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Crispy Korean Beef Cups

Crispy Korean Beef Cups

Crispy Korean beef lettuce cups ready in 25 minutes. Easy sweet & savory ground beef recipe with cornstarch for perfect crisp. A fun, fast weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil like avocado or canola
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar lightly packed
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp gochujang Korean chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 head Butter or Romaine lettuce leaves separated, washed and dried
  • q.s. sesame seeds for garnish
  • q.s. extra sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Garlic press or sharp knife
  • Microplane or grater for ginger

Method
 

  1. Place ground beef in a bowl and sprinkle cornstarch over it; massage until evenly coated.
  2. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the coated beef to the skillet, break it up with a spoon, and let it sit for a minute to develop a golden-brown sear.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked with crispy, browned edges.
  5. Push beef to one side of the skillet; add minced garlic and grated ginger in the empty space and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang; stir to combine and dissolve sugar.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the beef simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes until thickened and glazed.
  8. Turn off heat and stir in most of the sliced green onions, saving some for garnish.
  9. Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter, spoon hot glazed beef into the center, sprinkle with sesame seeds and remaining green onions.
  10. Let everyone assemble their own lettuce cups.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 22gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For a leaner option, swap beef for ground turkey or chicken; for a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Serve leftovers separate from lettuce to keep them fresh; beef can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking beef for optimal crispiness, and pat dry the beef before coating with cornstarch for best results.
For a fun twist, serve with toppings like shredded carrots, quick-pickled cucumbers, or spicy mayo for customization!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!