This Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a real treat! Tender beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce makes it unforgettable. Yum!
Honestly, it’s like having a Korean BBQ at home without all the fuss. I love serving it over rice with some veggies. Trust me, everyone will ask for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes super tender. If you want a lighter option, try using lean beef cuts like sirloin, but they may require less cooking time.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice for controlling saltiness. If you need a gluten-free version, tamari is an excellent substitute.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup if you prefer a liquid sweetener. Just adjust the amount for sweetness level.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best for these ingredients. If you’re short on fresh, you can use powders, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of each.
Sesame Oil: It gives a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, any neutral oil like vegetable oil will work, but you’ll miss that distinct taste.
How Do You Get the Beef Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding the beef is key for mixing with the sauce. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the beef until it’s very tender. This usually happens after 6-8 hours on low.
- Use two forks to gently pull the beef apart. Start from the edges and work towards the center for best results.
- After shredding, stir the beef back into the sauce. This helps incorporate all those rich flavors!
Timing is everything! Do this about 30 minutes before serving to let the beef soak in the sauce even more. Enjoy your tasty homemade Korean beef!
Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck roast, thinly sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Plus, it’s super easy and gives you a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by placing your thinly sliced beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s spread out evenly for proper cooking.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice), and black pepper. Mix until the brown sugar dissolves nicely.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Give it a good toss to ensure all the beef is coated evenly with the sauce. This will help it get all those yummy flavors!
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be super tender and easy to shred when it’s done.
5. Shred the Beef:
About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. Stir it around to mix it with the sauce—you want it all incorporated for maximum flavor!
6. Serve It Up:
Dish out the Korean beef over cooked rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely garnish.
7. Optional Sides:
If you like, serve with some steamed vegetables or kimchi on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your tender, flavorful, and easy Korean beef!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its tenderness, you can also use flank steak or sirloin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require less cooking time to remain tender.
What If I Can’t Find Sesame Oil?
No worries! If you can’t find sesame oil, you can substitute it with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. However, you might miss out on that nutty flavor that sesame oil provides.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of spiciness.