Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Introduction

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is one of those dishes that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors creates a rich, complex taste that’s sure to impress. What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients—soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar—you can create a deeply flavorful sauce that makes the beef incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth. And since it’s made in the slow cooker, you get to set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld together as the beef slowly cooks to perfection.

I’ve made this dish on more than one busy weeknight when I just didn’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen. The smell that fills the house as it cooks is absolutely mouthwatering, and it’s always such a treat to serve. The beef is tender and flavorful, and when you pile it on a bed of steamed rice with a side of veggies, it’s a complete, satisfying meal that everyone loves.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just want an easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is the way to go. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve done something fancy, even when all you had to do was toss everything into the slow cooker. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a regular on your meal rotation!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prepping
• Casual get-togethers
• Busy weeknights
• Korean cuisine enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Slow Cooker Korean Beef is bound to become a go-to favorite:

• Effortless and Hands-Off: Using a slow cooker makes this recipe easy to prepare, allowing you to throw everything in and let the cooker do the work.
• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and savory sauce, infused with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, makes the beef incredibly flavorful and tender.
• Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Slow cooking ensures the beef becomes perfectly tender and falls apart easily, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili paste or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish is even better the next day! The flavors continue to meld together, making it a great option for meal prepping or storing for later.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-8 hours (depending on slow cooker)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Korean Beef:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast or flank steak, cut into chunks
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste), or to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck Roast or Flank Steak: These cuts of beef are perfect for slow cooking, becoming incredibly tender and juicy after long cooking times.
• Soy Sauce: Adds the salty, umami-rich flavor that is characteristic of Korean cuisine.
• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): Provides a subtle, spicy kick along with depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty flavor that’s common in Korean dishes and enhances the overall profile of the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances out the richness of the beef and adds a touch of acidity to brighten up the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps caramelize the beef, giving it a rich flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Slow Cooker Korean Beef:

Prepare the Beef and Sauce:

1. Cut the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast or flank steak into bite-sized chunks. This helps the beef cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and gochujang. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
3. Add the Beef to the Slow Cooker: Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker, then pour the sauce mixture over the beef, making sure it is well coated.

Cook the Beef:

4. Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and easily shred when done.
5. Optional Thickening Step: If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is done, stir the slurry into the sauce, then continue cooking.

Garnish and Serve:

6. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked and tender, shred the beef using two forks, mixing it into the sauce for extra flavor.
7. Garnish: Serve the Korean beef over cooked rice, then garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
8. Serve: Enjoy your Slow Cooker Korean Beef with your favorite sides, such as stir-fried vegetables or kimchi.

How to Serve

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Over Steamed Rice: Serve the tender beef over a bed of warm steamed rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce and makes the dish hearty.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the beef with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and bok choy for a balanced and colorful meal.
• On Soft Buns: For a different take, serve the Korean beef on soft sandwich buns to make delicious sliders.
• With Kimchi: Add a side of tangy, spicy kimchi to complement the rich flavors of the beef.
• As a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, serve the beef in lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy bite.
• With Cabbage Salad: A simple cabbage salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the beef perfectly.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a success:

• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, start with one tablespoon of gochujang and taste the sauce. You can always add more for extra heat.
• Use High-Quality Beef: The better the quality of the beef, the more tender and flavorful it will be after slow cooking.
• Do Not Overcook: While slow cooking makes the beef tender, make sure not to overcook it. The beef should be fork-tender, but not falling apart too much.
• Serve Immediately: Although this dish is great for meal prep, it’s best served immediately while it’s still hot and the beef is juicy.
• Add Vegetables: Add carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the slow cooker to make the dish more hearty and add extra flavor.
• Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To control the salt level, opt for low-sodium soy sauce, especially if you’re using a lot of the sauce.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it towards the end of cooking.
• Freeze for Later: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the Korean beef for up to three months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Slow Cooker Korean Beef:

• Spicy Sweet Korean Beef: Add extra chili flakes or use a spicy chili paste to make the beef more fiery.
• Beef and Broccoli Korean Beef: Add broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tasty, balanced one-pot meal.
• Ginger-Sesame Korean Beef: Increase the amount of fresh ginger and add toasted sesame seeds to enhance the nutty flavors.
• Garlic Korean Beef: Add more garlic to the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
• Korean Beef Tacos: Serve the slow-cooked beef in soft tortillas with toppings like shredded cabbage and sriracha sauce for a fusion taco.
• Korean Beef Bowls: Layer the beef with vegetables and rice for a quick, healthy Korean-inspired bowl.
• Korean BBQ Beef: Use a slightly different sauce with pear juice or Korean BBQ sauce for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
• Vegetarian Korean Beef: Substitute beef with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian take.
• Korean Beef Stir Fry: Stir fry the cooked beef with your favorite vegetables for a quick and flavorful stir fry.
• Slow Cooker Korean Pork: Swap the beef for pork shoulder or pork belly for a variation with a different flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Leftover Korean beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover beef in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing Slow Cooker Korean Beef easier:

• Slow Cooker: The key equipment for this recipe, allowing the beef to cook low and slow, becoming tender and flavorful.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the beef is cooked to the right level of doneness.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For chopping the beef into bite-sized chunks.
• Whisk: To properly mix the sauce ingredients and dissolve the sugar.
• Serving Platter or Bowls: To serve the beef over rice or vegetables.
• Plastic Wrap or Storage Containers: For storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
• Garlic Press: A time-saving tool for mincing garlic quickly.
• Grater: To grate fresh ginger for the sauce.
• Sifter: For dusting sesame seeds or powdered garnish.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, you can use flank steak, brisket, or short ribs as an alternative to chuck roast.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more gochujang or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
3. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can cook it on the stove or in the oven, but the slow cooker provides the most tender results.
4. How long will the leftovers last?
   Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, Slow Cooker Korean Beef can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is the ultimate convenience dish, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it soaks up the savory soy-based sauce with the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and gochujang. With its rich and savory taste, it’s the ideal dish to pair with steamed rice, vegetables, or even in a bowl for a quick, satisfying meal.

What makes this dish even better is its ease of preparation. Simply let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day, and return to a delicious, flavorful meal. The leftovers are just as fantastic, allowing you to enjoy this dish for days to come. It’s the perfect way to add variety to your week’s meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

I’d love to see how your Slow Cooker Korean Beef turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Feel free to leave a comment or share any personal touches you added to make this recipe your own. Enjoy!