Name: Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h 30 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 onion, diced; 3 teaspoons garlic, crushed; 2 teaspoons ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; ½ cup soy sauce; ½ cup beef stock; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary adventure, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is pure magic. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth beef, luxuriously glazed in a sweet, savory, and gently spiced sauce, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This recipe truly embodies “set it and forget it” convenience, yet the complex flavors rival any takeout favorite. Whether you’re serving it over a big bowl of steamed rice or nestling it in lettuce wraps, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is an absolute weeknight game-changer you’ll turn to again and again.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing those iconic Korean flavors in this recipe. Each one plays a unique role—balancing salt, sweetness, heat, and umami—all working together to create slow-cooked perfection that tastes like you toiled for hours, even if your slow cooker does most of the work.

Onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a soft, savory backbone to the sauce as it cooks down.
Garlic, crushed: Infuses the beef with aromatic richness and that classic garlicky punch.
Ginger, minced: Brightens everything up and gives the dish a gentle zing that’s so distinctive in Korean cuisine.
Rice wine vinegar: Provides essential acidity that cuts through the richness and balances the flavors.
Sesame oil: Gives a wonderful nutty aroma and adds depth to the overall profile.
Soy sauce: Delivers a deep umami flavor and that crave-worthy saltiness.
Beef stock: Enriches the sauce and keeps the beef moist and succulent during its long, slow cook.
Brown sugar: Contributes a caramelized sweetness that plays beautifully with the savory notes.
Red chili flakes: Lend just enough gentle heat to make things interesting, but not overpowering.
Chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes: The marbled texture of chuck becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end, giving it that luscious, glossy finish.
Water: Mixed with the cornstarch for the final thickening touch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by combining the diced onion, crushed garlic, and minced ginger right in your slow cooker. These aromatics lay down the foundation, infusing the sauce with bold, fragrant notes that will only deepen as everything cooks together. Give them a quick stir so they’re evenly distributed.

Step 2: Mix in the Sauces and Seasonings

Next, pour in the rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef stock, and brown sugar. Sprinkle in the red chili flakes for a touch of warmth. Stir everything thoroughly to combine—the mixture should be glossy and smell incredible even at this early stage.

Step 3: Add the Beef

Now, nestle the beef cubes into the sauce, turning them gently so they’re fully coated. The beef will soak up all those amazing flavors as it cooks, transforming into beautifully tender, flavorful bites. Make sure everything is submerged in sauce for the best results.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours. Let the magic happen while you go about your day! The low, slow heat is the secret to achieving that fall-apart texture that makes Slow Cooker Korean Beef so irresistible.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

After the beef is perfectly tender, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker, stir gently, and switch the heat to high. Cook for an additional 30 minutes—this step gives you that glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that beautifully coats every piece of beef.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the luscious, saucy beef onto plates (or bowls of rice!), and get ready for rave reviews. Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like a little garnish. Your Slow Cooker Korean Beef is ready to impress!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Garnishes

The finishing touches can take your Slow Cooker Korean Beef from delicious to downright dazzling. Try a handful of sliced green onions, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few ribbons of red chili for a burst of color and subtle crunch. These simple garnishes add extra freshness and texture to each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up every drop of that gorgeous sauce. For a more traditional spread, offer some kimchi, sautéed spinach, or lightly pickled cucumbers on the side—all classic accompaniments that balance the richness of the beef. Don’t shy away from adding a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for freshness, either!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, pile the Slow Cooker Korean Beef into crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held option, or spoon it over noodles for an exciting twist. It makes a fantastic filling for sliders or Asian-inspired tacos, too. There’s no wrong way to serve it—just make sure there’s plenty of that delectable sauce in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Korean Beef is how well it keeps. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge; they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, making your next-day meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar! Simply let the beef cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers. Label and store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a comforting dinner on demand, just thaw and reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, place your Slow Cooker Korean Beef in a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Gently warm over low heat on the stove, or use the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck beef is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender, brisket or stewing beef can also work beautifully in your Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe. Look for cuts with some marbling for the juiciest results.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Not especially—the red chili flakes add a touch of warmth, but the dish is more sweet and savory than hot. If you love heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes or serve with sliced fresh chilies on the side.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute tamari for the soy sauce and double-check that your beef stock and rice wine vinegar are gluten-free. With these easy swaps, your Slow Cooker Korean Beef will be perfectly suited to gluten-free diets.

How can I keep the beef from drying out?

The key is to use enough sauce and the right cut of beef. Chuck beef is hard to overcook in a slow cooker, but make sure the beef is well-coated and mostly submerged. Cooking on low for the full 8 hours ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure not to overfill your slow cooker—leave about an inch of space at the top for everything to cook evenly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, but Slow Cooker Korean Beef is perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Slow Cooker Korean Beef as I am to share it. It’s a recipe that brings friends and family running to the kitchen, and one that never fails to deliver on flavor and comfort. Give it a go—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation!

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe delivers tender chunks of beef in a savory-sweet sauce infused with traditional Korean flavors. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, mix onion, garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, and red chili flakes.
Add Beef: Add beef cubes to the slow cooker, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until beef is tender.
Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water, add to slow cooker, and cook on high for 30 minutes to thicken.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red chili flakes.
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of sesame oil before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Korean