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Easy Tender Crockpot Korean Beef Recipe Perfect for Busy Weeknights

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A flavorful and tender Korean beef recipe slow-cooked in a crockpot, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional but recommended)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat off the chuck roast and cut into roughly 2-inch chunks.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until sugar dissolves.
  3. Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Place beef chunks in the crockpot and pour the sauce evenly over them. Stir gently to coat all pieces.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the crockpot, turn heat to high, and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Stir in optional red pepper flakes for heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Searing the beef before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. If sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot Korean beef, slow cooker Korean beef, easy Korean beef recipe, tender beef recipe, weeknight dinner, Korean beef crockpot

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/easy-tender-crockpot-korean-beef-recipe-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/