Name: Ssam Lettuce Wraps for Korean BBQ
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Beef Short Ribs (Galbi) or Pork Belly; 1 head Red Leaf Lettuce; 12 leaves Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip); 0.5 cup Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce); 6 cloves Garlic Cloves (thinly sliced); 2 pieces Green Thai Chilis (sliced); 2 cups Cooked Short-Grain White Rice; 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil

"Experience the soul of Korean dining with these vibrant, crunchy lettuce wraps. Fresh leaves are layered with smoky grilled protein, a dollop of umami-rich ssamjang, and zesty aromatics for an incredible flavor explosion in every bite."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
1.5 lbs 680 g	Beef Short Ribs (Galbi) or Pork Belly
1 head 1 head	Red Leaf Lettuce
12 leaves 12 leaves	Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip)
0.5 cup 120 ml	Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)
6 cloves 6 cloves	Garlic Cloves (thinly sliced)
2 pieces 2 pieces	Green Thai Chilis (sliced)
2 cups 400 g	Cooked Short-Grain White Rice
2 tbsp 30 ml	Toasted Sesame Oil

2 Instructions

Thoroughly wash the red leaf lettuce and perilla leaves in cold water, pat them completely dry, and arrange them attractively on a large serving platter.

Prepare the aromatics by thinly slicing the raw garlic cloves and green chilies into bite-sized rounds.

Grill your choice of protein (beef or pork) over high heat until charred and cooked through; once cooked, use kitchen shears to cut the meat into bite-sized strips.

To assemble, place one lettuce leaf in the palm of your hand and lay a perilla leaf on top of it.

Add a small spoonful of warm rice to the center of the leaves, followed by a piece of grilled meat.

Add a small dollop (about half a teaspoon) of ssamjang, a slice of garlic, and a slice of chili.

Fold the edges of the lettuce toward the center to create a tight, compact parcel.

Pop the entire wrap into your mouth in one go to ensure you get every flavor and texture in a single bite.

·
Always eat the ssam in one bite; biting into a wrap after it's been assembled often leads to the filling falling out and a messy experience.
·
Layering perilla leaves with the lettuce adds a wonderful minty, herbal note that balances the fatty grilled meat.
·
If the meat is very lean, dip it into a mixture of toasted sesame oil and a pinch of salt before adding it to your wrap.
·
Ensure the lettuce is bone-dry; water on the leaves will dilute the flavors of the ssamjang and the meat.

? Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Ssam' mean in Korean?

Ssam literally means 'wrapped' or 'to wrap' in Korean, referring to the traditional method of wrapping meat and condiments in leafy greens.

Can I use different types of lettuce?

Yes! While red leaf lettuce is traditional, romaine hearts, butter lettuce, or even steamed cabbage leaves work beautifully.

Is Ssamjang spicy?

It has a mild kick due to the gochujang (chili paste), but it is primarily savory and sweet thanks to the fermented soybean paste (doenjang).

How do I make this vegetarian?

Simply replace the grilled meat with grilled oyster mushrooms, firm tofu, or even thick slices of grilled zucchini.

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