Go Back
+ servings
Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad

Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad for a Quick Fix

A quick, vibrant dish featuring savory spicy beef and refreshing cucumber salad, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil Olive oil is an alternative
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang Sriracha can be used for different heat
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar Erythritol for low-carb option
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder if rushed
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Ground ginger can substitute
For the Cucumber Salad
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar White wine vinegar is an alternative
  • 1 large Cucumber Bell peppers can be used instead
  • 3 stalks Green Onions Chives can substitute
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds Hemp seeds can be used as substitute

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad
  1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. Keep an eye out for any excess fat that forms; if there's a lot, drain it.
  2. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger into the browned beef. Cook this mixture for an additional 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly, coating the beef and filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that signals the dish's readiness for the next step.
  3. While the beef is finishing up, grab a bowl and combine the sliced cucumber with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat the cucumber in the mixture, then allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
  4. Once everything is ready, it’s time to serve! Plate the savory Spicy Korean Ground Beef, then top it generously with the refreshing cucumber salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For meal prep, batch cook the spicy beef and store it in the fridge, keeping the cucumber salad separate until ready to eat for optimal crunch.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!