Spicy Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps With Korean Bbq Recipe

Zesty Korean BBQ Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Crisp lettuce leaves cradle a delightful korean bbq cauliflower filling that dances with bold, zesty flavors.

Tender florets soak up a rich, spicy marinade that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The recipe blends crunchy textures with a symphony of sweet and heat.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, caramelized notes and fresh, green crispness.

Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will fall in love with this vibrant, satisfying dish.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make these wraps an irresistible weeknight dinner option.

Prepare to be amazed by how a humble cauliflower can transform into such a mouthwatering meal.

Tools To Prep Roasted Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting cauliflower evenly and creating golden edges.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Small Saucepan: Perfect for whisking and simmering the Korean BBQ sauce.
  • Whisk: Key tool for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and green onions.
  • Sharp Knife: For precise vegetable preparation and cauliflower floret cutting.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce ingredients.
  • Tongs: Great for flipping cauliflower and handling roasted vegetables.
  • Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing cauliflower with oil and sauce.

Instructions To Make Cauliflower Wraps With A Kick

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 425F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  • Prep the Cauliflower

Massage cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the baking sheet and roast until they turn golden and get super tender, flipping midway through.

  • Whip Up the Sauce

Create a mouthwatering Korean BBQ sauce by whisking ingredients in a saucepan. Let it simmer and thicken, stirring like a pro until it reaches the perfect consistency.

  • Coat and Toss

Once the cauliflower is beautifully roasted, drench those florets in the warm, sticky sauce until every piece is completely covered.

  • Build Your Wrap

Cradle each lettuce leaf with a generous scoop of saucy cauliflower. Shower with fresh carrots, cucumber slices, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Plate these flavor bombs while they’re hot. For extra satisfaction, pair with rice or noodles if you’re feeling extra hungry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Roasted Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps Ingredients

For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps roast cauliflower evenly and adds rich, smooth coating.
  • Salt: Brings out natural cauliflower sweetness and balances overall taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the roasted vegetable.
For Korean BBQ Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami and salty foundation for authentic Korean flavor.
  • Gochujang: Delivers spicy, complex heat with slightly sweet undertones.
  • Honey: Balances spiciness with natural sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
  • Garlic: Introduces pungent, aromatic punch that's classic in Korean cuisine.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy brightness to cut through rich flavors.
For Fresh Garnish and Wrap Fillings:
  • Cauliflower Florets: Star ingredient with mild, nutty roasted character.
  • Lettuce Leaves: Crisp, cool wrapper providing fresh crunch and light texture.
  • Carrots: Adds vibrant color and sweet, crunchy element to wraps.
  • Cucumber: Introduces refreshing, hydrating contrast to spicy sauce.
  • Green Onions: Brings sharp, mild onion notes and delicate garnish.
  • Sesame Seeds: Sprinkles nutty, toasted accent with delightful visual appeal.

Flavor Boosting Tips For Cauliflower BBQ Wraps

  • Sauce Thickness Hack: Let sauce simmer gently and stir consistently to achieve perfect consistency without burning or becoming too runny.
  • Vegan-Friendly Swap: Replace honey in Korean BBQ sauce with maple syrup or agave nectar to make recipe completely plant-based and animal-product free.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust gochujang or red pepper paste quantity to increase or decrease heat intensity according to personal spice tolerance.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Roast cauliflower and prepare sauce ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights – components stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Fun Serving Ideas For Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps

  • Korean BBQ Feast Platter: Create a stunning centerpiece by arranging lettuce leaves, roasted cauliflower, and colorful veggie toppings on a large wooden board for a shareable, interactive dining experience.
  • Spicy Crunch Combo: Sprinkle extra chili flakes or drizzle sriracha over the wraps for heat lovers, adding a fiery kick that complements the sweet and tangy Korean BBQ sauce.
  • Protein Power-Up: Enhance the wraps by adding grilled tofu, shredded chicken, or thinly sliced beef for extra protein and a more substantial meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
  • Fresh Side Kick: Serve with a crisp Asian slaw or quick-pickled vegetables to balance the rich cauliflower and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy wraps.

Storage Tips For Cauliflower BBQ Wraps

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Seal roasted cauliflower in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping sauce and vegetables separate to maintain crispness.
  • Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Chop vegetables and prepare sauce in advance, storing components individually in sealed containers for fast weeknight assembly.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Korean BBQ cauliflower can be frozen for one month; thaw overnight and reheat in oven at 375F to restore original texture and flavor.
  • Leftover Transformation Tip: Repurpose remaining cauliflower into salad topping, grain bowl ingredient, or quick stir-fry component for zero food waste.
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Spicy Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps With Korean Bbq Recipe

Spicy Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps With Korean Bbq


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Korean bbq roasted cauliflower lettuce wraps blend global flavors with plant-based innovation. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle spicy, caramelized cauliflower, offering a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 810 large butter lettuce or romaine leaves
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) shredded carrots
  • ½ cup (120 ml) thinly sliced cucumber
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cooked rice or rice noodles

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
  2. Floret Formation: Separate cauliflower into uniform pieces, thoroughly coating with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper to maximize flavor profile.
  3. Roasting Setup: Spread cauliflower across baking sheet in a single layer, allowing ample space between pieces to ensure optimal caramelization and crisp edges.
  4. Culinary Transformation: Roast cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, rotating tray midway to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and tender interior.
  5. Sauce Crafting: Simultaneously prepare Korean BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking ingredients to create a smooth, glossy consistency.
  6. Flavor Infusion: Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and develops a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
  7. Coating Technique: Immediately toss hot roasted cauliflower with warm sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage of each floret.
  8. Wrap Assembly: Select crisp lettuce leaves as delicate wrapping vessels for the saucy cauliflower pieces.
  9. Final Presentation: Garnish with julienned carrots, cucumber slivers, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds to add vibrant texture and complementary flavors, serving immediately while warm with optional rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Roast Cauliflower Perfectly: Space florets evenly on baking sheet to prevent steaming and ensure crispy, caramelized edges with maximum flavor development.
  • Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk Korean BBQ sauce continuously while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture that clings beautifully to cauliflower.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular sauce for gluten-free tamari, use low-sodium soy sauce for heart-healthy version, or create vegan option by checking sauce ingredients.
  • Enhance Texture and Freshness: Choose sturdy lettuce like butter or romaine for wraps that won’t tear, and prep vegetables right before serving to maintain crisp, vibrant quality.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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