There’s something magical about Slow Cooker Korean Beef — tender, juicy, and packed with those bold, savory-sweet flavors that make everyone ask for seconds. This simple crockpot recipe transforms affordable cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, infused with soy, garlic, brown sugar, and a hint of spice.
If you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that tastes like your favorite Korean BBQ takeout, this is the one. Pair it with fluffy white rice, steamed veggies, or even tuck it into lettuce wraps for a delicious twist.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Korean Beef
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef recipe checks all the boxes — it’s easy, budget-friendly, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef beautifully, creating a dish that’s rich, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.
Unlike takeout, you know exactly what’s in your meal. With simple ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic, you’ll have a Korean-inspired dinner that feels fancy but requires almost no effort.
It’s the perfect weeknight dinner — dump everything in the crockpot, let it cook low and slow, and come home to the incredible aroma of Korean BBQ.
What Is Korean BBQ?
Traditional Korean BBQ is a fun and social dining experience — diners grill marinated meats at the table and enjoy them with a variety of sides like kimchi, rice, and pickled veggies.
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef version takes those same iconic flavors and brings them home — no fancy grill required. By slow-cooking the beef all day, you get the same tender, flavorful result for a fraction of the cost.
🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this Slow Cooker Korean Beef so delicious:
- Flank steak – Lean, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking. You can also use chuck roast or round steak.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to coat every bite.
- Soy sauce – Adds rich, umami depth. Go for low-sodium if you prefer.
- Brown sugar – Balances the saltiness and brings that signature sweet BBQ flavor.
- Sesame oil – A must for authentic Korean-style aroma.
- Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor (or use fresh garlic for extra punch).
- Diced onion – Enhances the sauce with sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes – Optional, but gives a subtle kick.
Tip: The magic is in the sauce — simple ingredients that turn into a glossy, flavorful glaze that coats the beef beautifully.
🍲 How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef
- Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add to the slow cooker. Place your beef and diced onion into the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure everything is coated.
- Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred or slice. Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks and return it to the sauce. Stir to coat every strand in that rich Korean glaze.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or with steamed veggies.
The result? Juicy, flavorful beef that practically melts in your mouth — no takeout required.
💡 Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: Marinate the beef overnight in the sauce for even deeper flavor.
- Use a liner: Slow cooker liners make cleanup a breeze.
- Swap the protein: This works great with chicken, pork, or even ground beef for Korean beef bowls.
- Spice it up: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha for extra heat.
- Add veggies: Toss in carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
🍛 What to Serve With Slow Cooker Korean Beef
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Asian-style slaw
- Lettuce wraps for a lighter option
- Kimchi for an authentic Korean side
This dish is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that feels special without any stress — ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef – Easy, Flavorful & Better Than Takeout
This Slow Cooker Korean Beef is everything you love about Korean BBQ — savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully tender — but made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Korean
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add the beef and diced onion to your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over and mix lightly to coat.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender enough to shred.
- Remove beef from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, then return it to the sauce and stir.
- Serve hot over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.