There’s something magical about slow cooker meals—the kind of magic that fills your home with warm, savory aromas long before dinner is served. Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into rich, melt-in-your-mouth dishes without much effort. And when it comes to effortless, bold flavor, Slow Cooker Korean Beef might just be the king of comfort.
Inspired by classic Korean flavors, this dish blends sweetness, heat, and umami into a tender beef dish that practically cooks itself. It’s the kind of recipe you set in the morning and return to in the evening, greeted by the smell of garlic, ginger, and soy simmering together into a glossy, irresistible sauce.
Whether you’re feeding family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a cozy dinner with rice, this recipe delivers every time. It’s comforting, simple, customizable, and incredibly satisfying—everything great slow cooker dishes should be.
Recipe Overview
Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a deeply flavorful dish made with tender chunks of chuck beef slow-cooked in a savory-sweet sauce of soy, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. The sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, coating every piece of beef with rich Korean-inspired flavor. It’s effortless, versatile, and perfect served over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients & Instructions
Below is the full recipe along with helpful tips to get the best texture and flavor from your slow cooker.
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 chuck beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
In your slow cooker, combine the onion, garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, and red chili flakes.
Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and evenly blend the aromatics. This mixture forms the flavorful braising liquid that tenderizes the beef.
Tip: If you prefer a deeper garlic flavor, add one extra teaspoon—it becomes beautifully mellow as it cooks.
2. Add and Coat the Beef
Place the beef cubes into the slow cooker, stirring until each piece is fully coated in sauce.
Chuck beef is ideal because it becomes soft, buttery, and tender after long, slow cooking.
Tip: Trim excess fat for a cleaner sauce, but leave a little on—it adds richness.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 6–8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
If you’re short on time, you can cook it on HIGH for 3–4 hours, but the low-and-slow method creates the best texture.
4. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
Increase the heat to HIGH and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Tip: If you like a thicker sauce, add one additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Korean beef hot—preferably over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables. The rich sauce clings beautifully to whatever you pair it with, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Choose the Right Cut
Chuck beef is perfect because it becomes tender, but you can also use:
- Stew beef
- Brisket (cubed)
- Short rib meat
2. Adjust the Sweetness
Traditional Korean beef dishes often lean sweet. If you prefer:
- Less sweet: Reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
- Sweeter: Increase sugar to ¾ cup.
3. Make It Spicy
Add any of the following:
- Extra chili flakes
- 1–2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Fresh sliced chili peppers
4. Make It Gluten-Free
Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
5. Add Vegetables
For a heartier meal, toss in:
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Snow peas
- Mushrooms
Add them in the last 1–2 hours to avoid overcooking.
6. Thicken Without Cornstarch
If you’re avoiding cornstarch, substitute with:
- Arrowroot powder
- Potato starch (traditional in many Asian dishes)
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
How to Serve
Pair your Slow Cooker Korean Beef with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Udon or egg noodles
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
- Roasted or steamed broccoli
- Sesame-ginger salad
Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for that classic Korean touch.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef is the perfect blend of convenience and bold, satisfying flavor. With its tender beef, savory-sweet glaze, and comforting warmth, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just craving something cozy, this dish delivers every single time.
With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, it shows that you don’t need complicated steps to create something unforgettable. Let your slow cooker do the work—and enjoy every delicious bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Reduce cooking time by about 1 hour.
2. Does this dish freeze well?
Absolutely. It reheats wonderfully and tastes just as good after thawing.
3. Can I thicken the sauce more?
Yes—add another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly. Increase chili flakes or add gochujang for heat.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Combine everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking in the morning.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef is an easy, flavorful dish with tender beef simmered in garlic, ginger, soy, and brown sugar. Perfect over rice for a cozy, delicious dinner!