Slow Cooker Korean Beef: A Flavor-Packed, Hands-Off Feast for Any Occasion

Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Introduction

Slow Cooker Korean Beef brings the bold, layered flavors of Korean cuisine into your kitchen with incredible ease. Tender beef, simmered in a flavor-packed sauce, practically melts in your mouth and makes this dish both comforting and unforgettable.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining, this hands-off meal saves you time and effort without skimping on taste. Whether you heap it over rice, wrap it in lettuce, or pile it on noodles, every bite will win over both family and guests alike.

Why Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a Must-Try

This recipe’s magic comes from letting your beef simmer low and slow in a sweet-savory sauce loaded with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The slow cook transforms even budget cuts of beef into luxurious, fork-tender bites, while ingredients like brown sugar and sesame oil lend a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes.

Plus, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you — making a crowd-pleasing meal as easy as a morning prep and an evening feast.

Getting Your Ingredients Prepped

A little advance prep makes assembly a breeze. For uniform bites and presentation, consider using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice onions and slice green onions. If you plan to batch up sides or pre-chopped veggies for future meals, the chopper is a massive time-saver.

A sturdy bamboo cutting board ensures you cut beef and aromatics cleanly, while minimizing mess and wear on your knives.

Building Bold Korean Flavors in the Slow Cooker

Layer your beef chunks in the slow cooker, then whisk your sauce together separately to maximize the even distribution of flavor. Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil for that signature Korean taste.

Craving extra authenticity? Toss in some chopped Korean pear for tenderness and fragrance. If you want a thicker final sauce, mash beef gently in the cooker at the end using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher — this tool helps blend meat with sauce without scratching your slow cooker insert.

Serving Suggestions: Rice, Wraps, and More

Pairing your Slow Cooker Korean Beef with fluffy white or brown rice is always a winner. For a lower-carb option, try lettuce wraps or steamed veggies. Add a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch. If you’re taking lunch on the go, the Bentgo Salad Container is a leak-proof way to pack up your Korean beef plus rice or greens, keeping everything deliciously fresh.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 generous servings, each packed with protein and rich flavor. One serving with rice is typically around 400–450 calories. For a lighter meal, opt for lettuce wraps or double the veggies.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recap

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is the ultimate in no-fuss, crowd-friendly comfort food. With punchy, well-balanced flavors and fall-apart tender meat, it’s a memorable feast that’s equally suited for a weeknight or a special dinner.

Ingredients

2–2½ lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch fresh ginger, grated
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup beef broth
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1–2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste), optional for heat
1 Asian pear, grated (optional, for extra tenderness)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooked white rice, brown rice, or lettuce leaves, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the beef cubes in your slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, and grated ginger on top. For quick and uniform prep, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), and grated pear. Pour sauce over the beef and vegetables.
  3. Cover, and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and switch to HIGH.
  5. Shred or break up the beef gently in the slow cooker using the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher.
  6. Serve hot over cooked rice, or use lettuce leaves for wraps. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. For easy packed lunches, spoon beef and accompaniments into the Bentgo Salad Container.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 7.5–8.5 hours (mostly hands-off)

Summary

With minimal prep and maximum return on flavor, Slow Cooker Korean Beef will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it for your next gathering or a busy weekday—you’ll love how effortless, versatile, and delicious it is!

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