Busy professionals, rejoice! Are you tired of the never-ending question, “What’s for dinner?” Do you want an easy, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day? Look no further than Slow Cooker Korean Beef.
This dish combines tender beef with a blend of savory and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks slowly in a sweet and spicy sauce rich with soy sauce, gochujang, and sesame oil. The result is a hearty dish that feels both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for those chilly nights when you need something warm to satisfy your cravings!
Making this recipe has its perks too! Not only is it simple, but you’ll also love how it turns basic ingredients into a gourmet dish with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic meal prep option for busy weekdays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Benefit 1: Ready to serve in just a few hours!
- Benefit 2: Made with pantry staples you might already have.
- Benefit 3: Perfect for weekly meal prep; just heat and eat!
- Benefit 4: A hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Korean Beef
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions of Slow Cooker Korean Beef
- Season the beef with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, minced ginger, and beef broth.
- Place the beef in your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the beef using two forks and stir it into the sauce to soak up all that flavor.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Consider searing the beef first; it adds a delicious layer of flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more gochujang to your sauce mix.
- Remember to taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Substitutions & Variations of Slow Cooker Korean Beef
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use jackfruit or tofu instead of beef, and substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Variations: You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top can also provide a nice crunch!
Storage Instructions of Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw before reheating.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and season the beef a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Can I use another cut of beef? Yes, you can use flank steak or round roast, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I cook this on high? Absolutely! Cooking it on high for about 4 hours yields delicious results as well.
What should I serve with it? Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
Final Toughts
Crafting a delightful meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a wonderful solution for busy nights, delivering outstanding taste with very little effort. Why not give this recipe a try? Share your thoughts with us in the comments, and don’t forget to rate it!
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Slow Cooker Korean Beef
A tender beef dish cooked slowly in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for busy nights and meal prep.
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, minced ginger, and beef broth.
- Place the beef in your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the beef using two forks and stir it into the sauce to soak up all that flavor.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
Consider searing the beef first for added flavor. Adjust gochujang to increase spiciness to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten-Free