Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish that captures the essence of Korean cuisine with minimal effort. Tender beef simmered in a flavorful sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of spice makes for a melt-in-your-mouth meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful dinner that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. The best part? It requires very little hands-on time.

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Korean Beef
2 lbs chuck roast, cut into bite-size pieces

For the Sauce
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp Sriracha, or more to taste

For Serving
1-2 tbsp cornstarch
Green onions, if desired
Sesame seeds, if desired

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and Sriracha. Adjust the Sriracha to your desired spice level.
3. Combine the Beef and Sauce: Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and stir to combine, ensuring the beef is well-coated.
4. Cook the Beef: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, remove the beef and set it aside. To thicken the sauce, whisk the cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Return the beef to the slow cooker, stir to combine, and serve over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings.
• Time: Total cook time is approximately 6-8 hours on low in the slow cooker. Prep time is about 10-15 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to make it as spicy or mild as you like. You can also add chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Cut of Beef: If you prefer a different cut, you can substitute the chuck roast with brisket or short ribs for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

This Slow Cooker Korean Beef stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The beef can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if necessary to keep the sauce from thickening too much. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use beef stew meat instead of chuck roast?

Yes, you can use beef stew meat, but chuck roast is typically more tender and flavorful after slow cooking, so it’s the preferred cut for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe without the slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this on the stovetop. Brown the beef in a large pot, then add the sauce ingredients and simmer on low for about 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar by half or replace it with a lower-sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener.

How do I make this spicier?

To increase the heat, simply add more Sriracha or stir in some chili flakes to the sauce before cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. They will soften and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?

Yes, but using regular soy sauce will make the dish saltier. If you do, you may want to reduce the amount of soy sauce or add a bit of water to balance it out.

What kind of rice should I serve this with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice. You could also serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef is done when it is fork-tender and shreds easily. You can check by using a fork to pull apart a piece of beef. If it separates easily, it’s ready!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner. With its tender beef and rich sauce, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it on a bed of rice or alongside your favorite vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a delicious, hands-off meal!

Print