SPICY LAMB LETTUCE WRAPS

SPICY LAMB LETTUCE WRAPS image

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups kimchi
¼ cup sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1½ cups soy sauce
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup sweet cooking wine
1/3 cup sesame oil
1 small onion, puréed in a blender
6 whole garlic cloves, puréed in a blender
1 small knob ginger, grated
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 pound lamb shoulder, cut into thin slices
Boston lettuce for wraps
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Sliced fresh jalapeno for garnish

Steps:

Make the kimchi purée first. For the most authentic - and spiciest - taste, purchase the kimchi at an Asian market. Put the kimchi, sesame oil and chili flakes into a blender or food processor, and pulse until a rough purée is formed. Set aside until ready to use. Combine all the ingredients for the kalbi marinade (from soy sauce down through the red pepper flakes), and set aside. For the lamb shoulder, slice into thin strips and pour the marinade over the meat. Massage it in, and leave the meat in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. Heat a cast-iron pan to high. Pan-fry the meat in small batches, and hold warm. To build the lettuce wraps, start with a large piece of Boston lettuce. Place grilled lamb kalbi on the lettuce leaf, and spoon a bit of the kimchi purée over the lamb. Top with a little cilantro and a slice of fresh jalapeno, and eat immediately.