Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, deeply flavorful dinner that feels both exotic and downright cozy, you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe. This dish transforms humble chuck beef into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece infused with savory soy, fragrant sesame, a touch of sweetness, and just the right hint of spice. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, delivering a rich, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to each bite of juicy beef. It’s a fantastic way to bring Korean-inspired flavors to your table without sweat or fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe plays a vital role in creating that harmonious blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes. They’re simple pantry staples, but together they build an unforgettable sauce and texture that’s the heart of the dish.

  • Onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the sauce as it slowly cooks down.
  • Garlic, crushed: Infuses the beef with an aromatic pungency that wakes up the taste buds.
  • Ginger, minced: Offers a warm, zesty undertone essential to Korean flavors.
  • Rice wine vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the richness of the beef.
  • Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma that’s unmistakably Korean and deeply satisfying.
  • Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the dish, packed with umami to enhance the meat.
  • Beef stock: Enriches the liquid base, making the sauce luscious and full-bodied.
  • Brown sugar: Balances the savory with a mellow caramel sweetness.
  • Red chili flakes: Delivers a gentle kick of heat to keep things exciting.
  • Chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes: The ideal cut for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy.
  • Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a beautiful glaze.
  • Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Aromatics and Sauce Ingredients

Start by adding the diced onion, crushed garlic, minced ginger, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, and red chili flakes into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to marry these flavors together right from the start. This mix sets the stage for all the magic to come.

Step 2: Add the Beef and Coat it Thoroughly

Next, add the bite-sized chuck beef cubes into the slow cooker. Use a spoon or tongs to coat each piece evenly with the sauce mixture. It’s important to ensure every chunk of beef is drenched in this delicious marinade so it absorbs all those complex flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef to Tender Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. This long, gentle cooking process transforms the beef into incredibly tender morsels that pull apart with a fork. Meanwhile, the sauce reduces and intensifies, soaking deep into the meat.

Step 4: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

While the beef is finishing up, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. This slurry will help you thicken the sauce once the beef is perfectly cooked, giving it that gorgeous, glossy finish.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir it evenly through the sauce. Change the setting to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce become shiny and luscious, clinging beautifully to every piece of beef.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is thickened and tender, it’s time to serve! Spoon the rich, flavorful beef over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Dive in and savor how the sweet, salty, and spicy notes come together perfectly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To make your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe sing even louder, don’t skip the garnishes. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma, while thinly sliced green onions brighten the dish with fresh, sharp bites. For a little extra zing, add some fresh cilantro or a drizzle of sriracha if you love heat.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crunchy Asian slaw to add texture and freshness, balancing the rich beef beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Try wrapping the Korean beef in crisp lettuce leaves for a hands-on meal. It’s like a Korean-inspired taco experience that’s fun and light. Or, pile the beef over a bowl of noodles, and top with a soft-boiled egg and chili oil for an elevated, restaurant-style dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop and deepen, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more so—as the first serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the beef in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace as the sauce may expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture tender and the sauce rich.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or beef stock can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the beef tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck beef is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just make sure the cut is suitable for longer, slow cooking to achieve the best tender and flavorful results.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy or milder?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red chili flakes or adding fresh chili peppers. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes; for more heat, increase them or add a spicy sauce like gochujang.

Can I prepare this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe in advance?

Definitely! This recipe actually benefits from making ahead since the flavors meld beautifully over time. You can prep everything the night before and then start the slow cooker in the morning for a fresh meal when you get home.

What are some gluten-free substitutes for soy sauce in this recipe?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to traditional soy sauce. They offer a similar umami flavor and blend seamlessly into the sauce without compromising taste.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. Cooking time may extend slightly, so monitor the beef’s tenderness and adjust the cooking duration as needed.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like coming home to the warm, inviting smell of this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe gently bubbling away. It’s truly a gift to your dinner table—effortless to prepare, bursting with soul-satisfying flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your weeknight favorites for good!

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Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Korean

Description

This Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that simmers for hours to develop rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Featuring tender chuck beef cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of chili, this recipe is perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight meal served over steamed rice or noodles.


Ingredients

Beef and Sauce

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 tsp garlic, crushed
  • 2 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp sesame oil
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup beef stock
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 kg (2.2 lb) chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes

Thickening Slurry

  • 3 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 Tbsp water


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a slow cooker, combine the diced onion, crushed garlic, minced ginger, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, and red chili flakes. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors evenly.
  2. Add the Beef: Place the bite-sized chuck beef cubes into the slow cooker and toss them in the sauce to ensure every piece is coated for maximum flavor during cooking.
  3. Slow Cook the Beef: Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the beef cook for 8 hours until it becomes tender and easy to shred, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
  4. Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stir to combine, then increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a rich, glossy consistency.
  6. Serve: Once thickened and tender, serve the Korean beef hot over steamed rice or noodles to enjoy a savory, slightly sweet, and comforting meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
  • This dish can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, increase red chili flakes or add a dash of gochujang.
  • The cornstarch slurry ensures a perfect, glossy sauce that clings to the beef.

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