Korean Meatball Lettuce Wraps
When it comes to healthy eating, we often hear that balance is key—but what does that look like on a plate? This nourishing, gluten-free meal of gochujang beef meatballs, fluffy rice, and fresh lettuce wraps is a perfect example. It’s high in protein, satisfying without being heavy, full of fiber, and packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor. Even better? It’s simple to prepare and easy to batch for the week ahead.
Why You'll Love This Meal
High in Protein - With 50g portions of ground beef per meatball, this dish delivers a solid serving of protein to support muscle maintenance, energy, and satiety. Pairing it with rice provides slow-burning carbohydrates, while the lettuce keeps things light and refreshing.
Gluten-Free & Real-Food Based - We swap out traditional soy sauce and gochujang with gluten-free versions to make this dish gluten-sensitive friendly—without sacrificing a single bit of flavor. This is Korean-inspired cooking with a functional twist: clean ingredients, no refined sugars, and all the comfort of your favorite takeout meal.
Flavorful, Not Fussy - Ginger, garlic, and gochujang infuse the meatballs with a sweet-spicy depth that feels indulgent. But the prep? Easy and stress-free. The oven does most of the work while you prep your lettuce and rice.
How to Serve It
Build your wrap like this:
A crisp lettuce leaf
A scoop of rice
One flavorful meatball
A generous drizzle of ssamjang
Roll it up, take a bite, and repeat. This meal is ideal for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining—guests can build their own wraps for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Nourish with Intention
This meal is more than just delicious—it supports hormone health, digestion, and sustained energy with every bite. Protein, healthy fats, resistant starch from cooled rice, and the gut-loving benefits of fermented ssamjang make it a win from a nutritional standpoint.
It's proof that gluten-free, health-forward eating doesn't have to be bland or boring. With the right ingredients, you can enjoy bold, comforting meals that nourish from the inside out.
RECIPE
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
3 lbs ground beef
1 handful green onions, finely chopped
3 Tbsp gluten-free gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 Tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 Tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
For Serving:
Cooked rice
Fresh lettuce leaves (for wraps)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with all the meatball ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a uniform, sticky mixture.
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Cook the rice if it’s not already prepared.
Using a kitchen scale, portion the meat mixture into 50g balls to ensure even cooking.
Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
To serve: Place a lettuce leaf on a plate, add a spoonful of rice, top with a meatball, and finish with a dollop of homemade gluten-free ssamjang sauce (see recipe here).
As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.
Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation.
In good health,
Ioana