If there’s one dish that always brings my family around the table with full hearts and empty plates, it’s this slow cooker Korean beef. I first made it on a chilly Sunday afternoon, trying to recreate the bold, sweet-savory flavors we had tasted at a little Korean spot during a weekend trip. With a few pantry staples and my trusty crockpot, the result was magic—tender, flavorful beef that fell apart with a fork and soaked perfectly into a bowl of warm rice.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how effortless it is. Whether you’re cooking for your household or prepping ahead for a busy week, this slow cooker Korean beef fits right in. It’s comforting, rich in flavor, and just as good the next day—if there are any leftovers! In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this dish, from tips on choosing the right beef to how to get that balanced sauce just right. Along the way, I’ll also link to other dinner staples and slow cooker ideas you’ll love.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Korean Beef
A No-Fuss Weeknight or Weekend Win
This recipe is truly a time-saver. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy meat bathed in a glossy, garlicky soy-sugar sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that welcomes you home with a warm aroma and a delicious meal ready to go. It’s especially helpful on busy weeknights when you’re craving something cozy and filling without hovering over the stove.
What I love most is its flexibility. You can prep everything in the morning, let it cook low and slow during the day, and come home to something that tastes like you’ve been working in the kitchen for hours. Pair it with simple steamed rice or serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. For more easy but bold weeknight ideas, you might also like my chicken and broccoli stir-fry or teriyaki chicken bake.
The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Salty, and Just a Little Heat
This dish hits every note your taste buds love. The brown sugar and soy sauce create a deeply savory-sweet base, while garlic powder and red pepper flakes add dimension and a mild kick. The result is an umami-packed sauce that clings to every strand of shredded beef. And if you’re a fan of bold, saucy meals, this one will quickly become a favorite.
The secret to getting that authentic Korean BBQ vibe? The combination of sesame oil and soy sauce—it’s classic, reliable, and satisfying every single time. Want more inspiration that brings rich flavor with little effort? My sticky garlic ribs and spicy honey glazed chicken are perfect for that same flavor-craving mood.
Making the Best Korean Beef in Your Slow Cooker
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef and Smart Substitutions
While flank steak is ideal for this recipe thanks to its tenderness and ability to absorb flavor, it’s not your only option. You can also use skirt steak, chuck roast, or even sliced sirloin if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to slice the beef against the grain and let the long, slow cook work its magic. No matter the cut, the meat ends up buttery soft and easy to shred.
Cornstarch in this recipe serves an important role—it helps thicken the sauce as it cooks. But if you’re out of it, a slurry of flour and water (1:2 ratio) works in a pinch. Just whisk it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Looking to make this dish a little leaner? Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar and opt for low-sodium soy sauce. These small changes keep all the flavor while making the dish feel a bit lighter.
For more inspiration using common pantry swaps, check out this sweet and spicy ground turkey recipe or my go-to slow cooker shredded chicken—both flavorful and flexible meals that adapt to what’s in your kitchen.
Sauce Tips, Serving Ideas, and Topping Suggestions
What really brings this dish together is the sauce. Be sure to whisk everything well before pouring it over the beef in your slow cooker. This ensures the brown sugar melts smoothly and the seasonings distribute evenly. After cooking, the sauce should be slightly thickened and glossy. If it’s too thin for your liking, turn the cooker to high and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
To serve, spoon the beef over warm white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. You can also tuck it into steamed bao buns or pile it high onto butter lettuce leaves. And don’t forget the toppings—sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and even a drizzle of sriracha elevate each bite.
If you’re a fan of versatile dishes like this, you might enjoy my teriyaki meatballs or this ultra-satisfying slow cooker pork carnitas recipe—both perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight meals.
Prep-Ahead Tips and Adaptations for Every Lifestyle
Meal Prep-Friendly and Perfect for Leftovers
This Korean beef recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s built for make-ahead meals. After cooking, the beef stays tender and flavorful for up to 5–7 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container with some of the sauce to keep it moist. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
It also freezes like a dream. Just portion into freezer-safe bags, press out the air, and lay flat to freeze. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove with a splash of water or soy sauce. This makes it an excellent option for batch cooking or stocking your freezer for busy weeks.
Looking for more freezer-friendly meals? My slow cooker chicken chili and creamy garlic pasta bake are both staples in our house and freeze beautifully, too.
How to Make It Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, or Kid-Friendly
With a few small tweaks, this dish can suit a range of diets without sacrificing flavor. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your cornstarch is gluten-free as well. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, serve over cauliflower rice and reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar-free brown sweetener.
Feeding picky eaters or little ones? Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor and serve the beef in sliders or wraps. The sweet-savory profile is usually a big hit with kids. And if you’re feeding a crowd with mixed dietary needs, set up a DIY beef bowl bar with rice, veggies, and all the toppings so everyone can build their own.
For more family-friendly meals that are easy to adjust, you’ll love my BBQ turkey sliders or these baked chicken tenders—simple, satisfying, and perfect for all ages.
Make It Yours — Variations and Entertaining Ideas
Creative Twists to Try
This slow cooker Korean beef recipe is already a favorite, but it’s also a great base for experimenting. Want to add more veggies? Toss in shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up all that delicious sauce without turning mushy.
Craving extra heat? Stir in gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) for authentic spice and depth. If you’re looking for a richer finish, a spoonful of hoisin sauce or a drizzle of honey can bring a sticky, glossy boost. And if you’re pressed for time, try this recipe using an Instant Pot—just brown the beef on sauté mode and pressure cook for 40 minutes.
For more customizable and fusion-style dishes, explore my Asian-inspired meatloaf or the super adaptable crockpot taco chicken, both perfect for creative cooks.
Perfect for Parties and Potlucks
This dish isn’t just a hit at home—it shines at gatherings, too. It stays warm in the slow cooker for hours, making it ideal for game days, potlucks, or holiday buffets. Serve it buffet-style with rice, slaw, and toppings like pickled veggies, sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo.
You can also make Korean beef sliders by piling it onto mini buns with a crisp cabbage slaw. Or try stuffing it into spring rolls or lettuce cups for something lighter and finger-food friendly. It’s one of those meals that people keep coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe.
Planning your next party menu? Consider pairing this with my easy egg roll bowls or a fresh Asian cucumber salad for the perfect flavor combo.
Print
Slow Cooker Korean Beef: Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Korean Beef with a sweet and savory sauce. An easy weeknight dinner that’s great for meal prep or gatherings.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs flank steak
¼ cup corn starch
2 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup soy sauce
¾ cup brown sugar
1 diced onion
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Place all the ingredients except for the steak into a mixing bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
2. Place the meat in a crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over the steak.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the meat and cut into pieces or shred.
5. Return the meat to the crockpot to absorb the sauce.
6. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
Top with extra green onions or chili flakes for added flavor.
Pairs well with kimchi or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 256
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 863mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 51mg
FAQs About Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Can I use chicken instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work especially well and soak up the sauce beautifully. Reduce cooking time slightly—around 4–5 hours on low.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not very. The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can easily leave them out for a mild version—or bump it up with chili paste or sriracha.
Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely. Mix the sauce and marinate the beef overnight in the fridge. In the morning, dump everything into the slow cooker and set it to low.
Conclusion: A Simple, Satisfying Favorite You’ll Keep Making
There’s something so comforting about a meal that’s rich in flavor, simple to make, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table. This slow cooker Korean beef does exactly that. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution, prepping ahead for the week, or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers every time.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope it becomes a go-to in your meal rotation. And if you’re craving more comforting meals like this, I’ve got plenty to share over at recipeslia.com.
Let’s keep cooking something amazing together.
