This Easy Crockpot Korean BBQ recipe offers a flavorful and tender beef dish that’s simple to prepare using a slow cooker. Combining ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes, it delivers a savory and slightly sweet taste with a hint of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be served over rice with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak (or substitute with ground beef or chuck roast)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and soy sauce until smooth.
- Place the flank steak in the crockpot.
- Add sesame oil, garlic powder, brown sugar, diced onion, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot.
- Pour the cornstarch and soy sauce mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Once cooked, shred or thinly slice the beef, then return it to the crockpot to soak up the juices.
- Serve hot over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 32g
The Rich History of Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is an essential part of Korean food culture, with a history that spans centuries. It has evolved over time from the traditional practice of grilling meats over an open flame, a technique that was influenced by the nomadic lifestyle of ancient Koreans. The concept of grilling meat in the open air is still a central feature of Korean BBQ, but modern adaptations have made it easier for people to enjoy these flavors at home without the need for special equipment.
In traditional Korean BBQ, diners gather around a table where raw meats, such as beef, pork, or chicken, are marinated and then grilled at the table over a charcoal fire. The grilled meats are often served with a variety of side dishes, such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, and steamed rice. The joy of Korean BBQ is not only in the flavors but also in the communal dining experience, where friends and family share food and enjoy the process of grilling and eating together.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Korean BBQ?
The slow cooker method in this recipe is a convenient way to recreate the flavors of Korean BBQ without the need for an actual grill. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender as it simmers in a flavorful sauce, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a hands-off cooking method.
The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together over time. As the beef cooks, it soaks up the marinade, becoming infused with the sweet, salty, and spicy notes characteristic of Korean BBQ. The slow cooker also ensures that the beef remains moist and tender, as the low and slow cooking method prevents it from drying out.
Additionally, using a slow cooker eliminates the need to stand over a grill, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings when you want to serve a flavorful meal with minimal effort. All you need to do is prepare the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you focus on other tasks.
The Key Ingredients in Korean BBQ
While Korean BBQ can be made with various meats, beef is often the star of the show. In this recipe, flank steak is used, though other cuts like chuck roast or ground beef can also be substituted. Flank steak is a lean cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking, as it becomes tender and absorbs the marinade beautifully.
The marinade in this recipe is the key to achieving that distinct Korean BBQ flavor. Soy sauce provides the salty, umami base of the marinade, while sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic depth. Brown sugar is used to balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, and red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of heat to make the dish more complex.
Other ingredients, like garlic powder and diced onion, further enhance the flavor profile, contributing savory and aromatic elements that complement the beef. The combination of these ingredients creates a marinade that is rich, balanced, and perfectly suited for slow cooking.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about Korean BBQ is its versatility. While the slow cooker method in this recipe is an easy and effective way to prepare the dish, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more red pepper flakes or even incorporate gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds both heat and depth of flavor.
For a different twist, consider adding vegetables to the slow cooker, such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. These vegetables will absorb the flavors of the marinade and add a bit of texture and color to the dish. Additionally, some recipes for Korean BBQ incorporate fruits like pears or apples, which add a touch of sweetness and help tenderize the meat.
If you’re looking for a lower-carb version of this dish, you can skip the rice and serve the beef over lettuce leaves for a lettuce wrap-style meal. This is a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Alternatively, you can swap the beef for chicken or pork to suit different tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Korean BBQ is traditionally served with a variety of side dishes, known as banchan, which include items like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and steamed rice. For a complete meal, you can serve this slow-cooked Korean BBQ beef alongside a simple vegetable stir-fry or a refreshing cucumber salad. The combination of the tender, flavorful beef and the fresh, tangy sides creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
You can also garnish the beef with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and a visually appealing presentation. The sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch, while the green onions offer a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the beef.
If you’re hosting a gathering, Korean BBQ can also be served family-style, allowing guests to assemble their own plates with rice, vegetables, and beef. This interactive approach makes for a fun and communal dining experience, which is at the heart of Korean food culture.
Health Benefits of Korean BBQ
While Korean BBQ is often associated with indulgent flavors, it can also be a healthy meal option when prepared with lean cuts of meat and plenty of vegetables. The beef in this recipe is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, the sesame oil used in the marinade provides healthy fats that can support heart health.
The vegetables and garnishes served alongside the Korean BBQ also add a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish. Kimchi, in particular, is a fermented food that is rich in probiotics, which can aid in digestion and support gut health.
Conclusion
Easy Crockpot Korean BBQ is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine without the need for complicated grilling techniques. The slow cooker method makes it simple to prepare, and the result is a tender, flavorful beef dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or in a lettuce wrap, this dish is versatile and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.