Name: Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490680H2M46S
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 lbs chuck roast, trimmed and cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons ginger, chopped; ½ cup scallions, whites chopped plus greens for garnish; 5 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 cup applesauce (apple-pear blend if possible); ½ cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce; 1 tablespoon sweetener of your choice (e.g., coconut sugar); Black and white sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 18 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that’s pure comfort with a hint of adventure, look no further than this Slow Cooker Korean Beef. This dish transforms a humble cut of beef into tender, flavor-packed bites, steeped in the irresistible sweetness and spice of Korean-inspired marinade. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty weeknight dinner, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is about to become your new favorite “set it and forget it” recipe.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Korean Beef is that it’s built from easy-to-find ingredients that each play a starring role. Every addition brings its own excitement—flavor, color, or texture—coming together in a perfect, harmonious bite!

Chuck roast (2 lbs): Go for well-marbled beef, since all that marbling turns irresistibly tender during the slow cook.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): This quick dusting locks moisture into the beef, resulting in that signature velvety finish.
Garlic powder (2 tsp): Adds a mellow, earthy backbone that blooms as it cooks.
Onion powder (1 tsp): For a gentle, rounded sweetness that ties the aromatics together.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): Just a drizzle brings a nutty fragrance, classic to Korean dishes.
Ginger (2 tbsp, chopped): Fresh, zippy, and warming, ginger is a must for authentic flavor.
Scallions (1/2 cup, about 4 large, chopped): The whites go in for flavor, the greens top things off vibrantly at the end.
Garlic cloves (5, chopped): You can never have too much garlic in Korean cuisine!
Applesauce (1 cup, apple-pear if possible): This sneaky addition adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the beef.
Low sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Opt for low sodium to keep the seasoning balanced and let other flavors shine through.
Rice vinegar (2 tbsp): It brightens everything up, creating that signature tangy lift.
Gochujang sauce (1 1/2 to 2 tbsp, plus more for serving): The Korean BBQ or chili garlic sauce is the secret to the dish’s gentle heat and addictive depth.
Sweetener of your choice (1 tbsp; coconut sugar suggested): Rounds out the salty, sharp, and spicy flavors.
Black and white sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkled at the end for crunch and classic appeal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Step 1: Sear and Season the Beef

Start by tossing your cubed chuck roast with cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple coat is magic: it helps the beef develop a gorgeous golden crust and locks in juiciness. Working in batches, sear the beef in a pan over medium-high heat sprayed with oil. A couple minutes per side is all it takes to create those rich, caramelized edges. Once browned, transfer the pieces to your slow cooker—don’t skip this step, it really deepens the flavor!

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

Add a splash of sesame oil to a small skillet and bring it to a gentle sizzle over medium-low heat. Toss in the chopped ginger, the white parts of your scallions, and all that lovely fresh garlic. Saute these for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything smells wonderfully fragrant—think cozy kitchen in full swing!

Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Pour it Over

In a bowl, combine applesauce (or apple-pear sauce), soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, and your sweetener of choice. Add in the aromatic ginger, scallion, and garlic mixture you just sautéed. Stir until smooth and unified, then pour this luscious sauce over the seared beef in your slow cooker. Now set it to low for 8 hours, or high if you’re in a hurry (4 hours), and let the magic happen. When the beef is fall-apart tender and surrounded by a shiny, rich sauce, it’s ready!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

When it’s time to eat, scatter the reserved scallion greens and a shower of black and white sesame seeds right over the top. If you love an extra kick, drizzle more gochujang or Korean BBQ sauce. Serve hot and bask in the compliments!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Garnishes

Before you bring Slow Cooker Korean Beef to the table, don’t forget those finishing touches. Freshly chopped scallion greens add a vibrant crunch, while a sprinkle of both black and white sesame seeds highlights every bite with nutty charm. Want a pop of heat or deep flavor? Offer a side of extra gochujang or your favorite chili garlic sauce for dunking and drizzling.

Side Dishes

This dish positively begs for a bowl of fluffy white rice to soak up its luscious, savory sauce. Steamed jasmine or short-grain rice both work wonders. For an even more memorable meal, serve alongside sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad. Classic Korean-inspired sides like kimchi or pickled radishes can really round out the plate and give your Slow Cooker Korean Beef some tasty company.

Creative Ways to Present

Sure, you can spoon Slow Cooker Korean Beef over rice, but why stop there? Pile it into steamed bao buns for crowd-pleasing sliders. Wrap it up as a filling for lettuce cups or tortillas for an unexpected twist. You can even lay it over udon noodles for a slurpy, savory bowl or use it as a topping for fusion tacos! No matter how you serve it, this dish wears many hats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Slow Cooker Korean Beef? You’re in luck! Pack any remaining beef and sauce into airtight containers and refrigerate right away. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible. Use within 3–4 days for best taste and texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply let the Slow Cooker Korean Beef cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and stash it away for up to three months. When you’re craving that sweet-spicy comfort, just thaw and reheat for an ultra-convenient homemade meal!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. The microwave works in a pinch—just use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals so the meat stays juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Korean Beef with a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck roast gives the best juicy, shreddable result, you can use brisket or stewing beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on doneness and adjust the cooking time so your beef becomes just as tender.

What if I can’t find gochujang?

No worries! If you can’t track down gochujang, swap in chili garlic sauce or even sriracha for a similar heat and depth. Korean BBQ sauce works well too—just note the flavor may be subtly different, but it’ll still be delicious in Slow Cooker Korean Beef.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is completely up to you. With the suggested amount of gochujang, it’s comfortably warming rather than hot. For more kick, add extra gochujang or chili sauce. For a mild version, stick to the base recipe and offer additional sauce on the side.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Korean Beef ahead for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is a meal prep star. Fully cook, cool, then portion into containers with your favorite sides. It tastes even better after time in the fridge, making weekday lunches or dinners a breeze.

What’s the best way to double the recipe?

Doubling is easy—just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit everything without crowding. You may want to brown the beef in extra batches to keep that lovely sear. Otherwise, simply double the ingredients and enjoy twice as much Slow Cooker Korean Beef!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, incredibly satisfying, and a little different from the usual routine, give Slow Cooker Korean Beef a try! It’s truly a no-fuss, full-flavored dish that brings excitement to your table and smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to discover just how addictive and versatile this recipe can be!