Spicy Keto Korean Ground Beef Salad (Printable)
Bold Korean beef over crisp greens with tangy sesame dressing
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Spicy Korean Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 - 2 tbsp avocado oil or neutral oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (about 1 tbsp)
05 - 2 tbsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
06 - 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
07 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
08 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 1 tbsp erythritol or preferred keto sweetener
10 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ For the Salad
12 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, or leaf lettuce)
13 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
14 - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
15 - 1/2 cup carrots, julienned (optional, omit for strict keto)
16 - 4 green onions, sliced
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
→ For the Sesame Dressing
18 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
19 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
20 - 2 tsp tamari
21 - 1 tsp keto sweetener
22 - 1 tsp fresh lime juice
23 - 1/2 tsp garlic, finely minced
24 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnishes
25 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
26 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
27 - Extra cilantro or green onions as desired
# How-to Steps:
01 - Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in tamari, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, erythritol, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, tamari, keto sweetener, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt until smooth.
05 - Divide mixed greens, shredded red cabbage, sliced cucumber, carrots (if using), green onions, and cilantro among 4 bowls or plates.
06 - Spoon hot Korean beef over the salads. Drizzle with sesame dressing. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced chili (if using), and extra herbs. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spicy beef transforms plain salad greens into something crave worthy and substantial
- Everything comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
- The beef continues to release liquid as it cooks—dont rush the browning step or youll boil the meat instead of searing it
- Gochujang brands vary wildly in heat and sweetness—start with less if youre sensitive to spice
03 -
- Grate your ginger against the grain to avoid those tough fibrous strands in the final dish
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before garnishing—deepens the nutty flavor significantly