Korean Gochujang Mince Lettuce Cups
Fresh, vibrant and packed with bold Korean flavours, these gochujang mince lettuce cups are high in protein and loaded with crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a light dinner, healthy lunch, or easy weeknight meal.
Save this for lettuce season.
What would you serve this with?
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
500g mince of choice (chicken, beef, pork, or turkey)
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chilli paste)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame seeds
2 spring onions, finely sliced
For serving:
1 large head of lettuce
Sliced cucumber
Shredded carrot
Extra spring onions
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges (optional)
3tbsp Mayonnaise and ½ Korean chilli paste to make your dressing
Coriander or other herbs for garnish
Method
1. Prep The Leaves & Sauce
Carefully separate and wash the lettuce leaves. Pat dry and set aside.
In a small bowl mix 3tbsp of mayonnaise, ½ tbsp of gochujang paste, ½ tsp of water and set aside. This is your spicy mayo dressing
2. Cook The Mince
Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the mince and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
Pour the sauce over the cooked mince and stir well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
Stir through the sesame seeds and most of the spring onions.season with salt and pepper if needed
3. Build The Lettuce Cups
Spoon the Korean-style mince into the lettuce leaves and top with cucumber, carrot, extra spring onions, sesame seeds and drizzle the spicy mayo you made earlier on top, Garnish with some herbs like coriander
Serve immediately and enjoy wrapped up like little cups or tacos.
Tips
Chicken mince keeps this dish lighter, but beef adds richness, pork adds sweetness, and turkey is a great lean option.
For extra heat, add a teaspoon of Korean chilli flakes (gochugaru).
Add finely diced water chestnuts or mushrooms for extra texture.
Serve with steamed rice if you'd like a more substantial meal.
WANT TO GROW YOUR OWN FRESH BUTTERHEAD LETTUCE?
There’s nothing quite like picking crisp, tender lettuce straight from your own garden. With its soft, buttery leaves and delicate flavour, homegrown butterhead lettuce is fresher, sweeter and far more delicious than anything you’ll find on a supermarket shelf.
Perfect for pots, raised beds or garden borders, butterhead lettuce is one of the easiest crops to grow. It’s quick to establish, thrives in small spaces and can be harvested leaf by leaf, giving you a continuous supply of fresh salad throughout the season.
Whether you're filling sandwiches, creating colourful salads or adding a fresh crunch to summer meals, you'll love having homegrown lettuce just a few steps away.
Ready to grow your own?
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Let's Grow Together.
Check out our step-by-step growing guide for Butterhead Lettuce.
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