As the sun sets on a hectic day and the cool evening breeze fills my kitchen, I find myself craving something that’s both fulfilling and fresh. That’s when I decided to whip up these Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a marvelous dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Korean BBQ right to your dining table in just 15 minutes!
The tender, juicy pork belly pairs beautifully with the crisp lettuce and a zesty kick from the ssamjang sauce. These wraps aren’t just a feast for the taste buds; they’re also a cinch to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious—your weeknight dinners will never be boring again!
Why Are Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps Amazing?
Flavorful Explosion: The Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps deliver an unforgettable taste experience, with the savory pork belly, fresh greens, and spicy ssamjang harmonizing in each bite.
Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these delicious wraps, making them perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Health-Conscious Delight: At only 66 calories each, these wraps offer the rich taste of Korean BBQ without the guilt!
Customizable Creations: Feel free to substitute ingredients—try chicken or tofu for variety, or mix up the kimchi for unique flavor twists.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings, these wraps brighten up any dinner table, impressing friends and family alike with their vibrant presentation and delicious profile.
Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps Ingredients
For the Pork
• Pork Belly – The star of the dish, thinly sliced for quick cooking and rich flavor. Substitution: Chicken, marbled beef, shrimp, or tofu can be used in place of pork belly.
For the Wrap
• Lettuce – Crisp and refreshing, acting as the perfect vessel for all the flavorful fillings. Substitution: Red leaf, green leaf, butter lettuce, or romaine can be used.
For the Flavor Boost
• Perilla Leaves – Adds a unique aroma and taste that enhances the overall experience of the wrap. Notes: Use about 20 washed and dried leaves with stems removed.
For Dipping
• Ssamjang – A must-have Korean dipping sauce that brings spice and umami to the wraps. Prepare with store-bought options for convenience, ensuring a great taste.
For the Crunch
• Kimchi Radish/Kimchi Cabbage – Provides a tangy crunch to balance the rich flavors of the pork belly. Use well-fermented varieties for the best flavor.
How to Make Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps
- Prepare the Perilla Leaves: Start by carefully slicing off the stems of the perilla leaves. Wash and dry them thoroughly to ensure freshness for your wraps.
- Arrange the Lettuce: Next, wash and dry your preferred lettuce leaves. Lay them out on a serving plate, prepping them for easy assembly.
- Set Up the Dipping Components: In separate serving dishes, arrange the ssamjang and your choice of kimchi or pickled radish. This makes it easy to grab as you start wrapping.
- Cook the Pork Belly: Slice the pork belly into about 20 pieces, each 2-3 inches long. In a hot frying pan, cook each piece for 45-60 seconds per side until tender and no longer pink, or for 2-3 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Assemble the Wraps: To create your delicious wraps, take a perilla leaf in your palm. Spread a dollop of ssamjang on it, add some kimchi or radish, and finally, top it off with a delectable piece of cooked pork belly.
Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps Variations
Feel free to explore exciting variations and substitutions to make these wraps truly yours!
- Chicken Swap: Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of pork belly for a lighter option that still packs flavor.
Give the wraps a fresh twist with white meat, embracing a different texture that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy lettuce. - Tofu Delight: Try firm tofu, marinated, and grilled for a vegetarian-friendly meal that’s equally satisfying and delicious.
This swap gives you a plant-based option, absorbing the tangy goodness of ssamjang for a delightful flavor experience. - Hot & Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or gochujang into the wraps for an extra kick that will ignite your taste buds.
Feeling adventurous? The heat complements the rich pork belly beautifully, ensuring a bold flavor explosion in every bite. - Crunchy Additions: Toss in some crushed peanuts or crispy shallots for an added crunch that enhances the wrap’s texture.
These little surprises make each bite burst with delightful layers, creating a fun experience that keeps you coming back for more! - Herbaceous Boost: Introduce fresh cilantro or mint leaves to your wraps to brighten the overall flavor profile.
The addition of herbs provides a refreshing contrast, lifting the rich and savory elements of the dish. - Sweet Twist: Incorporate thinly sliced mango or a drizzling of honey for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory pork.
This unique addition adds a fruity dimension, ensuring your wraps have every flavor in harmony. - Veggie Variety: Experiment with adding grated carrots, cucumber sticks, or bell pepper slices for an additional textural element.
Mixing in these vibrant veggies not only enhances the nutrition but also adds a colorful burst to your plate.
What to Serve with Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps?
Fill your table with delightful accompaniments that enhance the flavors of these vibrant wraps and create a memorable dining experience.
