There’s something about the way slow cooker Korean beef fills the kitchen that makes waiting feel worthwhile. The aroma of garlic and ginger mingling with soy sauce seeps into every corner, pulling you in with quiet promises of a meal that’s both rich and effortless. I remember one evening when I was juggling a few too many things, and this dish was my saving grace. The beef cooked slowly, so I didn’t have to hover, and when I finally sat down, the first bite was this perfect moment—warm, tender, just a little sticky with sauce. I might have burned my tongue, actually, because I dove in too fast, but it was worth it. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug after a day that didn’t quite go as planned.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can focus on other things or just relax.
- The balance of sweet, salty, and a hint of heat creates a complex flavor that doesn’t overwhelm.
- It’s flexible — you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just satisfying comfort.
- It takes time, but not your attention, which is a tradeoff that works for busy nights.
If you’re hesitant about slow cooking, this recipe is forgiving. Even if you leave it a bit longer, the beef stays tender and the sauce thickens nicely. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, which is always a win.
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Slow Cooker Korean Beef
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A flavorful and tender slow cooker Korean beef recipe made with thinly sliced beef, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect served over steamed rice or noodles for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds thinly sliced beef chuck roast
1 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons cold water
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Place the thinly sliced beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
About 15 minutes before serving, remove 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and place it in a small bowl.
In the small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the reserved cooking liquid, then pour the mixture back into the slow cooker.
Turn the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir the beef to coat it well with the thickened sauce.
Serve the Korean beef over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy to make this work—just a slow cooker and a few basic tools. I usually serve it over steamed rice, but sometimes I’ve tossed it with noodles or spooned it over roasted veggies when I’m feeling a bit lazy. If you like it spicier, a few extra red pepper flakes can do the trick, though I haven’t tested exact amounts, so go easy at first. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top—makes a big difference in texture and flavor, trust me. Sometimes I even add a splash of rice vinegar at the end for a subtle tang, but that’s just me experimenting.
FAQ:
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Thinly sliced chuck roast works best for tenderness, but you can try other cuts that shred well, just expect slight texture differences.
Is it possible to make this on the stove?
Yes, but you’ll need to watch it closely and adjust cooking times. The slow cooker’s magic is in the gentle, long cook.
How spicy is it?
It has a mild kick from crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust to your taste.
Give this slow cooker Korean beef a try next time you want dinner to be both comforting and hands-off. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to sit down, slow down, and savor every bite.