If you love bold Korean BBQ flavors but want to keep things low-carb, these Keto Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps are exactly what you need. Juicy, marinated beef, seared to perfection, wrapped in crisp lettuce, and topped with spicy, tangy, and umami-packed garnishes—every bite is an explosion of flavor without the guilt. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even an impressive dish to serve guests.
Keto Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 lb ribeye steak or flank steak thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos for a keto-friendly soy sauce alternative
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp gochugaru Korean red pepper flakes or ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Lettuce Wraps & Toppings
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce for wrapping
- ½ cup kimchi chopped
- ¼ cup green onions sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ¼ cup cucumber sliced
- ¼ cup radishes thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sriracha or gochujang optional, check for low-carb versions
Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine tamari (or coconut aminos), sesame oil, monk fruit sweetener, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, gochugaru, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and mix well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer (avoid overcrowding). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Lay out lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Fill each leaf with cooked beef, then top with kimchi, green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber, and radishes. Drizzle with sriracha or gochujang if you like extra heat.
Serve & Enjoy
Fold the lettuce leaves like a taco and enjoy immediately!
Pairings
- Drink: Try a sugar-free yuzu sparkling water or a cold keto-friendly sake cocktail.
- Side Dish: Serve with a simple cucumber salad or roasted seaweed crisps for extra crunch.
- Dessert: Finish with a keto-friendly matcha panna cotta for a refreshing end.
FAQs
1. What cut of beef works best?
Ribeye is the best choice because of its marbling and tenderness, but flank steak or sirloin also work well when sliced thinly against the grain.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance and cook when ready. Store leftover cooked beef in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. What can I use instead of lettuce?
If you want something heartier, try grilled cabbage leaves or collard greens as an alternative wrap.
4. Is gochujang keto-friendly?
Traditional gochujang has added sugars, but there are sugar-free gochujang options available or you can make a quick spicy sauce with sriracha and a keto sweetener.
