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Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender beef chuck roast with a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. This effortless recipe lets the slow cooker do the work, creating rich, melt-in-your-mouth beef perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a versatile and family-friendly meal with authentic Korean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or beef broth

For Garnish and Serving

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from your beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks to ensure even cooking and make shredding easier after cooking.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade and cooking sauce.
  3. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Add water or beef broth as needed to ensure there is enough liquid for slow cooking.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shredded.
  5. Shred and Serve: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to let it soak up more flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Choose beef chuck or brisket for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
  • For deeper flavor, marinate beef in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Adjust brown sugar quantity to control sweetness according to your preference.
  • If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove beef and simmer the liquid with a cornstarch slurry on high heat to thicken.
  • Top with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for freshness, texture, and visual appeal.

Nutrition

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