One-Pan Ginger Beef Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang and Pickled Carrots

These ginger beef lettuce wraps are a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder that brings Korean barbecue vibes to your weeknight dinner table. Juicy ground beef and tender zucchini are cooked in a savory-sweet gochujang sauce, then served in crisp romaine lettuce cups with tangy pickled carrots. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings. The combination of spicy gochujang, fresh ginger, and crunchy vegetables creates a balanced dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan!

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Ingredients

1 unit Baby LettuceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Shredded CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Hoisin SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 thumb GingerView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Gochujang SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine shredded carrots, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Set aside to quick-pickle.
2. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add diced onion and zucchini to the pan. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic powder, grated ginger, hoisin sauce, and gochujang sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
5. Separate lettuce leaves into cups. Spoon the beef mixture into each lettuce cup.
6. Top with pickled carrots (drain excess liquid if desired). Serve immediately.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Large skillet or frying pan

Tramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on AmazonBlue Diamond Ceramic Nonstick 14" Frying Pan Skillet, PFAS-Free Cookware, Jumbo Cooker with Helper Handle, For Large & Family Sized Meals, Dishwasher & Oven Safe, BlueView on AmazonSENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Knife and cutting board

Glad Knife Set with Cutting Board, 5 Pieces | Sharp Santoku and Utility Knives with Blade Covers and Plastic Chopping Block | Kitchen Cooking AccessoriesView on AmazonChef Craft Select Wheat Straw Cutting Board and Knife Set, 10 inch x 7.5 inch, BlueView on AmazonKATISUN 16 Pieces Kitchen Knife Block Set with Cutting Board, German Stainless Steel Knife Set with Sharpener, Dishwasher Safe, Anti-Slip Handle, 6 Steak Knives, BlackView on Amazon

Measuring spoons

Measuring Spoons, Premium Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Cups Set, Small Tablespoon with Metric and US Measurements, Set of 6 for Measuring Dry and Liquid IngredientsView on AmazonTILUCK Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Stackable Cups and Spoons, Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle, Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Black)View on AmazonSpring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set with Strong N45 Magnets, Heavy Duty Metal Kitchen Gadgets for Baking & Cooking, Fits in Most Kitchen Spice Jars, Set of 8 with Leveler, BlackView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes. Cook until no longer pink.

What can I use instead of gochujang?

You can substitute with sriracha or another chili paste mixed with a bit of honey for sweetness.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the beef mixture and lettuce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble just before eating.