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Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

This Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad is a quick and flavorful dish featuring savory ground beef cooked with traditional Korean ingredients like gochujang and sesame oil, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe balances spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a crisp side that brightens the plate.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or erythritol for a low-carb option
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 tablespoon green onions chopped (plus more for garnish)

Cucumber Salad

  • 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add seasonings: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  3. Prepare cucumber salad: In a separate bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumber, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly and develop flavor.
  4. Serve: Plate the spicy ground beef, top it with the cucumber salad, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for garnish.

Notes

  • Use erythritol instead of brown sugar for a low-carb, diabetic-friendly option.
  • Drain excess fat from the cooked beef to reduce greasiness and make it lighter.
  • Thinly slicing the cucumber ensures it soaks up the vinegar dressing quickly.
  • Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.

Find it online: https://lovelycooks.com/spicy-korean-ground-beef-with-cucumber-salad-recipe/