Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Korean Beef brings the bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of Korean cuisine to the convenience of your slow cooker. With tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a fuss-free, satisfying meal. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile that is both savory and subtly sweet, making it a dish the entire family will love.

Using a slow cooker allows the beef to cook low and slow, soaking up all the flavors and becoming incredibly tender. Whether served over steamed rice or paired with a side of vegetables, this Korean-inspired dish will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, the hands-off cooking process means you can spend more time doing other things while your meal cooks to perfection.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Korean Beef

• Tender and Flavorful: The slow cooking method allows the beef to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Each bite is juicy and packed with flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to create a dish that tastes as if it’s been simmering on the stove for hours.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
• Versatile: Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps. It’s easy to adapt the dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: With its sweet and savory flavor, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a hit with both adults and kids alike. It’s a great way to introduce your family to new flavors while still serving a familiar, comforting dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-7 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and additional ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15-18g

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Korean Beef:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or flank steak
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste) or sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Start by preparing your beef. If you’re using a beef chuck roast, trim any excess fat and cut it into 2-inch pieces. This will allow the beef to cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. If you’re using flank steak, simply slice it into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Once your beef is prepared, place it in the slow cooker.

2. Make the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and gochujang (or sriracha, if you prefer a spicy kick). This mixture will create a flavorful sauce that will slowly cook into the beef as it simmers in the slow cooker. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking—if you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar; if you like it spicier, add more gochujang or sriracha.

Once the sauce is mixed, pour it evenly over the beef in the slow cooker.

3. Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The beef will cook slowly and become tender as it absorbs all the delicious sauce flavors. You don’t need to stir it during the cooking process, as the beef will release juices that will combine with the sauce to create a rich, savory gravy.

After the cooking time is up, check the beef for tenderness. It should be fork-tender, easily shreddable, and fully infused with the flavors of the sauce.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the sauce, cover the slow cooker, and continue cooking on low for the remaining time. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.

If you like a thinner sauce, feel free to skip this step and use the sauce as is. The natural juices from the beef will help create a flavorful, savory broth.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the beef is cooked and tender, it’s time to serve. Use a fork to shred the beef in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce to ensure it’s fully coated. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for added texture and flavor.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is delicious when served over steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative. The beef can be paired with vegetables, like sautéed bok choy, broccoli, or carrots, to create a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Korean Beef

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Beef chuck roast is an excellent choice for this recipe, as it’s well-marbled and becomes very tender when slow-cooked. Flank steak is also a good option if you prefer thinner, leaner cuts of beef. Both cuts work well for this recipe, so choose based on your preference.
• Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: The balance of sweetness and spice is key in this dish. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar. For extra heat, increase the amount of gochujang or sriracha to suit your taste.
• Don’t Skip the Garnishes: Sesame seeds and green onions are traditional garnishes for Korean beef dishes and add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. Don’t skip these—they make a big difference in the final presentation and flavor.
• Shred the Beef for Maximum Flavor: After cooking, shredding the beef ensures it soaks up all the flavorful sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can serve the beef in larger pieces, but shredding it will give the dish more flavor and make it easier to eat.
• Low and Slow: For the best results, cook the beef on low for the full 6 hours. This will allow the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 hours will still yield great results.

Variations of Slow Cooker Korean Beef

• Korean BBQ Beef: For a more authentic Korean BBQ flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce for a few hours before placing it in the slow cooker. This will infuse the meat with even more flavor.
• Spicy Korean Beef: Increase the heat by adding more gochujang or a sliced jalapeño to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for extra spice.
• Korean Beef Tacos: Shred the cooked beef and serve it in soft corn tortillas for a fun twist on taco night. Top with kimchi, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a Korean-Mexican fusion.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and follow the same cooking process.
• Slow Cooker Korean Beef Bowls: Serve the beef over a bowl of rice, and add your favorite toppings such as sliced cucumbers, pickled vegetables, or a fried egg on top.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Korean Beef can be stored and enjoyed for several days. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Slow Cooker Korean Beef. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the beef overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Pair this dish with complementary sides to complete your meal:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing with Slow Cooker Korean Beef. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, making it a perfect base for the beef.
• Kimchi: Serve the beef with a side of kimchi for a traditional Korean meal. The spicy, tangy flavors of kimchi provide a nice contrast to the savory beef.
• Vegetables: Pair the beef with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or carrots for a balanced meal.
• Asian Noodles: For a more filling option, serve the beef over a bowl of cooked noodles, such as soba or udon, for a comforting noodle bowl.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar can be a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty beef.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a flavorful and easy dish that brings the taste of Korean cuisine right into your home. With its tender beef, savory-sweet sauce, and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without much effort. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or in tacos, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of Korean BBQ in the comfort of your own kitchen!