Save It Tender grilled chicken marinated in savory-sweet Korean BBQ sauce is served in crisp lettuce cups with festive toppings, creating a vibrant holiday appetizer or light main dish that brings color and flavor to any table.
I first made these Korean BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps for our annual holiday gathering, and they were gone before I could even snap a photo. These wraps have become a requested favorite year after year, especially with the festive pomegranate seeds and fresh cilantro that brighten up the platter.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 500 g (1 lb), cut into bite-sized strips
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp (use gluten-free if needed)
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 2 tsp, grated
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 1 tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce: 1 head, leaves separated and washed
- Carrot: 1 small, julienned
- Red bell pepper: 1/2, thinly sliced
- Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves: 1/4 cup
- Pomegranate seeds: 1/4 cup
- Roasted peanuts or cashews: 1/4 cup, chopped (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce (for dipping): 2 tbsp
- Rice vinegar (for dipping): 1 tbsp
- Honey (for dipping): 1 tsp
- Sesame oil (for dipping): 1 tsp
- Gochugaru or chili flakes (for dipping): 1/2 tsp or pinch
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours refrigerated for more flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and caramelized at the edges.
- Prepare Lettuce and Toppings:
- While chicken cooks, prepare the lettuce leaves and arrange on a platter. Julienne the carrot, slice bell pepper and green onions, chop nuts if using, and have cilantro and pomegranate seeds ready.
- Make Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and gochugaru or chili flakes in a bowl.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Place a few pieces of chicken in each lettuce leaf. Top with carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle with dipping sauce if desired.
- Serve:
- Fold lettuce over the fillings and enjoy immediately.
Save It We love setting out these wraps family-style at our holiday table so everyone can build their own. It turns dinner into a fun, interactive feast that gets everyone involved—even the kids join in!
Variations & Substitutions
Try swapping the chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version. Extra holiday flair can be added with thinly sliced red chili or a splash of cranberry-chili sauce.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
Contains soy and nuts if used. To keep gluten-free, use GF soy sauce and confirm gochujang is GF. Always double-check packaged ingredients for allergens.
Serving Suggestions & Beverage Pairings
Serve with a crisp Riesling or sparkling water with lime to balance the spicy and sweet flavors. Plating on a large serving platter adds to the festive spirit.
Save It These Korean BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps are sure to brighten your holiday spread and are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering—easy, flavorful, and fun to eat!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Toss chicken strips until fully coated and marinate at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- → Can I substitute other proteins in this dish?
Yes, turkey or tofu can replace chicken, adapting cooking times accordingly to maintain tenderness and flavor absorption.
- → What lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce or Bibb leaves are ideal due to their soft texture and cup-like shape, perfect for holding fillings.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Modify the amount of gochujang or chili flakes in the marinade and dipping sauce to suit your preferred heat level.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify that gochujang is gluten-free to maintain a gluten-free preparation.