Go Back
Spicy Keto Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Spicy Keto Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Spicy Keto Korean Ground Beef with Cucumber Salad Recipe — the aroma filled my kitchen instantly. The spicy, savory beef combined with the cool, crisp cucumber salad was unforgettable. It felt like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. I loved how quickly it came together with simple ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium cucumbers thinly sliced (English cucumbers stay crisp longer)
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced (adds color and mild sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar gives tangy flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional topping
  • 2 medium cucumbers thinly sliced (English cucumbers stay crisp longer)
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced (adds color and mild sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar gives tangy flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional topping

Method
 

  1. Start by slicing the cucumbers and red onion thinly. Place them in a bowl and add vinegar, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined. Let the salad sit while you cook the beef so the flavors can blend.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart while cooking. Continue stirring until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish balanced.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce or coconut aminos, sweetener, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the spicy beef alongside the chilled cucumber salad. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture contrast.

Notes

  • I always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for stronger flavor.
  • I let the beef brown properly before adding sauce to enhance taste.
  • I slice cucumbers just before serving to keep them crunchy.
  • I taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
  • I sometimes serve it over cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.