Craving a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these Spicy Korean Beef Cucumber Bites! These delightful little morsels pack a punch of spicy Korean flavor, combining tender marinated beef with the refreshing crunch of cucumbers. Perfect for a quick weeknight snack, a lively party appetizer, or even a light lunch, these bites are surprisingly versatile. The bold flavors of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and sesame oil create a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe cleverly utilizes leftover cooked beef, making it an economical and time-saving option. Whether you're using leftover steak, roast, or even ground beef, these bites are easily adaptable. Ready to create these irresistible Spicy Korean Beef Cucumber Bites? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plates
Ingredients
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup
- Sweet Soy Sauce
- English Cucumber (or seedless)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Rice Vinegar
- Honey
- Cream Cheese: 1/2 block (softened)
- Cooked Beef (steak or tri-tip)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cream Cheese & Beef Marinades
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Mix in soy sauce.
- Set the cream cheese mixture aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced beef with rice vinegar, gochujang, and honey. Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 2. Assemble the Appetizers
- Slice cucumbers into rounds.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly onto each cucumber round.
- Top each cucumber round with the marinated beef.
Step 3. Prepare the Beef
- Dice leftover cooked beef into small, appetizer-sized pieces.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with extra green onions.
Read more: Spicy Crunchy Korean Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi (Oi-sobagi) Recipe
Tips
- This recipe is versatile – use leftover steak or tri-tip for a ‘cook once, eat twice’ approach.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness level.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef and cucumber mixture up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.
2. What if I don't have gochujang?
You can substitute gochujang with a mixture of sriracha, brown sugar, and a touch of rice vinegar to approximate the flavor. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
3. Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes! Leftover steak, roast beef, or even ground beef works well. Just ensure the beef is cooked thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces.
These Spicy Korean Beef & Cucumber Appetizers are the perfect solution for a flavorful and convenient snack or appetizer. Their vibrant flavors and simple preparation make them a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the deliciousness and the satisfaction of creating a dish that tastes amazing and offers a clever way to utilize leftovers!