Name: Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 pounds Chuck Beef (Can substitute with brisket or short ribs.); 1 medium Onion (Diced; yellow or white preferred.); 4 cloves Garlic (Crushed, fresh is best.); 2 tablespoons Ginger (Minced fresh or ground as a substitute.); 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low-sodium recommended.); 1/4 cup Rice Wine Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can be substituted.); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Can use honey or maple syrup.); 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (Neutral oil can be a substitute.); 1 cup Beef Stock (Chicken stock is a lighter alternative.); 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (Gochujang is a great alternative.); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Arrowroot or tapioca starch can be used.); 1/4 cup Water (Used to make slurry.); 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Sliced before serving.); 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Sprinkle for added texture.)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a fantastic dish that brings the rich, savory flavors of Korean cuisine right into your home. It’s perfect for busy days when you still want a delicious homemade meal. This recipe is easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. The tender beef melts in your mouth, and the combination of ingredients creates a sauce that is bursting with flavor. You’ll impress your family and friends with this dish without spending hours in the kitchen!

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Ingredients:

2 pounds Chuck Beef (Can substitute with brisket or short ribs.)
1 medium Onion (Diced; yellow or white preferred.)
4 cloves Garlic (Crushed, fresh is best.)
2 tablespoons Ginger (Minced fresh or ground as a substitute.)
1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low-sodium recommended.)
1/4 cup Rice Wine Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can be substituted.)
1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Can use honey or maple syrup.)
2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (Neutral oil can be a substitute.)
1 cup Beef Stock (Chicken stock is a lighter alternative.)
1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (Gochujang is a great alternative.)
2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Arrowroot or tapioca starch can be used.)
1/4 cup Water (Used to make slurry.)
2 tablespoons Green Onions (Sliced before serving.)
1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Sprinkle for added texture.)

Directions:

Start by cutting the chuck beef into large chunks.
Place the beef in the slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, and minced ginger on top of the beef.
In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, beef stock, and red chili flakes. Pour this mixture over the beef.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Once cooked, take out the beef and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
Return the beef to the slow cooker to warm through.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Serve your Korean beef over cooked rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation. This dish goes great with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad.

How to Store Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or heat it on the stove until warmed through. You can also freeze the beef for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef

For extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef overnight in the sauce before cooking.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes depending on your preference.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired consistency.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them tender.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use brisket or short ribs if you prefer. These cuts will also work well with slow cooking.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make it in a pot on the stove. Just simmer the ingredients on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.

3. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Korean Beef?
It goes well with rice, noodles, or even in a sandwich. You might also consider serving it with kimchi or steamed vegetables for a more authentic meal.