Slow Cooked Korean Beef (Print Version)

Tender beef simmered in a flavorful Korean sauce, perfect for rice or lettuce wraps.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

→ Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/3 cup brown sugar
04 - 1/4 cup water
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
07 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
10 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

→ Vegetables & Garnishes

11 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
12 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
13 - Optional: sliced red chili, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, gochujang, and toasted sesame seeds until smooth.
02 - Place beef chunks in the slow cooker. Pour sauce over the beef, turning to coat evenly.
03 - Scatter half of the green onions over the beef.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or until beef is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
05 - Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir to coat with the sauce.
06 - Serve hot over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and optional sliced red chili.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce creates this incredible sticky glaze that youll want to eat with a spoon
  • Your slow cooker does absolutely all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next time around
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, every peek adds about 15 minutes to the cooking time
  • The sauce will look thin at first but thickens beautifully as the beef releases its juices
03 -
  • Trim excess fat from the roast before cooking if you prefer a leaner final dish
  • Add grated Asian pear or apple to the sauce for authentic Korean-style tenderizing enzymes