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Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Korean Beef Everyone Will Love

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This Slow Cooker Korean Beef is rich in flavor and unbelievably tender, perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 3-4 lbs Boneless beef short ribs or chuck roast Perfect for tender, flavorful results
For the Aromatics
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil Adds richness when searing
  • 1 large Yellow onion, chopped Adds a sweet base; can substitute with shallots
  • 2 tbsp Fresh ginger, grated Infuses warmth and spice
  • 6-8 cloves Fresh garlic, minced Provides aromatic essence; can use garlic powder as a substitute
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Low-sodium soy sauce Key flavoring agent providing umami
  • ½ cup Light brown sugar Adds sweetness and caramelization
  • ¼ cup Rice vinegar Balances sweetness with acidity
  • ¼ cup Toasted sesame oil Essential for authentic flavor
  • 1 tbsp Gochujang, optional Offers delightful heat
  • 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup, optional Provides sweetness
  • ½ tsp Black pepper, freshly ground Adds a hint of spice
For Thickening (Optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp Cornstarch Helps thicken the sauce
  • 2-3 tbsp Cold water Needed for mixing with cornstarch
For Garnishing
  • 4-5 Green onions, thinly sliced Adds freshness and color
  • 2 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds Adds crunch and visual appeal
  • Red pepper flakes, optional Provides extra heat
  • Fresh cilantro, optional Adds refreshing touch

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by trimming excess fat from your beef short ribs or chuck roast, then cut the meat into 2-inch chunks.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a rich brown crust.
  3. Transfer the browned beef and chopped onion into your slow cooker.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add ginger, minced garlic, gochujang, honey, and black pepper; mix well.
  5. Pour the sauce over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Stir to coat the beef.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  7. Once done, shred the beef and mix cornstarch with cold water if thickening. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened.
  8. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker, fold into the sauce, adjust seasoning, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and offers delightful leftovers.

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