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If you crave a delicious, comforting dish that practically melts in your mouth and bursts with bold, savory-sweet flavors, you absolutely need to try this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe. This recipe takes classic Korean flavors and marries them with incredibly tender, slow-cooked beef, creating a meal that’s impressively simple but feels incredibly special. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to set it and forget it, then come home to a hearty feast that will wow everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is simpler than you might think, and each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the punchy garlic and ginger to the rich soy sauce and sweet brown sugar, everything balances beautifully.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor as it slowly cooks down.
- Garlic, crushed: Brings that unmistakable aroma and savory kick that makes Korean dishes so irresistible.
- Ginger, minced: Offers a bright, slightly spicy freshness that complements the beef perfectly.
- Rice wine vinegar: A touch of acidity that brightens the overall dish and balances the sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty, toasted aroma that enhances the authentic Korean taste.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone that gives the beef its signature umami richness.
- Beef stock: Adds body and moisture to keep the beef juicy and tender during the slow cooking.
- Brown sugar: Introduces a caramelizing sweetness that perfectly contrasts the salty and spicy flavors.
- Red chili flakes: For just the right amount of heat to awaken the palate without overpowering the dish.
- Chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes: The ideal cut for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful as it simmers.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious, glossy finish.
- Water: Combined with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Flavor Base
Start by layering the foundation of this delicious Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe in your 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 everything thoroughly so that the flavors start mingling right from the beginning. This mixture is the heart of the dish, creating a vibrant sauce that will soak deeply into the beef as it cooks.
Step 2: Add and Coat the Beef
Next, add your bite-sized chuck beef cubes directly into the slow cooker. Use a spoon or tongs to make sure each morsel of beef is generously coated in the flavorful sauce mixture. This ensures every bite bursts with that signature Korean-inspired taste that makes this recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low heat and let everything simmer for about 8 hours. This slow and gentle cooking transforms the beef into tender, shreddable pieces while allowing the rich sauce to infuse deeply into every fiber of the meat. This patient step is what turns a simple meal into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Prepare the Thickening Slurry
As your beef reaches melting tenderness, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until you have a smooth paste. This classic technique will help thicken the sauce and give it that beautiful, sticky glaze that clings perfectly to the beef chunks.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir it gently into the sauce. Then, increase the heat setting to high and let the sauce cook for an additional 30 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens, developing an enticing, glossy finish that will elevate this dish to next-level deliciousness.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is irresistible in tenderness, it’s time to serve your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe. Ladle it over fluffy steamed rice or noodles to soak up every drop of that savory-sweet sauce and enjoy the harmony of flavors in every bite. Trust me, this is a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can instantly brighten the dish. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to enhance the nutty notes, and add some chopped green onions for a fresh, mild crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender beef. If you love a little extra kick, a few thin slices of fresh chili peppers are a fantastic touch.
Side Dishes
This Korean beef tastes incredible alongside simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Steamed jasmine or sticky rice is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up that rich sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a crunchy Asian slaw for a refreshing balance. Even some soft, steamed bao buns would make a fun, indulgent pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or shake up your weeknight dinner routine, try serving the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe in lettuce wraps with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a playful finger food option. You can also pile it into bibimbap bowls with assorted veggies and a fried egg on top for an authentic Korean-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is a dream to store. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making your next meal just as exciting as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, perfect for meal prepping or saving for a busy day. Portion the cooled beef and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy a comforting Korean-inspired dinner at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Warm the beef gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. Adding a splash of beef stock or water while reheating can keep the sauce silky smooth and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck beef is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after long cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs if you prefer, as they also become wonderfully tender in a slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes! The red chili flakes add a mild heat, but for a spicier kick, you can add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or extra chili flakes to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
You can adapt it for an Instant Pot by using the slow cooker function or pressure cooking for about 45 minutes, allowing for quicker results without sacrificing tenderness.
What can I use instead of rice wine vinegar?
If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, a mild white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute, just use a little less since they may be more potent.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily shredded. It should soak up the sauce and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, typically after about 8 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is like inviting an explosion of comforting, bold flavors into your home with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish to impress your loved ones or satisfy your own cravings for something warm and deeply satisfying. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your go-to for a soulful Korean-inspired meal that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
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Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe features tender, flavorful chuck beef simmered low and slow in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Enhanced with a touch of chili flakes for subtle heat and thickened to perfection, this recipe is an effortless, comforting dish perfect for serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 1kg (2.2 lb) chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
Thickening Slurry
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine 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 ingredients evenly.
- Add Beef: Place bite-sized chuck beef cubes into the slow cooker. Use a spoon or tongs to coat the beef evenly with the sauce, ensuring all pieces are well-covered for maximum flavor.
- Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the beef mixture for 8 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded, allowing deep flavor penetration.
- Prepare Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water into a smooth paste. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir into the sauce. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Serve: Once the beef is tender and sauce thickened, serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious, savory meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the red chili flakes.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or kimchi for a complete Korean-inspired meal.
