Slow Cooker Korean Beef

This slow cooker Korean BBQ recipe is one of my family favorites recipes. We love how great this crockpot recipe is and how tasty and tender the steak comes out with the combination of soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar.

This Korean BBQ is perfect served over rice or to eat alone. It is so much better than getting takeout as I know exactly what all the ingredients are. If you love this recipe, you may also love Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe, Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken or Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe.

What is Korean BBQ?

Traditional Korean BBQ reminds me a lot of hibachi. There is a grill in the middle of the table and you fill it with various raw meats. Plus, you get to enjoy it with various different side dishes.

It is typically a very heavy meal and that can often get expensive! For this at-home slow cooker Korean beef version, you use a lot of the same  Korean BBQ ingredients.

However, it is very budget friendly because you can take advantage of cheaper cuts of meat. This is because the crockpot is going to do all of the work and help tenderize it by slow cooking all day.

Ingredients

• Corn Starch – This helps to thicken the sauce
• Sesame Oil – Amazing Asian Flavor. If you are out, see The Best Sesame Oil Substitute
• Garlic Powder – Feel free to substitute with minced garlic
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or rice vinegar – Adds sweet and savory flavor
• Brown Sugar – If you are out, see The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes
• Diced Onion – Substitute with minced onions if you prefer
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional spicy addition
• Flank Steak – You could use a cheaper steak, ground beef or chuck roast

For the full list of ingredients and recipe scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

How to Make Korean BBQ in the Crockpot

Step 1 – Whisk together the cornstarch and soy sauce in a medium bowl. I have even added in some beef broth before.

Step 2 – Put all of the ingredients into your crockpot. Let this cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. It is so easy that even your kids make dinner for you.

• Step 3 – After the meat has finished cooked, either thinly slice or shred the meat. If you prefer, you can do this before you cook it but I like doing it after.
• Step 4 – It is just easier to cut or shred the meat after it has been cooked. Once it has been shredded with a fork, place back in the crockpot. Garnishes with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for even more flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Prepare Ahead of Time – If I do decide to prepare this meal ahead of time, I like to cut the steak in strips. I can also prepare the sauce and have it all marinate overnight. Then I just put everything into the crock pot in the morning. You can also freeze this meal as well.
• Crockpot Liners – Since you make this Korean BBQ recipe in the crockpot, you know it is going to be an easy one. Do you want to make this recipe even easier? Buy some crockpot liners to make cleanup a breeze.
• Crock Pot Recommendation – Make sure you have a good crock pot. If you are looking for a good crockpot, I love my 6 quart crockpot. It is plain and simple and gets the job done. You might even like these Best Slow Cookers of 2024.

Variations Ideas

• Change Meat – Flank steak is great for this, but I have done this recipe with a roast and with round steak. Use a cheaper cut of steak to save money. We have even used a pork tenderloin or make korean ground beef tacos. You can also try this meal with chicken. Chicken breast or chicken thighs would work best.
• Spicy – You can also spice it up a bit but adding in some crushed peppers, gochujang or sriracha sauce while it is cooking. My family likes to put some on top of the Korean BBQ once they have it on their plate.
• Garlic – We usually use garlic powder, but you can use Fresh Garlic if your prefer. I will usually use the jar minced garlic to bring out the flavor. But use what you have.
• Veggies – Try also mixing in some vegetables. Carrots or broccoli would be delicious added towards the end of the cooking time.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Korean Beef

• Instant pot White Rice Recipe – You can also make Microwave Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice. Learn How to freeze rice to make this recipe even easier. It is such a big help during busy weeks.
• Easy Fried Rice Recipe – This is super easy and even better made from leftover rice.
• Kimchi is typically a must, which is basically a fermented cabbage dish. If you want to keep it simple, just use stir-fried vegetables.
• This meal would also be perfect served over quinoa or noodles.
• You could even serve over zucchini noodles if you are watching your carbs.
• This Korean BBQ would be great over some Crock Pot Short Ribs Recipe. I would either cook the ribs in the oven or grill them, and the baste the Korean BBQ for that extra flavor.
• It could even be served as a dipping sauce for grilled meats. I tend to do this when we have friends over and they are amazed at how much flavor that it gives the meat.
• Korean Beef Tacos is another meal ideas served in flour tortillas topped with a delicious Cole Slaw Recipe.