Are you craving a flavorful dish that fits your Paleo lifestyle? A Korean ground beef stir fry might be just what you need. This recipe relies on fresh ingredients, simple pantry staples, and a trusty skillet to create a memorable meal that won’t involve any grains or processed sugars. You’ll get a savory, slightly sweet blend of flavors and a hint of spice, all while sticking to the guidelines of a clean-eating plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (grass-fed if possible)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (for cooking)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (Paleo alternative to soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey or coconut sugar (to balance the savory notes)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup chopped veggies (such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add your coconut oil.
- Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion looks translucent.
- Add ground beef, break it apart with a spatula, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in your coconut aminos, sesame oil (if using), honey or coconut sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for a minute so flavors can deepen.
- Mix in your chopped veggies and cook them until tender but still slightly crisp. This step usually takes 3–4 minutes.
- Taste your stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Top with chopped green onions for a finishing pop of color and a little extra texture. Then you’re all set.
Nutrition facts
Exact numbers can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients, but a single serving (roughly half the skillet) typically includes:
- Around 350–400 calories
- Approximately 25 grams of protein
- Around 20 grams of healthy fats
- Minimal carbs (depending on your vegetable selection)
Final thoughts
This Paleo-friendly stir-fry is a fast and convenient way to bring a classic Asian-inspired dish to your dinner table. You skip the refined sugars and soy sauce, but you won’t miss out on flavor. Go ahead and serve it in lettuce wraps, pair it with cauliflower rice, or simply enjoy it on its own. If you’re looking for a quick dinner that keeps you on track with clean eating, this recipe could become one of your go-tos.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking time because turkey can dry out more quickly. -
How can I make the stir-fry spicier?
For extra heat, sprinkle in chopped fresh chili peppers or add a dash more crushed red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle some hot sauce as a finishing touch. -
Can I meal-prep this dish?
Yes. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and it tastes just as good the next day. -
Is sesame oil Paleo?
Sesame oil is generally considered Paleo-friendly when used in moderation. If you’d rather skip it, feel free to replace it with more coconut oil or avocado oil.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (grass-fed if possible)
2 tablespoons coconut oil (for cooking)
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons coconut aminos (Paleo alternative to soy sauce)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but adds great flavor)
1 tablespoon honey or coconut sugar (to balance the savory notes)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup chopped veggies (such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add your coconut oil.
- Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion looks translucent.
- Add ground beef, break it apart with a spatula, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in your coconut aminos, sesame oil (if using), honey or coconut sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for a minute so flavors can deepen.
- Mix in your chopped veggies and cook them until tender but still slightly crisp. This step usually takes 3–4 minutes.
- Taste your stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Top with chopped green onions for a finishing pop of color and a little extra texture. Then you’re all set.
