Slow Cooker Korean Beef

This slow cooker Korean beef recipe is a perfect dinner for those busy weeknights. It takes just minutes to whip up and can be served over rice or noodles, with some veggies on the side!

The slow cooker is a lifesaver when you're too busy to cook. This easy recipe is one of the best crock pot dishes for any meal of the day.

Korean food has been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years. Korean Beef is one of the most popular dishes, but it can be difficult to find a restaurant that serves this delicious dish. Luckily, I have created this recipe for Korean Beef at home! In today's post, we will show you how to make Slow Cooker Korean Beef with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

What is Korean Beef

Korean beef is a popular dish in Korean restaurants. It's usually served over rice and includes thin slices of raw sirloin or flank steak that is marinated in soy sauce, garlic, ginger and sugar with tangy gochujang chili paste for flavor. The meat gets cooked throughout the meal while it sits on top of those ingredients to absorb all the delicious flavor.

What does Slow Cooker Korean beef taste like

Korean beef is very tender beef that is a mixture of sweet, and smoky. Most of the flavor comes from soy, sesame, garlic and ginger. It does have a strong flavor but it's oh so delicious.  In my opinion it tastes like a mixture of bbq and asian style cooking.

Can I use a different cut of beef to make this recipe

Yes! I recommend using flank, which will cook evenly and be tender. You could also use skirt steak or sirloin steak if you prefer a thicker cut of meat that is more chewy.

Can I make this beef ahead

Yes, you can make the beef ahead of time and then refrigerate it. Of course you will need to reheat it before you serve it.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Korean Beef

If you have leftover Korean beef that you want to store, I have some tips for you. Store your leftover beef in the fridge in an airtight container. I like to divide my leftovers into individual containers for easy lunches. The leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to four days.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Korean Beef

You can freeze Korean beef, but keep in mind that the texture will change.  My family doesn't like the texture change of frozen Korean beef so I tend to not freeze it. If your family doesn't mind the texture change it makes for a great make ahead meal.

How do I reheat leftover Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Ready to reheat your leftover beef? Here are some simple steps for reheating leftover Korean beef.  You can use the microwave and microwave on high for two minutes. then check for warmth, if still cold add an additional minute until warm all the way through.

Or, you can reheat your leftover beef in the oven. I personally like to reheat my beef in the oven for the best tasting leftovers.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Add your leftover beef to an oven safe baking dish. I like to add a small amount of water, like a tablespoon to help keep my beef moist.  Then bake for 15 minutes or until heated through the center.

What size slow cooker do I need to make this recipe

I recommend at least a four or five quarts slow cooker.  I cook my beef in a six quart slow cooker. It's my go to slow cooker to use when I am cooking a slow cooker meal.

What is a cornstarch slurry

A cornstarch slurry is a mixture of water and starch to thicken sauces or gravies.  Cornstarch slurries are equal parts cornstarch and water. Mix the two together and then add to your food that you want to thicken.  The cornstarch slurry will need to cook some to start to thicken your sauce or gravy.

Is flank steak a tough cut of meat

I wouldn't say flank steak is tough. It has a lot of flavor and it's generally relatively tender if you cook it right.  I like cooking flank steak in the slow cooker because a low and slow cooking method helps keep flank steak tender.

How do I know when my beef is cooked through

There are a few ways you can tell if your beef is cooked through.  You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your meat. For flank steak, it's done when the internal temperature reads 145F/63C. I like to tell if my flank steak in the slow cooker is done by how tender it becomes. My family likes when our flank steak pulls apart with a slight twist of a fork.

Ingredients Need for Slow Cooker Korean Beef

• 1 lb Flank steak 
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• one teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ cup tamari soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon gochujang 
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• ½ cup beef broth
• Cornstarch slurry - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 3 stalks green onion, sliced
• 2 red chili’s, seeded and sliced

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef

1. Prepare flank steak. Cut into 1” strips, then cut each strip into 4 small pieces. 
2. Add flank steak cubes to a large mixing bowl. Add cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat. 
3. Prepare sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, gochujang, ginger, and garlic. 
4. Place steak cubes into the slow cooker. Pour sauce over the steak. Add beef broth and stir. Cover, and cook on low for 4 hours. Pour in cornstarch slurry and stir. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce. 
5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onion, and red chili peppers. Serve with rice and enjoy!

How do I choose a quality slow cooker

The best way to find a quality slow cooker is by reading reviews. It’s important to check the number of stars and read what customers have said about their experiences with that particular brand, because this can help you determine whether or not it's worth purchasing. I personally like the Crock Pot brand.

Can I use a slow cooker liner for this recipe

Yes, you can use a slow cooker liner for this recipe. I personally do not use slow cooker liners, as I find that they can sometimes change the taste. Instead of using a slow cooker liner I just spray the inside of my slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray for easy clean up. If you like using a slow cooker liner than go right ahead and use one.

Can I use my pressure cooker as a slow cooker for this recipe

If your pressure cooker has the slow cooker function then yes you can use your pressure cooker as a slow cooker. However, I personally do not like to use my pressure cooker as a slow cooker because it only heats from the bottom instead of from all sides.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a total one pot meal. You can use rice, quinoa, or noodles to make this dish - it's up to you!

I’ve been cooking Korean Beef in my slow cooker for years, and it always comes out so tender. It is a favorite at our house because the beef just melts in your mouth. Using my slow cooker for dinner allows me to spend the day with my family. Plus, it makes a one pot meal which makes for easy and quick kitchen clean up at night.

I hope you enjoy this Slow Cooker Korean Beef. Leave a comment below to tell me what your favorite slow cooker meal is

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow cooker white chicken chili

Mexican street corn casserole - In the Slow Cooker 

Slow cooker fudge pudding cake

Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetables

Slow Cooker Bacon, Macaroni and Cheese