Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 3-4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2-3 pieces; 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup water; ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar; 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 medium Asian pear (or Bosc pear), peeled & grated; 1-2 tbsp gochujang or Sriracha (optional); ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening); 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening); ¼ cup fresh green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish); 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish); Steamed white or brown rice (for serving); Steamed broccoli or cucumber salad (for serving)

kate

Update : February 26, 2026

Slow cooker Korean beef recipe with tender meat and flavorful sauce

why make this recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef is perfect when you want a warm, hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe gives you tender, flavorful beef that practically falls apart. Just set it and forget it! It’s ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, allowing you to serve a delicious dish without much hassle.

how to make Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Ingredients

3-4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2-3 pieces
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup water
¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 medium Asian pear (or Bosc pear), peeled & grated
1-2 tbsp gochujang or Sriracha (optional)
¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
¼ cup fresh green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Steamed white or brown rice (for serving)
Steamed broccoli or cucumber salad (for serving)

Directions

Prep Beef & Sear (Optional): Pat dry the beef chuck roast. For richer flavor, sear it in 1-2 tbsp of neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer seared beef to slow cooker.
Prep Aromatics & Pear: Thinly slice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Peel and grate the pear into a mixing bowl.
Make Korean Sauce: In the bowl with the grated pear, add soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, gochujang or Sriracha (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until brown sugar dissolves.
Slow Cook: Pour the marinade over the beef in the slow cooker, secure the lid, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
Shred Beef & Thicken Sauce: Remove cooked beef, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, whisk into hot sauce, and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Adjust & Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust flavors as needed. Stir shredded beef into thickened sauce and serve over steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed vegetables or cucumber salad on the side.

how to serve Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Serve Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef over a bed of steamed rice. You can also add some steamed broccoli or cucumber salad on the side for a refreshing touch. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

how to store Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Let the Korean beef cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Easy Slow Cooker Korean Beef

For a richer flavor, don’t skip the searing step. It adds depth to the beef.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang or Sriracha according to your taste.
Adding fresh vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, during cooking can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can double the cornstarch slurry.

variation

You can substitute the beef with chicken or turkey if you prefer poultry. The cooking time will be shorter, so check for doneness at around 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! You can use brisket or round roast instead of chuck roast. Just make sure the meat is tender when cooked.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this dish on the stove or in the oven. Cook on low heat, covered, for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen overnight!