Slow-Cooker Korean Beef
Ingredients
- 1 piece ginger
peeled, finely chopped, 2”
- 4 cloves garlic
finely chopped
- 3/4 c. low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 c. gochujang
- 2 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 4 lb. beef shoulder
excess fat trimmed, cut into about 1 ½” pieces
- Cooked white rice
chopped scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds, for serving
Directions
- 1
In a 6-quart slow-cooker, whisk ginger, garlic, broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, gochujang, oil, vinegar, and cornstarch. Add beef and mix to combine. Cover and cook on high until beef is super-tender, 5 to 6 hours. Turn off slow cooker, uncover, and let cool about 15 minutes.
- 2
Using a spoon, skim excess fat from surface of sauce, leaving only a thin layer of fat on top. Stir to combine sauce. Shred beef with 2 forks into bite-sized pieces and toss again to combine.
- 3
Spoon beef and sauce over rice. Top with scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Slow-Cooker Korean Beef
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About this Recipe
Craving the rich, savory taste of Korean beef that practically melts in your mouth? This slow-cooker recipe delivers exactly that, making it incredibly simple to achieve restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect answer for a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this dish lies in the slow cooker, which gently braises beef shoulder in a deeply aromatic marinade for six hours. A vibrant blend of fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and the indispensable gochujang infuses the beef with layers of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes. The cornstarch helps to create a luscious, clinging sauce that coats every tender piece.
What to Expect
Prepare for an explosion of umami, balanced beautifully with a touch of sweetness and a mild, pleasant heat. The beef shoulder, cut into generous 1 ½-inch pieces, will transform into fall-apart tender morsels, easily shredded with a fork. The sauce is thick enough to coat, ensuring every bite is deeply flavorful and satisfying. This is a wonderfully hearty and warming dish, perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a meal that truly nourishes.
Customization & Variations
While beef shoulder is specified, a similar cut like chuck roast would also yield fantastic results, requiring comparable cooking times. For those who prefer less spice, you can slightly reduce the amount of gochujang. If you enjoy extra zest, a little more rice vinegar can brighten the overall profile.
Serving & Context
Serve this delectable Slow-Cooker Korean Beef piled high over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing it to soak up all the rich sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant pop of color, freshness, and texture. It's an impressive yet effortless meal, ideal for a relaxed family dinner or casual entertaining.