As I scrolled through social media, the vibrant colors and flavors of spicy Korean cuisine caught my eye, making my taste buds tingle with excitement. This Quick & Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad captures that essence in the most delightful way. In just 25 minutes, you can serve up a mouthwatering dish that satisfies both your cravings and your schedule. The beef is savory and rich, while the cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Not only is this meal a quick dinner solution, but it’s also a low-carb option you can enjoy guilt-free. Are you ready to dive into this delicious recipe and impress your loved ones at the dinner table? Why is this recipe a must-try? Quick preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Flavor explosion: The rich, savory beef pairs beautifully with the bright, crunchy cucumber salad, creating a vibrant balance. Low-carb goodness: Enjoy this as a healthy option thanks to erythritol and lots of delicious veggies! Flexibility: Feel free to customize the spice levels or substitute ingredients for dietary preferences, like using turkey in place of beef. Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or impressing guests, it’s a dish that will leave everyone craving more. For more ideas, check out my Savory Ground Beef and Mongolian Ground Beef recipes! Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Ingredients For the Beef Mixture Ground Beef – Main protein source, providing rich flavor; can substitute turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth and saltiness; tamari serves as a gluten-free alternative. Sesame Oil – Provides a nutty aroma and flavor; toasted sesame oil enhances taste even further. Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) – Brings heat and complexity; swap with Sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes with miso paste for similar spice levels. Erythritol – Adds sweetness to balance the heat; a perfect low-carb option for the Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad. Garlic – Contributes a robust fragrance; fresh is best for maximum flavor. Fresh Ginger – Enhances flavor with warmth and subtle spice. For the Cucumber Salad Rice Vinegar – Provides acidity for the salad; apple cider vinegar can be used if needed. Cucumber – Offers a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy beef; slice thinly for the best texture. Green Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and vibrant color; perfect for garnishing as well. Sesame Seeds – A key garnish that adds a nutty flavor and appealing texture. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir occasionally until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it from the skillet to keep your Spicy Korean Ground Beef lean and flavorful. Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients Once the beef is browned, lower the heat slightly and stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, erythritol, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the beef richly. This flavorful mixture will bring the essence of Korean cuisine into your dish. Step 3: Prepare the Cucumber Salad While the beef is cooking, take a separate mixing bowl and combine your thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Toss thoroughly to coat the cucumbers and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This process will enhance their crunch and flavor, making the refreshing cucumber salad the perfect balance for your spicy ground beef. Step 4: Serve and Garnish To plate, serve a generous portion of the Spicy Korean Ground Beef on a dish and top it with the cucumber salad. Be sure to sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the salad for added flavor and a nice visual appeal. This final touch creates a vibrant meal that is not just delicious but also delightful to look at. What to Serve with Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad When you’re looking to elevate your dining experience, the right sides can transform your meal into a feast that delights all the senses. Steamed Rice: The fluffy rice absorbs the rich sauce, providing a lovely contrast to the spicy beef and refreshing salad. Kimchi: This fermented classic adds a tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile while offering gut-friendly benefits. Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed with garlic, bok choy brings a tender-crisp texture to your plate, perfectly balancing the heat of the beef. Spicy Pickled Radishes: Their crunch and acidity cut through the richness of the ground beef, making each bite more vibrant and refreshing. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and savory, they offer a comforting depth that complements the dish’s spiciness while adding a softer texture. Iced Green Tea: A refreshing beverage choice, it cleanses your palate between bites, enhancing the dish’s flavors and creating a calming dining atmosphere. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles bring a nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the spicy beef, adding another layer of flavor to your meal. These sides not only enhance the meal’s flavor but also create a vibrant table setting, ensuring your dinner is as delicious as it is memorable. Make Ahead Options These Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can brown the ground beef and mix in the flavorful ingredients up to 3 days in advance for a quick dinner solution. Simply store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its rich flavor and avoid drying out. For the cucumber salad, slice the cucumbers ahead of time and keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. Just before serving, toss them with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt for that fresh crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish, simply reheat the beef mixture on the stove and plate it with the freshly dressed cucumber salad for a delightful balance of flavors! Expert Tips for Spicy Korean Ground Beef Perfect Cooking: Ensure beef is broken into small pieces for even cooking, achieving that delightful texture in your Spicy Korean Ground Beef. Fat Drain Tip: Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish lean and healthy; this avoids a greasy final result. Cucumber Prep: Allow the cucumber salad to sit for 5 minutes before serving; this step enhances its flavor and crunch, making every bite enjoyable. Spice It Up: Adjust the spice levels to taste; if you’re not sure, start with less gochujang and add more as needed for your preferred heat. Meal Prep Trick: Keep the cucumber salad separate from the beef when meal prepping; this will maintain its refreshing crunch and avoid sogginess. Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Variations Feel free to get creative and customize your dish with these exciting variations! Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with tofu or tempeh for a hearty plant-based option that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Low-Carb Power: Replace the beef with a mixture of chicken breast and zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb while adding extra veggies. Sweet and Savory: Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter twist that contrasts wonderfully with the spice, creating a delightful balance in every bite. Crunchy Addition: Toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers while cooking the beef for added texture and a burst of color that makes the plate pop. It’s like a crunchy surprise in every mouthful! Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding fresh chopped chilies or a dash of chili flakes for those who crave extra fire in their meals. Just be cautious and taste as you go! Asian Fusion: Serve the Spicy Korean Ground Beef over jasmine rice or alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, adding an extra layer of complexity to your meal—almost like a deconstructed sushi roll! Herbaceous Boost: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or mint over the finished dish for a vibrant herbal note that brightens up the entire meal and complements the Korean flavors beautifully. Classic Side: Pair the beef with kimchi on the side for an authentic Korean experience that offers an exciting tang and crunch, enhancing the overall dining adventure. For more mouthwatering inspiration, try my delectable Creamy Ground Beef Taquitos or explore the comforting flavors of Italian Beef Sandwiches with Roasted Garlic Aioli that are sure to impress! How to Store and Freeze Spicy Korean Ground Beef Fridge: Store the cooked Spicy Korean Ground Beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish retains its flavor well, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the beef mixture in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the beef in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Cucumber Salad: It’s best to prepare the cucumber salad fresh to maintain its crunch. If you need to make it ahead, store it separately in the fridge and mix just before serving. Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Recipe FAQs How do I select the right ground beef? Absolutely! For this recipe, look for ground beef with a good fat content, ideally around 80/20 for optimal flavor and juiciness. If you’re aiming for a leaner dish, ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes. Just remember, the taste will vary slightly, so choose what best fits your preference! How should I store leftover Spicy Korean Ground Beef? To keep your leftovers tasty, store the cooked Spicy Korean Ground Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well, so you can enjoy the delicious flavors throughout the week. Just be sure to reheat it gently to preserve the texture. Can I freeze the Spicy Korean Ground Beef? Yes, you can! For optimal freezing, pour the cooled beef mixture into airtight freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. This way, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until thoroughly warmed. What can I do if my beef mixture is too salty? If you find your beef mixture too salty, you can balance it out by adding a tiny bit of sugar or erythritol to counteract the saltiness. Additionally, consider incorporating a little more ground beef to dilute the flavor. Taste as you go, adjusting slowly to achieve the perfect balance. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! The Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad can be made gluten-free by switching out soy sauce with tamari. If you’re mindful of sugar intake, using erythritol instead of brown sugar makes this dish low-carb. Note that the cucumbers are pet-friendly, but watch out for garlic if you have furry friends at home! How can I keep cucumber salad fresh when meal prepping? The key to maintaining the crunch of your cucumber salad is to prepare it fresh just before serving. If you need to make it ahead, slice the cucumbers and store them in a separate container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply mix in the rice vinegar and other ingredients right before serving for the best texture! Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad in 25 Minutes Quick & delicious Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad is ready in 25 minutes, perfect for a flavor-packed low-carb meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: KoreanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef Mixture1 pound Ground Beef can substitute turkey or chicken for a leaner option3 tablespoons Soy Sauce tamari serves as a gluten-free alternative2 teaspoons Sesame Oil toasted sesame oil enhances taste even further2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) swap with Sriracha or red pepper flakes with miso paste1 tablespoon Erythritol adds sweetness to balance the heat3 cloves Garlic minced; fresh is best for maximum flavor1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger grated; enhances flavor with warmth and subtle spiceFor the Cucumber Salad2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar apple cider vinegar can be used if needed1 medium Cucumber sliced thinly for best texture2 stalks Green Onions chopped; perfect for garnishing1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds key garnish that adds nutty flavor Equipment large skilletMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir occasionally until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink. If there's excess fat, drain it from the skillet to keep the Spicy Korean Ground Beef lean and flavorful.Once the beef is browned, lower the heat slightly and stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, erythritol, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the beef richly.While the beef is cooking, take a separate mixing bowl and combine your thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Toss thoroughly to coat the cucumbers and let them sit for about 5 minutes.To plate, serve a generous portion of the Spicy Korean Ground Beef on a dish and top it with the cucumber salad. Be sure to sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the salad for added flavor. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesEnsure beef is broken into small pieces for even cooking and drain excess fat after browning for a healthier dish. Store the cucumber salad separately when meal prepping to maintain its refreshing crunch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
