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Slow Cooker Korean Beef:

Irresistible Slow Cooker Korean Beef for Effortless Dinners

This Slow Cooker Korean Beef is an easy, flavorful dish that transforms busy weeknights into culinary adventures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 3-4 lbs Boneless beef short ribs or chuck roast Choose tender cuts for best results.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil For searing beef; substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 1 large Yellow onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 1 cup Low-sodium soy sauce Adjust for dietary sodium limits.
  • ½ cup Light brown sugar, packed Coconut sugar can replace it.
  • ¼ cup Rice vinegar Not seasoned, apple cider vinegar can be used.
  • ¼ cup Toasted sesame oil Enriches the sauce with nutty notes.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh ginger, grated Adds warmth and spice.
  • 6-8 cloves Fresh garlic, minced Enhances flavor profile.
  • 1 tbsp Gochujang Optional for heat.
  • 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup Optional for extra sweetness.
  • ½ tsp Black pepper, freshly ground Simple seasoning enhancer.
For Thickening (Optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp Cornstarch Helps thicken the sauce.
  • 2-3 tbsp Cold water For cornstarch slurry.
For Garnish
  • 4-5 Green onions, thinly sliced Adds freshness and crunch.
  • 2 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds Enhances visual appeal.
  • Red pepper flakes Optional for extra heat.
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped Optional herbal garnish.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Trim excess fat from beef and cut into 2-inch chunks. Chop onion to prepare for slow cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add optional gochujang and honey.
  4. Pour sauce over beef and onions in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. After cooking, shred beef in the slow cooker and mix well with sauce. For thick sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into sauce.
  6. Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This dish is designed to be a family favorite, impressing with minimal effort.

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