantro (optional): Add fresh cilantro if you love its vibrant taste; it pairs wonderfully with the beef!

For the Sauce:

Brown Sugar: A little sweetness helps balance out savory flavors; adjust to taste based on preference.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds subtle heat; don’t skip this step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw

How to Make Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and set aside to let those flavors mingle.

Marinate the Beef: Add ground beef to the marinade and mix thoroughly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time—so those flavors really penetrate.

Sauté the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add marinated beef and cook until browned and caramelized. Stir occasionally until all moisture evaporates—this enhances flavor.

Create the Pear Slaw: While beef cooks, thinly slice Asian pear and toss in a bowl with shredded lettuce, green onions, rice vinegar, and optional cilantro. Mix gently until well combined.

Assemble Your Wraps: Lay out lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon generous portions of beef mixture onto each leaf followed by pear slaw. Roll them up like burritos or fold them over!

Savor Every Bite: Serve immediately while everything’s warm! Watch everyone dig in eagerly as they savor each delicious wrap filled with vibrant flavors.

Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with these delightful Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw! Enjoy!

Tips:

The secret to tender beef is marinating for at least one hour; this enhances flavor and texture. I once forgot to marinate overnight, and the beef was still delicious, proving how forgiving this dish can be.

Choosing fresh lettuce is crucial; look for crisp leaves that will hold the filling well. I learned the hard way that wilted lettuce leads to sad wraps.

Make your pear slaw just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness. The first time I made it in advance, it turned soggy and sad, but fresh slaw elevates the whole dish!

You Must Know About Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw

This showstopping Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your beef to infuse flavors deeply, then quickly stir-fry it over high heat. While the beef cooks, prepare your pear slaw for a fresh crunch. Once everything’s ready, assemble your wraps and dig in!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the pears for apples or even mango for a tropical twist. Add some spicy kimchi or pickled vegetables to give your wraps an extra kick. Experimenting with different sauces can also personalize your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through while refreshing your slaw separately.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw

This professional-quality Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

A friend once told me that these Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps were better than any takeout they’ve had! Hearing their enthusiasm made my kitchen efforts feel worthwhile.

FAQ

What is Bulgogi?

Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish made from marinated beef that’s grilled or stir-fried until perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper, which create that irresistible umami taste we all love.

Can I use different proteins?

Absolutely! While traditional bulgogi uses beef, you can easily substitute chicken or tofu if you prefer a lighter option or are looking for vegetarian alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on your chosen protein.

What type of lettuce works best?

Crisp varieties like butter lettuce or romaine are ideal because they provide sturdy wraps without tearing easily. You want something that can hold all those tasty fillings without falling apart during your culinary adventure!

How do I make the pear slaw?

To make pear slaw, thinly slice pears and combine them with shredded cabbage, carrot, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss well before serving to keep everything fresh and zesty!

Conclusion for Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw

Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps with Pear Slaw are not just a meal; they are an experience! By marinating your beef properly and using fresh ingredients for your slaw, you’ll create a dish that’s both flavorful and visually stunning. Remember to customize as you wish—cooking should always be fun! Enjoy every bite as you impress friends or family with this easy yet elegant recipe!