The flavor-packed magic of this Slow Cooker Korean Beef lies in its balance of sweetness, spice, and umami. Flank steak is slow-simmered in a rich sauce of soy, garlic, and brown sugar, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a crowd-pleasing main course. What’s more, it’s the kind of dish that’s deceptively simple. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a few pantry staples, you can enjoy restaurant-style Korean flavors without the takeout. Whether you serve it over fluffy white rice or wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep throughout the week.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ pounds flank steak
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¼ cup cornstarch
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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½ teaspoon minced garlic
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½ cup soy sauce
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½ cup beef broth
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¾ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup onion, chopped
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
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Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Directions:
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Slice flank steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain for tenderness.
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Place the steak in a ziplock bag with cornstarch and shake to coat evenly.
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In a slow cooker, combine sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, onion, and red pepper flakes.
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Add the coated steak to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
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Cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours until the beef is tender and cooked through.
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Serve hot over white rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 338 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Korean Beef
Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors, harmonious balance of sweet and savory, and creative use of marinades. The Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe is inspired by the classic Korean dish bulgogi, which translates to “fire meat.” Traditionally, bulgogi features thin slices of beef marinated in soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil, then grilled or stir-fried. The slow cooker version is a modern twist, using the same flavor profile but allowing time and gentle heat to create incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. This adaptation is perfect for busy home cooks who want authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen actively cooking.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes this recipe exceptional is its simplicity combined with deep flavor payoff. The flank steak, when sliced against the grain and slow-cooked, becomes fork-tender without losing its juiciness. The marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and onion infuses the beef with layers of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. Over several hours, the flavors meld and intensify, coating each piece of beef with a rich glaze. Because the slow cooker traps moisture, there’s no risk of drying out the meat—making it nearly foolproof.
Nutritional Benefits
While this dish leans toward indulgence with its rich sauce, it also offers several nutritional perks. Flank steak is a lean cut of beef, meaning it’s lower in fat than many other cuts while still being high in protein, iron, and essential amino acids. Garlic brings anti-inflammatory properties, while onions provide antioxidants and vitamins. Sesame seeds, used for garnish, are a great source of healthy fats and minerals like calcium and magnesium. When served with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice, it can be a well-rounded, nutrient-rich meal.
Why the Slow Cooker is Perfect for This Recipe
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it makes full use of a slow cooker’s capabilities. Slow cooking allows the connective tissues in the flank steak to break down gradually, transforming a tougher cut of meat into something luxuriously tender. Additionally, the consistent low heat helps the sauce reduce naturally, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that doesn’t require additional thickening. This “set it and forget it” approach is ideal for busy households—prep in the morning, and dinner is ready by the evening.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Spicy
The flavor profile is what makes this dish so addictive. The sweetness from brown sugar balances the salty umami depth of soy sauce, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Garlic and onions create a savory backbone, and the red pepper flakes bring just enough heat to keep the flavors exciting without overwhelming the palate. This balance of sweet, savory, and spicy is a hallmark of Korean cooking, and it’s what keeps people coming back for more.
Versatility in Serving
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Korean Beef is its versatility. The most common serving method is over steamed white rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce. However, it’s equally delicious with brown rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also wrap the beef in lettuce leaves for a lighter, fresh bite or use it as a filling for tacos, sliders, or Asian-inspired sandwiches. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option for lunches throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Korean Beef
For the most tender results, always slice the flank steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender. Coat the beef in cornstarch before adding it to the slow cooker—this step helps thicken the sauce as it cooks, ensuring a silky glaze. If you prefer more vegetables in your dish, consider adding broccoli, snap peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up the sauce while retaining some crispness.
Making It Your Own
While the base recipe is delicious as-is, it’s also highly adaptable. If you want more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of gochujang, the Korean chili paste that brings smoky spice and depth. For a lighter, less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by half and replace some of the soy sauce with low-sodium tamari. Vegetarians can even swap the beef for thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Meal Prep and Storage
This recipe is a meal prep dream. Once cooked, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture. Store it in airtight containers with a portion of rice for easy grab-and-go meals. To reheat, use the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This ensures the beef stays moist and tender even after storage.
Pairing Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this Korean beef alongside simple steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or green beans. A crisp Asian slaw with sesame dressing makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef. For drinks, a light beer, green tea, or even a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors.
Why This is the Best Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe
Many Korean beef recipes require careful marinating, stir-frying, or grilling to achieve the right flavor and tenderness. This slow cooker version bypasses the extra steps without compromising taste or texture. The combination of flank steak’s natural flavor, the perfectly balanced sauce, and the forgiving nature of slow cooking means you get consistently excellent results. It’s beginner-friendly, yet satisfying enough to impress guests.
Cooking for a Crowd
This dish scales beautifully for gatherings. You can easily double or triple the recipe in a large slow cooker, making it ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or casual parties. Serve buffet-style with rice, lettuce wraps, and a selection of toppings like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and sriracha mayo for a fun, customizable dining experience.
Cultural Inspiration
While this slow cooker beef is a modern take, it stays true to the essence of Korean cooking, which is all about harmony in flavors and presentation. Korean food culture emphasizes sharing meals family-style, and this dish fits right in with that tradition. Placing a big pot of tender beef in the center of the table encourages communal eating and conversation, just as in a traditional Korean household.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a perfect example of how traditional flavors can be adapted to modern cooking methods without losing authenticity. With minimal prep time, you can create a deeply flavorful, tender, and versatile dish that works for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining. Its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements, combined with the convenience of the slow cooker, makes it a reliable favorite in any home kitchen. Whether you’re introducing Korean flavors to your family for the first time or adding a new recipe to your repertoire, this dish delivers every time.