If you’re craving something that perfectly balances rich, tender beef with the explosive flavors of Korean cuisine, then this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe will become your new go-to comfort meal. It’s a brilliant combination of savory and slightly sweet elements that meld beautifully after slow cooking, delivering melt-in-your-mouth beef with a luscious, sticky sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker fan or trying Korean flavors for the first time, this recipe is a game-changer you’ll want to share with friends and family over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is a breeze thanks to simple yet powerful ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the beef to building layers of flavor and color that make this dish truly memorable.
- 2 lbs chuck roast (trimmed and cut into cubes): The star of the dish providing hearty, well-marbled beef that becomes tender with slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a lovely texture when browned.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a robust garlic flavor that infuses the meat deeply.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Boosts that unmistakable nutty aroma quintessential to Korean dishes.
- 2 tablespoons chopped ginger: Fresh ginger introduces warmth and zing, balancing the richness.
- ½ cup scallions (whites and greens separated): Whites are cooked with aromatics; greens garnish the finished dish providing freshness and crunch.
- 5 garlic cloves (chopped): Fresh garlic rounds out the flavor with pungency and savory depth.
- 1 cup applesauce (apple-pear recommended): Naturally sweet and fruity, it tenderizes and adds moisture.
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone that also delivers umami complexity.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to help balance the sweet and savory.
- 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce: The Korean chili paste that provides gentle heat and smokiness—adjust based on spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon sweetener (coconut sugar suggested): Enhances caramelization and rounds out the flavors.
- Black and white sesame seeds: Final touch for toasty, nutty crunch and gorgeous visual appeal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef
Start by tossing your cubed chuck roast in cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder, which will give a subtle crust and help thicken the sauce later. Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches so it gets a beautiful caramelized color. This step is crucial—don’t rush it! Browning seals in the juices and adds that irresistible depth of flavor to your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, warm the sesame oil gently in a skillet and add the chopped ginger, scallion whites, and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and aromatic—this builds the foundational flavors that will steep into the beef during slow cooking. The sizzling of these aromatics is like the promise of the delicious meal to come!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Slow Cook
In your slow cooker, layer the browned beef and pour over the mixture of sautéed aromatics combined with applesauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sweetener. This sauce mixture is going to transform your beef into a tender, flavor-packed delight. Set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours (or high for 4 if you’re short on time) and let all those complex, savory, sweet, and spicy flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
When the cooking time is up, your kitchen will smell heavenly. Pile the beef onto plates or bowls, then sprinkle with scallion greens and sesame seeds for texture and color. Drizzle a little extra gochujang or Korean BBQ sauce on top for that perfect final kick. This finishing touch takes the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe to the next level and makes it irresistible.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallion greens and a scatter of black and white sesame seeds are the classic garnishes that bring a bright crunch and nutty aroma to every bite. A light drizzle of extra gochujang adds a lively pop of heat for those who love a bit more spice. These simple additions turn a home-cooked slow cooker meal into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice is a classic choice, soaking up all that incredible sauce. For a lower-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach. Even kimchi or a crisp cucumber salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Use the shredded beef in lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fresh, hand-held delight. Or pile it on top of a baked sweet potato, then sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds for a unique and hearty meal. You can even toss the beef into fried rice or noodles for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the flavors deepen over time, it often tastes even better the next day! Just be sure to cool it quickly and store it properly to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to stash away some of this deliciousness for later, freezing is your friend. Place cooled beef with sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up without losing the wonderful flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just adjust cooking times as needed to reach that fork-tender perfection typical of the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe.
Is gochujang sauce very spicy?
Gochujang has a mild to medium heat level with a bit of sweetness and smokiness. You can adjust the amount used according to your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 ½ tablespoons and add more after tasting.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté mode to brown the beef and cook aromatics, then combine everything and pressure cook on high for about 45 minutes, followed by a natural release. Just remember, the flavor might not deepen quite as much as in the slow cooker, but it’s a great time-saver.
What can I substitute for applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, you can use mashed ripe pear, peach preserves, or even finely grated apple. These options provide the needed sweetness and moisture, essential to tenderizing the beef and balancing the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
The Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is beef-centric, but you can create a similar flavor profile using hearty mushrooms or jackfruit as a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth in place of beef and adjust cooking times for the alternative ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser packed with warm, bold Korean flavors that comfort and satisfy. It’s the perfect recipe to set and forget on busy days, then come home to a meal that feels like it was made with lots of love and care. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again to share with everyone you know.
Print
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful chunks of chuck roast simmered in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Featuring traditional Korean flavors like gochujang, ginger, and garlic, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The slow cooking method ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with rich umami, garnished with fresh scallions and sesame seeds for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 lbs chuck roast (trimmed and cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sautéed Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons ginger (chopped)
- ½ cup scallions (about 4 large scallions, whites chopped, greens reserved for garnish)
- 5 garlic cloves (chopped)
Sauce
- 1 cup applesauce (apple-pear if possible)
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce (Korean BBQ sauce or chili garlic sauce, plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon sweetener of your choice (coconut sugar recommended)
Garnish
- Black and white sesame seeds
- Scallion greens
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Toss the chuck roast cubes with cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and lightly spray with oil. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a small skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped ginger, white parts of scallions, and chopped garlic. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes, until fragrant and aromatic.
- Combine Sauce and Cook: In a bowl, mix together applesauce, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang sauce, and your preferred sweetener. Stir in the sautéed ginger, scallions, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the browned beef in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is fork tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle with the reserved scallion greens and black and white sesame seeds. Drizzle with extra gochujang or Korean BBQ sauce to taste before serving. Enjoy this delicious Korean-inspired slow cooker beef over steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For best flavor, brown the beef thoroughly to develop deep caramelization before slow cooking.
- Adjust gochujang quantity to control spice level according to taste.
- Applesauce adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the beef; apple-pear variety enhances flavor.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
