Slow-Cooked Korean Beef Recipe

Written by: Editor In Chief
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Why You’ll Love this Slow-Cooked Korean Beef Recipe

If you’re a fan of tender, flavorful beef, you’re going to love this Slow-Cooked Korean Beef recipe. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.

The beef practically melts in your mouth, infused with a rich, savory sauce that balances sweetness and umami. It’s so easy to prepare, too—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic.

I can’t help but smile when I serve it over rice or in a sandwich. This dish has a way of bringing everyone together, making dinner feel special without the fuss.

You won’t want to miss it!

Ingredients of Slow-Cooked Korean Beef

When it comes to whipping up a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, this Slow-Cooked Korean Beef recipe has got it all. With its rich flavors and tender beef, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at a gathering.

Plus, the best part? You don’t have to be a master chef to make it! Just gather your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. It’s like having a personal chef, but, you know, without the fancy hat and the hefty price tag.

So, let’s jump into what you’ll need to get started on this delicious journey.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Korean Beef

  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 beef blade roast (2-1/2 lb or slightly larger)
  • 1 dozen kaiser rolls

Now, before you rush off to the grocery store, there are a few things worth considering.

First off, the cut of beef matters. A blade roast is great because it’s a tougher cut that becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow—trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

If you’re not a fan of sesame oil or if you happen to be allergic, you could substitute it with another oil, but it might change the flavor profile a bit.

And don’t skimp on the garlic and onion; they provide a depth of flavor that makes this dish sing.

Finally, those kaiser rolls? They’re not just for show; they help soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a little piece of heaven.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Korean Beef

slow cooked tender korean beef

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making Slow-Cooked Korean Beef is a breeze, and you’ll feel like a culinary superstar by the end of it. First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker. You’ll want to pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth, followed by 1/3 cup of soy sauce. Then comes the fun part—add in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.

Now, don’t forget the flavor bombs: toss in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 large onion that you’ve thinly sliced. Finally, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper. Give it a good stir, and let those flavors mingle like they’re at a cozy dinner party.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the beef! You’ve got a 2-1/2 lb beef blade roast, which is perfect because it’s tough but will turn tender like a cloud when cooked properly. Remove the string from the roast, and cut it in half. Place those meaty halves into the saucy mixture, turning them to coat every nook and cranny. It’s like giving your beef a nice, warm bath.

Once that’s done, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can go for the high setting for 5-6 hours, but trust me, if you can wait, the low setting for 8-10 hours is where the magic happens. You want that beef to be fork-tender, practically falling apart at the slightest touch—heavenly, right?

When the timer goes off, it’s time to shred that beef. Carefully remove it from the slow cooker, and channel your inner chef as you shred it with a knife and fork. The aroma is going to be unreal, and you might find yourself sneaking a taste or two.

Once it’s all shredded, pop it back into the sauce to soak up all those delicious flavors. Now, serve it up on those kaiser rolls, and watch your family or friends devour it like it’s the best thing they’ve ever tasted. It’s comfort food at its finest, and you didn’t even break a sweat in the kitchen. Enjoy!

Slow-Cooked Korean Beef Substitutions & Variations

While I love the classic Slow-Cooked Korean Beef recipe, there’s plenty of room to get creative with substitutions and variations that can suit different tastes or dietary needs.

For a lighter option, try using turkey or chicken thighs instead of beef. If you’re vegetarian, jackfruit or tofu can mimic the texture beautifully.

Swap out soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free, or use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. You can also experiment with different spices, like adding gochujang for heat or fresh ginger for zing.

Each variation brings a unique twist to this comforting dish!

What to Serve with Slow-Cooked Korean Beef

Serving Slow-Cooked Korean Beef is an opportunity to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

I love to pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up that savory sauce beautifully. If I’m feeling casual, I’ll serve it on toasted kaiser rolls, making perfect sandwiches.

For a fresh touch, I add a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad. Kimchi is also a fantastic addition, bringing that classic Korean flavor.

Don’t forget some sticky rice; it balances the richness of the beef. Whatever you choose, these sides elevate the meal and make it truly memorable!

Additional Tips & Notes

Here are a few tips to enhance your Slow-Cooked Korean Beef experience.

First, marinate the beef overnight for deeper flavor. I also recommend adjusting the sugar based on your taste—some prefer it sweeter!

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the final hour of cooking.

Don’t forget to garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving; it adds a nice touch!

Finally, this dish pairs wonderfully with pickled vegetables for a revitalizing contrast. Enjoy your cooking adventure!