Who doesn’t love a dish that’s loaded with flavors, easy to make, and loved by everyone in the family? Today, we’re diving into the world of Slow Cooker Korean Beef. This recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and deliver a delicious meal beautifully balanced with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic novice, this recipe will become a staple in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chuck roast
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by creating your marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Mix well until the brown sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are fully integrated. This marinade is the essence of your dish, infusing layers of flavor into the beef as it slow cooks.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
Take your chuck roast and trim any excess fat. Cut the beef into large chunks, about 2 inches in size. This helps the soy-based marinade penetrate more effectively, ensuring that every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to ensure that the beef is well-coated in the marinade. This step allows the meat to soak up all the delicious aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the beef for 6-8 hours. The slow, gentle heat transforms the beef into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight. If you’re pressed for time, you could set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours, though a slower cook tends to yield the best results.
Step 5: Finish with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds
Once the cooking time is up, add chopped green onions directly into the cooker and stir. The heat will slightly wilt the onions, intensifying their flavor. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch, visual appeal, and extra nutty notes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Serve your Korean beef over a bowl of steaming white jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Complement your dish with a side of kimchi for a truly authentic Korean dining experience!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For deeper flavors, let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before slow cooking. Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your spice preference—start with less if you’re sensitive to heat. Serve the beef with sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
High Protein Korean Beef: Power Up Your Dish
If you’re looking to amp up the protein content of this dish, consider adding extra lean cuts of beef or mixing in some cubed tofu. You can also serve it alongside steamed edamame beans to complement the dish while delivering more protein.
Low Carb Asian Delight: Slow Cooker Korean Beef
To keep this dish low in carbs, swap regular soy sauce for a low-sodium, sugar-free version and use stevia or monk fruit in place of brown sugar. Serve the Korean beef on a bed of cauliflower rice for a hearty meal that aligns with low-carb diets.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Korean beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
FAQs
- Can I use another type of beef? Yes, sirloin or flank steak are great alternatives and cook well in a slow cooker.
- Is gochujang necessary? Gochujang is essential for authentic Korean flavor, but you can substitute with cayenne and paprika in a pinch.
- What can I serve with Korean beef? Some great sides include steamed veggies, pickled cucumbers, or a fresh green salad.
- How can I enhance the flavors? Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end of cooking makes the flavors more vibrant.
- Can I make this spicier? Absolutely, just increase the gochujang and add some sliced chili peppers.
Summing Up Your Flavorsome Korean Adventure
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef is more than just a meal—it’s a journey to the heart of Korea from the comfort of your kitchen. If you love this recipe as much as I think you will, be sure to share it with your friends and leave a comment about how it turned out for you!
Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chuck roast
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- sesame oil
- rice vinegar
- garlic
- ginger
- gochujang
- beef broth
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Prepare the chuck roast by trimming excess fat and cutting into 2-inch chunks.
- Place beef in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat.
- Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours until beef is tender.
- Add green onions and stir to incorporate just before serving, garnish with sesame seeds.