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Korean BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Easy Flavorful Gochujang Wraps

Korean BBQ chicken lettuce wraps - featured image

These Korean BBQ chicken lettuce wraps feature juicy chicken thighs marinated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, wrapped in fresh butter lettuce for a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce, leaves separated and washed
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Kimchi or pickled radish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1-2 hours for deeper flavor).
  2. While the chicken marinates, separate and wash the lettuce leaves. Pat dry with paper towels. Julienne the carrot and slice the scallions thinly. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a teaspoon of oil if needed. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to caramelize, then stir occasionally until fully cooked and sticky, about 6-8 more minutes. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Toss gently to combine.
  5. To assemble, lay a lettuce leaf flat, spoon in chicken pieces, add julienned carrot and optional kimchi or pickled radish. Fold or roll the leaf and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best flavor; longer marinating deepens taste. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure caramelization. Keep lettuce dry to prevent soggy wraps. Toasted sesame seeds and scallions add great texture and flavor. Chicken breasts can be used but may dry out faster. Store chicken and lettuce separately to keep wraps fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, chicken lettuce wraps, gochujang, easy recipe, spicy chicken, Korean cuisine, healthy wraps, low-carb, gluten-free