Easy Sweet Korean Beef Slow Cooker Recipe Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
A comforting and flavorful slow cooker Korean beef recipe with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds flank steak or chuck roast, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using until sugar dissolves.
- Place the sliced beef evenly in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Add water or beef broth and gently toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until beef is tender and easily shredded.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over steamed rice, noodles, or in wraps.
Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps. Adjust cooking time based on beef cut. Add lime juice if sauce is too salty or sweet. Variations include adding gochujang for spice or swapping beef for mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Korean beef, slow cooker recipe, sweet and savory beef, flank steak, crockpot dinner, easy weeknight meal, Korean cuisine, comfort food