Slow Cooker Korean Beef
There’s something about the comfort of a warm meal that wraps you in a cozy embrace, and Slow Cooker Korean Beef does just that. Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter, with the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. This dish became a personal favorite, especially on chilly winter evenings when the thought of cooking seemed daunting. Picture a pot simmering away, transforming humble ingredients into a vibrant, savory delight that makes every moment spent in the kitchen worthwhile.
Recipe Snapshot
23 mins
15 mins
8 mins
Easy
450 kcal
30 g
Whole30, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
20 g
Slow Cooker, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
The Beauty of This Slow Cooker Korean Beef
It’s Effortless
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Korean Beef is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This means you can go about your day without worrying about dinner, making it perfect for busy weeknights. When you return home, the fantastic smell will greet you, making your mouth water in anticipation.
Rich and Flavorful
The combination of ingredients like beef broth, soy sauce, and Gochujang creates a deep flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly spicy. I love how these flavors meld together over the long cooking time, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness. The slow cooking process breaks down the beef, making it meltingly tender and juicy.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re looking to meal prep, this dish is a game-changer. Slow Cooker Korean Beef tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can easily double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s a fantastic way to make your busy days less stressful.
Customizable
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste. Whether you want to add more heat with extra Gochujang or make it sweeter with additional brown sugar, the choice is yours. You can even swap in different vegetables or serve it over various grains, like rice or quinoa, to keep it fresh and exciting.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Whenever I serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef at gatherings, it’s always a hit. Guests rave about the bold flavors, and it’s an excellent dish for sharing. You can easily scale it up for a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Plus, the vibrant colors make it visually appealing, which is always a bonus!
Comfort Food at Its Best
Ultimately, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is comfort food that delivers on all fronts. It’s warm, satisfying, and an absolute delight to eat. It reminds me of home and family gatherings, making it a recipe I cherish deeply. I encourage you to give it a try and make it a staple in your home.
Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Korean Beef
The ingredients in Slow Cooker Korean Beef are what truly make this dish shine. Each one plays a vital role in developing the rich, complex flavors that you’ll love. The key players here include beef broth, which adds depth and moisture, soy sauce for saltiness, and Gochujang to give it that distinct Korean kick. Together, they create a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: This serves as the base for our sauce, providing moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory, salty element that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar: This sweetener balances the saltiness and adds a rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Offers a slight tang, brightening the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Contributes a nutty aroma and richness to the overall profile.
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a robust flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that elevates the dish.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Gochujang: The star of the show, this Korean chili paste brings heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor without the texture of onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle spice that rounds out the flavors.
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes: The main ingredient that becomes tender and flavorful.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used at the end to thicken the sauce.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: These are for garnish, adding freshness and crunch.
Step by Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Cooking Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a straightforward process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll find that cooking in a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to prepare hearty meals!
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup beef broth with low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, Gochujang, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed, creating a flavorful sauce that will soak into the beef.
Prepare your slow cooker by adding the cubed beef chuck roast. Pour the sauce over the beef, ensuring all pieces are coated. Use a spatula to gently mix it around, so every cube gets a taste of that delicious sauce.
Cover your slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours. It’s important to let the beef cook low and slow to become tender and absorb all those lovely flavors. During this time, the kitchen will fill with delicious aromas, making it hard to wait for dinner!
After the cooking time is up, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup beef broth in a small bowl. Stir it until smooth, then add it to the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce, making it rich and luscious.
Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW. This will allow the sauce to thicken properly and bring all the flavors together.
Once cooked, use forks to shred the beef slightly. This helps to mix it well with the sauce. Serve the tender beef over a bed of rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains.
To garnish, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a burst of freshness and a nice crunch. This final touch elevates the dish visually and adds extra flavor.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Korean Beef while it’s warm, and take a moment to appreciate the delicious meal you’ve created with so little effort!
Things Worth Knowing
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a chuck roast for the best results. It’s well-marbled, which means it’ll become tender during cooking.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller amount of Gochujang and gradually add more until it suits your taste.
- Thickening Sauce: Mixing cornstarch with broth ensures a smooth consistency. Avoid adding it directly to the hot sauce.
- Storage: Cool leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Change It Up
One of the great things about Slow Cooker Korean Beef is its versatility. Here are some ideas to modify the dish to suit your taste.
- Add More Veggies: Consider including vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Just chop them up and toss them in with the beef.
- Serve with Different Grains: Instead of just rice, try serving it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños or extra Gochujang when cooking.
- Swap Proteins: You can use chicken thighs or tofu for a different protein option while keeping the same delicious flavors.
- Experiment with Garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add a fresh twist to the dish.
- Freezing: This meal freezes well! Portion it out and store in airtight containers for quick meals later.
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Korean Beef
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Korean Beef, there are plenty of delightful options that can elevate your meal experience. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, fluffy white rice is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Serve alongside a vibrant vegetable stir-fry for a colorful plate.
- Pickled Vegetables: Korean meals often include pickled sides, which add a nice tartness to balance the richness of the beef.
- Asian Slaw: A fresh, crunchy slaw with sesame dressing can be a refreshing accompaniment.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is great for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can easily feed a crowd.
- Casual Dinner Parties: Impress your guests by serving this flavorful beef with simple sides like rice and steamed vegetables.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a remarkable dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. It’s a recipe that not only feeds the body but also nurtures the soul. I encourage you to try making this dish and enjoy the delightful experience of cooking with love. You won’t regret making it a staple in your home!
Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix together 1/2 cup beef broth and the next 9 ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add beef cubes. Stir to coat the beef.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
- Stir together cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup broth. Add to slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 30 minutes.
- Shred the beef a little and serve over rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Storage: Cool leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: This meal freezes well! Portion it out and store in airtight containers for quick meals later.
- Pairing: Consider serving with a fresh vegetable stir-fry or steamed rice.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of Gochujang to control the heat.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance flavor.