- Korean Corn Cheese: This cheesy delight provides a sweet, creamy counterpart that complements the savory pork belly perfectly. Its rich texture balances the crispness of the wraps.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: A spicy and tangy side dish that harmonizes beautifully with the umami of the pork belly. The comforting rice texture is sure to satisfy.
- Pickled Vegetables: Bright and tangy pickled radishes or cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the wraps, creating a balanced bite.
- Korean Seafood Pancakes: These savory pancakes bring a delightful crispiness and ocean flavor that works wonderfully alongside your lettuce wraps. They’ll be a hit at any gathering!
- Miso Soup: A warm, soothing bowl of miso soup pairs wonderfully, adding a gentle umami flavor that doesn’t overwhelm but rather enhances the main dish.
- Sake or Soju: A glass of chilled sake or soju is the perfect beverage to elevate your meal. Their lightness and subtle flavors complement the rich pork belly beautifully.
- Sesame Spinach Salad: A fresh and healthy side features sautéed spinach dressed in sesame oil, providing nutrients and a nutty contrast that perfectly balances the meal.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Finish off with a platter of seasonal fruits for a refreshing and light dessert. Their sweetness will cleanse the palate after indulging in the savory wraps.
Expert Tips for Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps
- Cook Perfectly: Avoid overcooking the pork belly, as it can become tough. Aim for a golden brown with a bit of crispness for the best Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, washed lettuce and perilla leaves to ensure a crunchy, vibrant wrap. Wilting can dampen the overall taste and texture.
- Customize Flavors: Adjust the level of ssamjang based on your heat preference, combining it with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey for a delightful twist if desired.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness and quality, assemble and serve your wraps right away. They taste best when the ingredients are at their freshest.
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. This allows for quick assembly on busy nights without losing flavor quality.
Make Ahead Options
These Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps are perfect for meal prep! You can slice the pork belly and marinate it up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated to enhance its flavor. Additionally, wash and dry the lettuce and perilla leaves, storing them separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. It’s recommended to keep your ssamjang and kimchi in their original packaging or in separate containers, so they maintain their freshness as well. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pork belly in a hot pan for a couple of minutes until warmed through, and assemble the wraps for a quick and delicious meal that tastes just as good as freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps
- Room Temperature: If you have leftover wraps, enjoy them immediately. They’re best fresh and shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours.
- Fridge: Store any leftover pork belly separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce and perilla leaves wrapped in a damp cloth to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: While not ideal, you can freeze cooked pork belly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Assemble with fresh lettuce once ready.
- Reheating: To revive the pork belly, gently reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through, ensuring it remains juicy and delicious.
Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pork belly for my wraps?
Absolutely! When selecting pork belly, look for cuts with a good balance of meat and fat. The meat should appear slightly marbled and fresh, with a pink or pale color. Avoid any pieces with dark spots or a strong odor, as they indicate spoilage. Fresh pork belly is more tender when cooked, resulting in a delicious wrap!
How should I store leftover wraps?
For optimal freshness, store the leftover pork belly separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your lettuce leaves wrapped in a damp cloth to prevent wilting. Do not assemble the wraps until you’re ready to eat again to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce.
Can I freeze cooked pork belly?
Yes, you can! To freeze cooked pork belly, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air, which prevents freezer burn. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan over low heat for juiciness.
What should I do if my pork belly is tough?
If your pork belly turns out tough, it’s likely overcooked. For the best results, cook pieces only until just no longer pink in the center, around 45-60 seconds per side for tenderness. If you want a crispier texture, cook a bit longer but keep a close eye to avoid toughness. Additionally, slicing the pork too thick can also lead to a chewier bite!
Are these wraps suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re accommodating dietary preferences, consider using chicken, marbled beef, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for pork belly. For those avoiding gluten, double-check the ssamjang sauce for gluten-free options, as some brands could contain wheat. For pet owners, remember not to share any seasonings or sauces with pets as they may not be safe for them.
Delicious Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps Ready in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Perilla Leaves: Carefully slice off the stems, wash and dry them thoroughly.
- Arrange the Lettuce: Wash and dry preferred lettuce leaves, and lay them out on a serving plate.
- Set Up the Dipping Components: In separate dishes, arrange the ssamjang and choice of kimchi or pickled radish.
- Cook the Pork Belly: Slice pork belly into around 20 pieces, cook in a hot pan for 45-60 seconds per side.
- Assemble the Wraps: Take a perilla leaf, spread ssamjang, add kimchi or radish, and top with cooked pork.
