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Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Slow Cooker Korean Beef: Savory Comfort for Busy Nights

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a savory comfort dish perfect for busy nights, combining tender beef with rich, aromatic flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef
  • 3-4 lbs Boneless beef short ribs or chuck roast Choose cuts with marbling for extra tenderness.
Aromatics
  • 1 large Yellow onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth; shallots can be a milder substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh ginger, grated Brings warmth; consider powdered ginger for convenience.
  • 6-8 cloves Fresh garlic, minced Enhances aroma; pre-minced garlic works in a pinch.
Sauce
  • 1 cup Low-sodium soy sauce Provides umami; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
  • ½ cup Light brown sugar, packed Balances savory elements; use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
  • ¼ cup Rice vinegar, not seasoned Adds acidity; apple cider vinegar can substitute.
  • ¼ cup Toasted sesame oil Imparts a nutty flavor; olive oil serves as a reduced-quantity substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Gochujang Adds a mild kick; omit for a milder flavor or use sriracha instead.
  • 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup Additional sweetness; agave nectar works too.
  • ½ tsp Black pepper, freshly ground Elevates the overall flavor profile.
Thickening (Optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp Cornstarch Use for a richer sauce texture.
  • 2-3 tbsp Cold water Creates a slurry to thicken the sauce.
Garnishing
  • 4-5 Green onions, thinly sliced Adds freshness and color; perfect for a pop of flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds Offers texture and visual appeal.
  • Red pepper flakes Optional; sprinkle for extra heat, if desired.
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped A fresh finish to brighten the dish.

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Step 1: Prepare Beef & Aromatics - Trim excess fat from the beef and cut into 2-inch chunks. Chop the onion into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Step 2: Sear Beef - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to slow cooker with chopped onion.
  3. Step 3: Prepare Korean Sauce - In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, gochujang, honey, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Combine & Cook - Pour sauce over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
  5. Step 5: Shred Beef & Thicken Sauce - Remove beef, shred it, and optionally mix cornstarch with water to thicken the sauce in the slow cooker.
  6. Step 6: Finish & Serve - Return shredded beef to sauce, stir to coat, and serve over rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, marinate beef overnight in the sauce for deeper flavor and ensure to sear the beef for enhanced taste.

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