Few dishes are as satisfying as a hearty plate of tender beef coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. If you love bold flavors with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine the aroma of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil mingling with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, slowly simmering all day until the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Slow cooker recipes are lifesavers for busy households, and this Korean beef recipe is no exception. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your home with an irresistible scent and delivers big on flavor with almost zero hands-on time. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for meal prep, or just craving a cozy, hearty dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s versatile, comforting, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Recipe Overview
Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chuck beef with a rich sauce made of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Cooked low and slow, the beef absorbs all the savory-sweet flavors, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. A quick cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to perfection, creating a glossy, restaurant-style finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is a hands-off way to enjoy authentic Korean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup beef stock
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 kilogram chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add the diced onion, crushed garlic, minced ginger, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, and red chili flakes. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the flavors are evenly mixed.
2. Add the Beef
Place the beef cubes into the slow cooker, tossing them gently to coat each piece with the sauce. Make sure all the beef is submerged in the flavorful mixture for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Tip: For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for several hours, until the beef is fork-tender. The low-and-slow method ensures the beef becomes succulent and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour it into the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate it into the sauce.
5. Finish Cooking
Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This step ensures the perfect consistency for serving over rice or noodles.
6. Serve
Scoop the Slow Cooker Korean Beef over steamed rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra touch of authenticity and color.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Cut of Beef
- Chuck beef is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful.
- Short ribs or brisket can also be used for a richer, fattier option.
2. Spice Adjustments
- Increase the red chili flakes or add a splash of gochujang for more heat and an authentic Korean flavor.
- For a milder version, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.
3. Sweetness Level
- Adjust the brown sugar to taste. Coconut sugar or honey can also be substituted for a slightly different sweetness profile.
4. Serving Ideas
- Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
5. Make Ahead
- This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Korean beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for 3 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
- Reheating: Reheat on medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of water or beef stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
For serving, this dish is perfect over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome, balanced meal. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil to enhance flavor and presentation.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors, cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. This dish is a simple yet impressive way to enjoy Korean-inspired flavors at home, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week, it’s a versatile recipe that satisfies cravings and pleases a crowd.
With the rich sauce and tender beef, every bite is a delightful balance of flavors. Whether served over rice, noodles, or veggies, this slow cooker dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, short ribs or brisket work well, but chuck beef remains the most tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
2. Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add more red chili flakes or a teaspoon of gochujang to intensify the heat.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
5. What should I serve with it?
Steamed rice, noodles, or roasted/steamed vegetables complement the flavors beautifully.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef is tender, flavorful, and easy to make. Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, this melt-in-your-mouth dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
