Korean Stor-Fried Cucumber and Beef
If you're looking for a light, impressive dish for lunch this summer this Korean Stir-Fried Cucumber and Beef (Sogogi Oi Bokkeum) is it. Crunchy cucumbers and sweet and spicy beef make for a deliciously zesty meal!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Persian or Korean cucumbers, trimmed and cut into 1/8-inch slices, about 3 1/2 cups
- 2 tsp. coarse kosher salt
- 8 oz. 85% lean ground beef
- 1 Tbsp. fresh spicy red chile, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. scallions, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp. pineapple juice
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. canola oil
Instructions
- Add your cucumber slices and salt to a large bowl until well coated. Let the cucumbers stand at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Add your ground beef, chile, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, pineapple juice, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sugar, and black pepper to a large bowl. You'll mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Drain your cucumbers in a colander and then place them on a clean kitchen towel. You'll squeeze gently to remove the excess liquid.You'll heat a large skillet over high and then add the canola oil. Add your cucumbers, and cook, stirring often, until barely softened, about 30 seconds.At this point, you'll transfer the cucumbers to a large baking sheet. Spread them into an single layer and then let them cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add your ground beef mixture to your skillet over high heat. You'll cook, stirring often and breaking up the meat with a spatula, until beef is cooked through and the liquid is mostly evaporated, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the beef cool for 15 minutes.
- Toss the cucumbers and beef mixture together in a bowl before adding to a serving platter. You can garnish the cucumber and beef mixture with additional scallions and sesame seeds. Serve at room temperature.