Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
If you’re searching for a truly crave-worthy dinner that brings bold flavors with barely any effort, this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is your new best friend. Picture melt-in-your-mouth slices of beef soaked in a sweet, savory, and subtly spicy sauce, all made hands-off in your trusty slow cooker. Every bite is infused with ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame—the flavors dance together in classic Korean-inspired harmony. Whether you pile it atop steaming rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or spoon it over noodles, this dish delivers comfort and excitement in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how this cozy, umami-packed meal comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh favorites. Each ingredient in the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe plays a role in layering rich flavor, tenderness, and a hint of color for that irresistible final dish.
- Flank steak or chuck roast (2 pounds, thinly sliced): Choose well-marbled cuts for beef that cooks up tender and soaks in all that mouthwatering sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (½ cup): Delivers that deep, salty base while letting you adjust the sodium to your liking or keep it gluten-free if needed.
- Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that balances the savory and keeps the beef juicy and glossy.
- Sesame oil (¼ cup): Infuses the dish with a nutty, toasty quality that’s quintessential in Korean cuisine.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just enough tang to brighten and balance all the robust flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone; don’t skimp—fresh is always best here!
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brings a gentle zesty warmth that lifts the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): If you love a hint of heat, don’t hesitate to sprinkle some in.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon), mixed with 2 tablespoons water: The classic thickener for glossy, clingy sauce that coats every strand of beef.
- Green onions (4, sliced): For a pop of color, freshness, and gentle bite right at the end.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Gives a gorgeous finishing touch and a little crunch.
- Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect canvas to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by thinly slicing your flank steak or chuck roast against the grain—this step is key for creating super-tender pieces that almost melt when you eat them. Place all the sliced beef right into your slow cooker, nestling the pieces evenly across the bottom so every bite gets its share of sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and, if you’re feeling spicy, those red pepper flakes. This combination creates a deeply savory, glossy sauce that’s equal parts comforting and complex. Take a moment to inhale the aromas—you’ll get a preview of just how good things are about to get.
Step 3: Combine and Start Cooking
Pour that beautiful sauce right over your waiting beef in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or tongs to gently toss and coat all the slices, making sure everything is well covered. Put the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Resist the urge to peek—every minute trapped under that lid equals more tenderness and flavor for your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before it’s done, stir together your cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry. Lift the slow cooker lid, give everything a quick stir to ensure even cooking, then mix in the slurry. This simple step thickens your sauce into something irresistibly glossy and perfect for spooning over rice.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is fork-tender, stir in the sliced green onions for just a touch of sharp crunch and color. Give it a final taste—adjust seasonings if you like—then it’s time to dish up!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Garnishes
No bowl of Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is complete without a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a final flourish of green onions. These simple garnishes deliver crunch, brightness, and a pop of color that make each serving look as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While steamy white rice is a natural match, you can change things up with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter touch. Steamed or quickly sautéed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas fit beautifully here too. They not only add color and nutrition, but happily soak up every bit of saucy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe! Pile the beef into crisp lettuce wraps for a fun hand-held meal, tuck spoonfuls into toasted buns as a Korean spin on sliders, or drape the glossy beef over stir-fried noodles. The flavors are versatile enough to make this dish the star of your next dinner party or a cozy family weeknight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers. The beef and sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or to mix into a new meal later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer, let the beef and sauce cool fully, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. Frozen Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe will keep its taste and texture for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you need a quick, fuss-free dinner.
Reheating
Warm your leftover beef gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, covered, for an ultra-quick meal that keeps all the original tenderness intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak and chuck roast are best for maximum juiciness and flavor, but you can use sirloin or brisket if that’s what you have on hand—just make sure to slice it thinly.
Is the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe spicy?
It’s completely up to you! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can customize the heat level to suit your taste—or skip them altogether if you prefer a milder result.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply swap out soy sauce for tamari, which has all the savory flavor without the gluten. Be sure to double-check your other ingredients, but that quick change keeps this dish gluten-free and delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Toss in some steamed broccoli, carrot ribbons, or snow peas once the beef is done for extra color and nutrition—these veggies pair perfectly with the flavors and help stretch the meal even further.
What other proteins work in this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe?
Chicken thighs or pork shoulder are great alternatives if you’re looking for a change. The sauce is so versatile it shines with a variety of proteins—just adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats.
Final Thoughts
If you crave mouthwatering, flavor-packed dinners with minimal hands-on time, this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe checks every box. It’s a dish that feels special enough to serve to company but easy enough for a busy weeknight. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a flavorful family dinner. Tender slices of beef are cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, creating a satisfying meal when served over rice.
Ingredients
Beef:
- 2 pounds flank steak or chuck roast (thinly sliced)
Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening Agent:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish and Serving:
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Place the beef in the slow cooker: Add the thinly sliced beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the beef and mix well.
- Cook the beef: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Once thickened, add the green onions. Serve the beef over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in steamed broccoli, carrots, or snow peas before serving.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken or pork.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup beef with sauce (not including rice)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
