Sizzling Slow Cooker Korean Lettuce Wraps Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting delectable slow cooker korean lettuce wraps can turn an ordinary meal into a flavor-packed adventure.

Tender meat marinates in rich, savory seasonings that dance across your palate.

Complex layers of umami and spice emerge from simple ingredients.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this clever culinary creation.

Kitchen magic happens when you combine traditional korean techniques with convenient slow cooking methods.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of protein, freshness, and zesty notes.

Comfort meets excitement in this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Korean Lettuce Wraps Made in Slow Cooker

• Create Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Magic: Transform tough pork into incredibly tender, flavor-packed Korean-style meat that melts in your mouth with minimal kitchen effort.
• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: Deliver an interactive meal where everyone builds their own lettuce wraps, making dinnertime fun and engaging for all ages.
• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Craft restaurant-quality Korean cuisine at home using simple ingredients and a slow cooker, no advanced culinary skills required.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels and toppings to suit individual preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds.

Ingredients to Prepare Slow Cooker Lettuce Wraps

• Pork Butt: A tender cut of meat that becomes incredibly soft and shreddable after slow cooking.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide a rich, savory foundation for the slow-cooked pork.

• Gochujang: A spicy Korean chili paste that adds deep, complex flavor and heat.
• Ginger: Brings a warm, zesty undertone to the meat.
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Helps keep the pork moist and adds extra flavor during slow cooking.

• Sugar: Balances the spicy and savory elements of the sauce.

• Green Onion: Provides a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich pork.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Bib Lettuce: Serves as a light, crisp wrapper for the meat.
• Hoisin Sauce: Optional condiment that brings sweetness and additional complexity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Slow Cooker Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Spread minced garlic and chopped onion across the bottom of a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the aromatics to create a flavorful cooking liquid.

Step 2: Season Pork

• Gochujang
• Fresh ginger
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cut pork butt into large chunks and thoroughly coat with the marinade mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork

Place seasoned pork pieces on top of the garlic and onion base.

Cover and cook on low temperature for 7 to 8 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.

Step 4: Craft Korean Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine sauce ingredients and heat over medium temperature.

Stir until sugar completely dissolves, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 5: Shred and Toss Pork

Remove pork from slow cooker and discard cooking liquid.

Using two forks, pull the meat into succulent shreds. Generously coat shredded pork with prepared Korean sauce.

Step 6: Assemble Lettuce Wraps

Arrange fresh bib lettuce leaves on serving platter. Top with saucy pulled pork.

• Thinly sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Optional: Drizzle with hoisin sauce for extra flavor. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.

Tips to Perfect Korean Lettuce Wraps Flavor

• Trim excess fat from pork butt for a leaner dish and better texture when shredding.
• Adjust gochujang amount to control spice level, making it milder or hotter according to preference.
• Use fresh ginger for more vibrant flavor compared to dried or powdered versions.
• Prep lettuce leaves ahead of time and store in a damp paper towel to keep crisp and fresh.
• Substitute pork with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options in this versatile recipe.

Variations That Enhance Korean Lettuce Wraps

• Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Replace pork butt with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter protein option. Adjust cooking time to 4-5 hours on low to prevent drying out.
• Vegetarian Korean Lettuce Wraps: Swap pork with firm tofu or jackfruit. Press tofu to remove moisture, then marinate in gochujang mixture before slow cooking. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Beef Korean Lettuce Wraps: Substitute pork with beef chuck roast for a richer, more intense flavor. Keep the same cooking method and sauce ingredients for a hearty alternative.

Pairings That Go Great With Lettuce Wraps

• A light, slightly sweet German Riesling cuts through the rich, spicy pork and balances the gochujang's heat perfectly.
• Refresh your palate with a crisp Korean lager like Hite or Cass, which neutralizes the bold flavors and cleanses between bites.
• Serve a cool, tangy cucumber kimchi alongside the lettuce wraps to add a zesty, crunchy contrast to the tender, spicy meat.
• Include a small plate of quick pickled radishes or carrots to provide a bright, acidic element that lightens the dish's intensity.

Storage Suggestions to Keep Lettuce Wraps Tasty

• Transfer shredded pork to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Separate sauce and pork to maintain optimal texture.
• Place cooled pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pork in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What is gochujang and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a spicy Korean red chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, international food sections of supermarkets, or online retailers like Amazon.

• Can I use a different cut of meat instead of pork butt?

While pork butt works best for slow cooking, you can substitute with pork shoulder or beef chuck roast. These cuts have similar fat content and become tender when slow-cooked.

• How spicy are these lettuce wraps?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. If you prefer less heat, reduce the gochujang or choose a mild variety. You can always add more spice later to taste.

Slow Cooker Korean Lettuce Wraps Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Korean lettuce wraps elevate weeknight dinner with tender, spicy pork nestled in crisp lettuce leaves. Packed with authentic flavors and simple preparation, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 lb pork butt
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, whole
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) gochujang
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsps soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsps ginger, finely grated
• salt and pepper, to taste
• bib lettuce leaves, whole
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• hoisin sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Distribute minced garlic and chopped onion across the base of a 5-6 quart slow cooker, then pour chicken broth over the aromatics.
2. Create a spicy marinade by whisking together gochujang, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
3. Slice pork butt into large chunks and thoroughly coat each piece with the prepared gochujang mixture.
4. Nestle marinated pork pieces atop the onion and garlic layer in the slow cooker, ensuring even placement.
5. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 7-8 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender and easily separates.
6. Approximately 15 minutes before cooking completion, prepare sauce by combining ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar completely dissolves.
7. After cooking, carefully remove pork from slow cooker and discard remaining cooking liquid.
8. Shred meat using two forks, then generously toss with prepared Korean sauce for enhanced flavor.
9. Arrange shredded pork on crisp bib lettuce leaves, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
10. Optional: Drizzle with hoisin sauce for additional complexity and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Master low and slow cooking by trimming excess fat from pork to prevent greasy texture and ensure tender meat.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting gochujang quantity, allowing flexibility for mild or spicy preference without compromising authentic flavor.
• Replace pork with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options, maintaining the recipe’s core Korean-inspired marinade and cooking technique.
• Make ahead and store shredded meat in refrigerator for 3-4 days, enhancing flavor as spices continue to meld, creating even more delicious leftovers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (or 8 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg