Slow Cooker Korean Beef
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef takes just 10 minutes to prep for a salty and sweet Asian beef perfect for a weeknight dinner. Better than your local fast casual restaurant, forget ordering takeout and make this flavorful recipe from scratch. Serve over rice or noodles.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time6 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
Total Time7 hours hrs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef, crockpot
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 328kcal
- 2-2 1/2 pounds flank steak or chuck roast
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3/4 cup brown sugar or substitute
- 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- Optional additions and garnishes: rice, noodles, cooked vegetables, sesame seeds, green onions
Searing the meat first is optional. If doing so, it's also optional to salt and pepper both sides and sear in 1 tablespoon oil or butter. Sear 2 minutes per side.
To a Crockpot, add soy sauce, sesame oil, diced onion, brown sugar or brown sugar substitute, crushed red pepper flakes, cornstarch, garlic powder and beef broth Whisk until combined well.
Submerge the seared or non-seared beef.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Transfer the meat to a cutting board and shred with 2 forks.
Return the meat to the crockpot to reheat for 10 minutes.
Serve over rice, noodles, and/or vegetables
Nutrition information calculated for the recipe made with Brown Sugar Substitute and low-sodium soy sauce and broth.
Tips and Variations
- Beef Substitutions:
- If you can’t find chuck roast or flank steak, you can also use sirloin, or stewing beef. Adjust the cooking time according to the cut you choose.
- Soy Sauce Substitutions:
- Low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos can be used if you’re watching your sodium intake. Tamari is a good substitute for a gluten-free version.
- Brown Sugar Substitutions:
- Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Sesame Oil Substitutions:
- Toasted sesame oil provides a stronger flavor than regular sesame oil. Use it sparingly or mix it with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil if you find its taste too intense.
- Spice Level:
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable Additions:
- Enhance the dish with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Add them in the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture.
Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 600mg | Sodium: 697mg | Potassium: 17mg | Iron: 12mg