Crockpot Korean Beef

Crockpot Korean Beef is a flavorful, slow-cooked dish inspired by the bold, sweet-and-savory flavors of Korean cuisine. Tender beef is simmered low and slow in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s packed with umami. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Simply add everything to your crockpot and let it cook while your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with almost no hands-on work. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into tender, juicy beef coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce. It’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even in tacos. Plus, it’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines comfort, convenience, and bold flavor in one easy recipe. Crockpot Korean Beef is perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd. The balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors makes it universally appealing, while the slow cooker method ensures consistently tender results every time.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: Up to 8 hours
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Korean-Inspired / Asian

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Beef:
Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

2. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.

3. Add to Crockpot:
Place sliced beef into the slow cooker and pour sauce over the top. Stir to coat evenly.

4. Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.

5. Thicken Sauce (Optional):
Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the crockpot. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes until thickened.

6. Garnish:
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Save it

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed white or brown rice
• Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables
• Use as a filling for lettuce wraps
• Serve with kimchi or pickled vegetables on the side

Recipe Tips

• Slice beef thinly for quicker cooking and better texture
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness
• Adjust sugar to taste for a less sweet dish
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli near the end
• Thicken the sauce only if you prefer a glossy finish

Variations

1. Spicy Korean Beef: Add gochujang or extra chili flakes
2. Ground Beef Version: Substitute ground beef for a faster cook
3. Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice
4. Sweet Heat Version: Add honey and sriracha
5. Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooked beef for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Reheat on stovetop or microwave until warmed through

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / Crockpot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Crockpot Korean Beef is the perfect balance of bold flavor and effortless cooking. With tender beef, a rich savory-sweet sauce, and endless serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding your family, this slow-cooker favorite delivers comfort and deliciousness with every bite.

Crockpot Korean Beef

Crockpot Korean Beef is a flavorful, slow-cooked dish inspired by the bold, sweet-and-savory flavors of Korean cuisine. Tender beef is simmered low and slow in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s packed with umami.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Asian Course: Dinner

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 7 hrs Total Time 8 hrs Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast or flank steak, thinly sliced
• ³⁄₄ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₄ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp 1 cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Beef: Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
2. 2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.
3. 3. Add to Crockpot: Place sliced beef into the slow cooker and pour sauce over the top. Stir to coat evenly.
4. 4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.
5. 5. Thicken Sauce (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the crockpot. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
6. 6. Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Keywords: Crockpot Korean Beef