Name: Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds Flank Steak; ¼ cup Cornstarch; 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil; ½ teaspoon Minced Garlic Cloves; ½ cup Soy Sauce; ½ cup Beef Broth; ¾ cup Brown Sugar; ¼ cup Onion, chopped; ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; Sesame Seeds (for garnish); Green Onions (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

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When you want a dish that combines bold, savory, and subtly sweet flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while you patiently wait for that perfect moment when the beef has soaked up every bit of the sauce. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe brings a comforting yet exciting twist to your dinner rotation that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pile of thinly sliced raw red meat pieces is placed in the middle of a light brown wooden cutting board with visible grain and texture, set on a white marbled surface. The meat slices show a mix of smooth and slightly fibrous textures with some small light fat streaks, arranged loosely in an uneven pile. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe lies in its simplicity combined with authentic flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the tender flank steak providing the hearty base to the brown sugar adding just the right touch of sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce. Together, they create a rich, fragrant sauce that clings lovingly to every bite of beef.

1 ½ pounds Flank Steak: Thinly sliced for optimal tenderness and that perfect soak in sauce.
¼ cup Cornstarch: Helps create a luscious coating that thickens the sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma that gives the dish its signature Korean touch.
½ teaspoon Minced Garlic Cloves: For that essential zing and depth of flavor.
½ cup Soy Sauce: The salty backbone of the recipe that enhances the sultry sweet notes.
½ cup Beef Broth: Keeps the beef juicy and enriches the overall sauce.
¾ cup Brown Sugar: Provides a rich sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements.
¼ cup Chopped Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and texture into the mix.
¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
Sesame Seeds and Green Onions for Garnish: Final touches that add a burst of freshness and crunch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by cutting your flank steak into thin strips. This is important because thinner cuts absorb the luscious sauce better and cook faster, resulting in tender bites. Toss the beef strips into a ziplock bag along with the cornstarch. Seal and shake well to ensure every piece is coated; this coating will thicken the sauce while cooking and give you that silky texture you’re craving.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In your slow cooker, add the sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Stir these together to blend all those irresistible flavors perfectly before adding the beef. This mix is where the magic begins, providing that signature balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that makes this Korean beef so unforgettable.

Step 3: Add the Beef and Cook

Place the coated flank steak strips into the slow cooker and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce. Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich glaze. The slow cooking is what transforms the beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection—patience here truly pays off.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

This close-up image shows many thin, dark brown strips of meat coated in a thick, shiny sauce with a rich, glazed texture. Small white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds are sprinkled across the top, adding contrast. Bright green slices of fresh scallions are scattered evenly, giving a fresh pop of color. A wooden spoon is partially submerged in the dish, lifting some of the saucy meat. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once your beef is ready, sprinkle a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions on top. These simple garnishes bring extra texture, a burst of color, and a refreshing crunch that contrast beautifully with the tender beef and silky sauce.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines when served over a fluffy bed of steamed rice, letting the sauce soak in every grain. For added veggies, try pairing it with sautéed bok choy, roasted carrots, or a simple cucumber salad to add a fresh, crisp balance to the rich beef.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try stuffing the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe into warm tortillas for quick Korean-inspired tacos or serving it atop lettuce cups for a light, hand-held option that’s perfect for gatherings. The versatility means you can tailor it to whatever the occasion calls for.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This beef keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavor and moisture, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-made meal waiting to be reheated.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Freeze the cooked beef in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm your leftover beef in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick, ensuring it tastes just as fantastic as the first day.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin strips. Just be mindful that tougher cuts may require a longer cooking time to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! If you like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dollop of gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the sauce. It will give your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe that delicious spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

You can, though the slow cooker brings out the best tenderness and flavor. If you don’t have one, try simmering the beef and sauce gently on low heat in a covered pot for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender.

What is the best way to slice the meat?

For optimal tenderness, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This breaks down muscle fibers and keeps the beef nice and tender when cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of a party?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day before and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold Korean flavors, the Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe is a must-try. It delivers tender beef drenched in a rich, flavorful sauce with minimal effort and maximum reward. Give it a go—you’re going to love the way it fills your home with warmth and your taste buds with joy.

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Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need