Description

Savory, spicy, and keto-friendly, this Spicy Korean Beef with Cucumber Salad pairs rich, umami-packed ground beef with a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad. A quick, low-carb weeknight meal bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

3 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce if not strict keto)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon gochujang (use sugar-free for strict keto or substitute with chili paste)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 cups thinly sliced cucumber

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon erythritol (or preferred keto sweetener)

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Toss sliced cucumbers with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Drain and pat dry.
In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sesame oil, erythritol, crushed red pepper, and cilantro. Pour over cucumbers, toss, and chill.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and ground beef. Cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, gochujang, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Pour sauce over beef, reduce heat to medium, and stir. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve beef over cucumber salad or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Notes

Use sugar-free gochujang for strict keto.

Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner protein.

Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for variety.

Beef can be made ahead for meal prep.

Store cucumber salad separately and consume within 2 days for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 310
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg