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Two bowls of spicy beef and crushed cucumber stir-fry served on rice with forks and lime wedges.
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Beef and Crushed Cucumber Stir-Fry

By: Deborah
We really enjoy the spicy, savoury flavour with the hint of sweetness.   The squeeze of lime is a must!!
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 22 minutes
TOTAL: 32 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Korean
Servings: 4 people
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Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 500 g (1.1 lb) beef mince
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 red chillies deseeded and finely chopped
  • 2 shallots thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp gochujang
  • 1 tsp sugar

To serve:

  • 300 g (10.6 oz) basmati rice
  • handful of fresh basil, coriander and/or mint leaves chopped (see Notes)

Instructions

  • Cut the cucumber lengthways into quarters and then using a rolling pin or flat side of a chef’s knife, lightly crush the lengths of cucumber. Slice each length into 1 to 2cm chunks and set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a large heavy based frying pan or casserole over a high heat. Add the beef mince and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.   Use a wooden spoon to break up any lumps, then spread out the mince in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, undisturbed, until the bottom is brown and crisp.   Break up the meat again and stir, then cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until no pink parts remain.   Meanwhile, cook the rice according to packet instructions (normally around 10 minutes).
  • Push the mince to one side of the pan and add the garlic and chillies. Stir for 1 minutes until fragrant, then add the shallots and cucumber chunks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the cucumber chunks are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally and scraping up any sticky bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  • Stir in the vinegar, soy sauce, gochujang and sugar. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 2 minutes.   Season to taste.
  • Serve over rice, topped with the fresh herbs and with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Notes

  • We scattered over chopped basil leaves the first time we had it and think you'll really notice the difference depending on which herb you choose.
  • This recipe for spicy beef and crushed cucumber stir-fry is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.
 
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Nutrition

Calories: 693kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 355mg | Potassium: 664mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

KEYWORDS basmati rice, beef mince, cucumber, gochujang, quick meal, stir-fry
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