Slow Cooker Korean Beef Noodles

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Noodles

Tender ox cheek slow-cooked in a spicy-sweet Korean-style sauce with gochujang, soy, and aromatics, then tossed with chewy udon noodles and fresh coriander for a deeply comforting, flavor-packed noodle dish.

Ingredients

  • onion

    finely diced

    1 large
  • gochujang

    korean chili paste

    2 tbsp
  • dark soy sauce
    2 tbsp
  • rice vinegar
    2 tbsp
  • light brown sugar

    packed

    1 tbsp
  • garlic-ginger paste
    1 tbsp
  • tomato paste
    1 tbsp
  • low-sodium beef stock
    3 ½ oz
  • ox cheek

    or substitute with oxtail, short ribs, or chuck roast

    14 oz
  • pouches ready-to-use

    ready-to-wok udon noodles

    4
  • chopped fresh coriander
    1 tbsp
  • black sesame seeds

    for garnish

    1 tbsp
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    to taste

Directions

Prepare the sauce base

  1. 1

    In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine the diced onion, gochujang, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic-ginger paste, tomato paste, and beef stock. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Add the beef

  1. 1

    Place the ox cheek into the slow cooker, ensuring all sides are coated in the sauce. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

Shred the beef

  1. 1

    Once fully cooked, carefully remove the ox cheek from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate.

Add the noodles and herbs

  1. 1

    Add the udon noodles and chopped coriander to the slow cooker. Stir gently, then switch the heat to high and cook for an additional 25 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and warm through.

Season and serve

  1. 1

    Season the dish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Garnish with black sesame seeds just before serving.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Noodles

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Noodles

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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply comforting, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Korean Beef Noodles recipe delivers incredibly tender ox cheek in a spicy-sweet sauce, all tossed with chewy udon for a satisfying dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic happens in the slow cooker, transforming tough ox cheek into incredibly fork-tender beef infused with a rich, authentic Korean-style sauce. Gochujang provides that signature spicy kick, perfectly balanced by sweet brown sugar, savory dark soy sauce, and aromatic garlic-ginger paste, creating a complex flavor profile with minimal effort on your part. The ready-to-use udon noodles make for a quick and easy finish, soaking up all the delicious juices.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly satisfying bowl where every bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes. You'll savor succulent, fall-apart beef enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet, and warming spicy sauce that clings beautifully. Paired with perfectly chewy udon noodles and brightened by fresh coriander, it's a hearty main course that feels both exotic and familiar. This dish is designed for ultimate comfort, perfect for a cozy evening in.

Customization & Variations

While ox cheek provides an unparalleled depth of flavor and luscious texture, you can easily substitute it with other cuts like oxtail, short ribs, or chuck roast for similar melt-in-your-mouth results. For those who love an extra fiery kick, consider adding a little more gochujang to the sauce, or adjust the brown sugar for a sweeter profile to suit your preference.

Serving & Context

Serve this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Noodles as a stand-alone main course, garnished generously with black sesame seeds and fresh coriander for a beautiful presentation and added crunch. It’s the ideal dish for a relaxed weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions