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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! Use a lean ground beef for less grease. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can work well, though the flavor will be lighter.

Soy Sauce: I prefer using coconut aminos for a keto-friendly alternative that has a slightly sweeter taste. If you’re not worried about carbs, traditional soy sauce is fine too.

Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mix of chili powder and a splash of vinegar for some tang. You can adjust the spice levels as per your preference.

Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers are key for the salad. If cucumbers aren’t available, you could use zucchini as an alternative, though it will change the flavor slightly.

How Do You Perfectly Cook Ground Beef?

Cooking ground beef can be simple, but taking a few steps can really elevate the flavor and texture!

• Start with a hot skillet to caramelize the meat for more flavor.
• Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks; this helps it cook evenly and develop a nice texture.
• Don’t rush the cooking process—let it brown properly before adding garlic or other ingredients for better taste.

Following these tips ensures your beef is flavorful and tender, making your dish even more delicious!

How to Make Spicy Keto Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Korean Ground Beef:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for keto)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) – optional, or substitute with a keto-friendly chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon erythritol or preferred keto sweetener
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cucumber Salad:

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onion for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to prepare this delicious and healthy meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber Salad:

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion. Add in the rice vinegar, sesame oil, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until well-coated. Let the salad sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the beef.

2. Cook the Korean Ground Beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and allow it to warm up before adding the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until it starts to brown nicely. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics and Sauce:

Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the soy sauce, gochujang (if using), erythritol, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir everything well, cooking for another 3-4 minutes so that the beef is fully cooked and coated in the flavorful sauce.

4. Finish and Garnish:

Stir in the chopped green onions right at the end, then take the skillet off the heat. This will give the dish a burst of freshness!

5. Assemble the Dish:

On a serving plate, place the cucumber salad as a base. Carefully spoon the spicy Korean ground beef on top. Finishing touches include garnishing with fresh cilantro for added color and flavor!

6. Serve:

Enjoy your spicy Korean ground beef immediately, whether on its own or over a bed of cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.

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This delightful recipe brings together bold Korean flavors while maintaining a delicious keto-friendly profile. The refreshing crunch of the cucumber salad pairs perfectly with the heartiness of the spicy ground beef—a fantastic meal for any time!

Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavors will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking, and increase the seasoning a bit to enhance the flavor.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave for a quick option.

What Can I Serve with This Dish?

This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles to keep it keto-friendly. Pairing it with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad adds fresh veggies, too!