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
Scale
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.
