Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef Recipe – Easy and Delicious
Table of Contents
Food for a Hectic Week
I’ve always been a sucker for slow-cooked meals, especially on those days when life seems to move at a pace faster than I can keep up with. One afternoon, after a particularly hectic week, I found myself craving something warm and comforting, but with a twist that would take me out of my everyday routine. That’s when I remembered a Korean BBQ dish I had at a small family-run restaurant in Seoul a few years back — Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef. The memory of the tender, juicy beef wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, transported me back to that cozy, bustling eatery.
I wanted to recreate that experience, but I also needed something that wouldn’t demand too much of my time or energy. That’s when the idea for this Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Beef was born. It combines the best of both worlds—the rich, traditional flavors of Korean BBQ and the convenience of a slow cooker.
Making Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef At Home
As the beef slowly simmered away, filling my kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation.
After a few hours, when I finally lifted the lid, I was greeted with the sight of beautifully glazed beef, tender to the touch and bursting with flavor. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some chopped green onions later, I was ready to dig in. The first bite was pure comfort—soft, succulent beef with a hint of sweetness, balanced by the umami richness of soy sauce and the subtle nuttiness of sesame oil.
I served it with a simple bowl of steamed rice, just like they did in Seoul, but I also experimented with lettuce wraps for a lighter version. It was a hit with my family, who loved the fusion of authentic Korean taste with the ease of slow cooking. Now, this Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef recipe has become a go-to in my household, especially when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s my little slice of Seoul, right at home.
Chef’s Notes – Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef
- Overnight Marinade: Marinating the beef overnight allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a richer and more flavorful dish.
- Layering Flavors: Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their nutty flavor, adding an extra layer of depth to the dish.
- Cut of Beef: Using a cut with some marbling, like sirloin or ribeye, ensures that the beef remains tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef with steamed rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative. Adding a side of kimchi can also bring an authentic Korean touch.
- Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the marinade according to your preference. For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the sugar by half.
- Thickening Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can reduce it on the stovetop or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Beef
4
servings25
minutes6
minutes350
kcal30
minutes7
minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with this Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Beef! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The tender beef, marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a simple, hands-off dish that delivers big on flavor. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients
- Marinade 1
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Marinade 2
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Main Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or ribeye thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion cut into 1-inch pieces (more if desired)
Directions
- Marinate Beef – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 clove chopped garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and mix well to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Prepare Second Marinade – In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 clove chopped garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create a second batch of marinade.
- Toast Sesame Seeds – Heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast the sesame seeds until they are lightly browned and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker – Place the marinated beef into the slow cooker. Pour the second batch of marinade over the beef. Add the toasted sesame seeds and green onion pieces.
- Cook – Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- slow cooker
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 2IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 4mg
- Iron: 15mg
Vegetarian Kimchi Delight
Cooks in 160 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into the world of Korean cuisine with this mouthwatering Vegetarian Kimchi Delight! This recipe, straight from my new cookbook, offers a perfect balance of flavors without the need for fish sauce or fermented shrimp. The secret lies in a specially crafted vegetarian stock that brings out the deep savoriness you crave. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to try something new, this kimchi will surprise you with its deliciousness. Perfect for small batches, this recipe is easy to customize. Let’s get started and make some unforgettable kimchi!
FAQs- Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef
Can I marinate the beef for less than 30 minutes?
While marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, you can shorten the time if you’re in a rush. However, for the best flavor for this Slow Cooker Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef, it’s ideal to marinate the beef overnight.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use cuts like chuck roast or brisket, but remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and toughness of the meat.
Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil, though the flavor will be different. Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty taste that is characteristic of Korean cuisine.
