Craving for a comforting dish that cooks itself while you go about your day? Enter the slow cooker Korean beef—a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. This dish is not just an easy dinner option but also a delightful experience of Korean cuisines in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Sesame seeds for garnishing
- Sliced green onions for garnishing
- Cooked rice, for serving
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef – Step By Step
Step 1:
Trim any excess fat off the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks. This will help ensure the beef cooks evenly and absorbs more flavors from the sauce during the slow cooking process. Once cut, place the beef at the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading it out evenly to ensure an even cook.
Step 2:
Prepare the sauce in a separate mixing bowl. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar has dissolved completely. The combination of these ingredients creates a sauce rich in depth and complexity of flavor, quintessential for Korean beef.
Step 3:
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Add the beef broth to add some moisture, which aids in tenderizing the beef. Stir well to combine all the elements. The slow cooker will bring out the best flavors as the beef tenderizes over the hours.
Step 4:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The longer and slower the cook, the more tender the beef will be. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid in the cooker, adding a dash of broth if it seems dry.
Step 5:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Replace the lid and let it cook until the sauce is rich and hearty.
Step 6:
Serve the Korean beef over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These add a fresh crunch and enhance the flavors with a nutty aroma from the sesame seeds.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Serving slow cooker Korean beef is as delightful as preparing it. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh twist. Pair it with a bowl of steamed rice or cauli rice for a low-carb option. This dish complements traditional Korean side dishes such as kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic dining experience.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- Choose a marbled beef cut like chuck roast for extra tenderness.
- For a spicier dish, add Korean chili paste (gochujang) or red pepper flakes.
- If the sauce is too salty, balance it with a touch more brown sugar or some water.
Packed with Protein: High-Protein Korean Beef Delight
For those focusing on macronutrients, this high-protein version is heaven-sent. Simply increase the beef to 3 lbs and reduce the sugar slightly to maintain lean gains. This dish then becomes not only a treat for your taste buds but also an ally for muscle repair and growth. Savory, juicy, and brimming with nourishment, this high-protein version won’t disappoint the fitness aficionados.
Low Carb Korean Heaven: Savor the Flavor
Carb-conscious cooks rejoice! Replace the rice with a bed of cauliflower rice to make this a low-carb dream. Reducing or swapping brown sugar for a sugar alternative like erythritol will take it one step further for those strict on carbs. The tender, flavorful beef, with all its rich sauce, remains the star of the show.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Korean beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight bags for up to three months. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
- Can the beef be cooked on high? Yes, cooking on high will take about 4-5 hours.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding carrots or broccoli when there is about an hour of cook time left.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? Add more cornstarch mixed with cold water towards the end of cooking.
- Is there a substitute for brown sugar? You can opt for honey or use a brown sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
- What type of beef is best? Chuck roast works great due to its marbling, which becomes tender over slow cooking.
End Your Day with Flavorful Delight: Craft, Share, and Enjoy!
This slow cooker Korean beef recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Why not make it part of dinner tonight? Share your experiences and memories tied to this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to pass this delightful recipe to fellow food lovers!
Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck roast
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- sesame oil
- ginger
- garlic
- beef broth
- cornstarch
- water
- sesame seeds
- green onions
- cooked rice
Instructions
Steps
- Trim any excess fat off the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks. Place in slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Pour sauce over beef in slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add to slow cooker to thicken sauce.
- Serve over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.