Savory Slow Cooker Korean Beef Bites

$Cooking Korean beef bites is simple and fun. Here’s what you need: - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons minced garlic - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 cups broccoli florets (optional, for added nutrition) This list gives you all the flavors of Korean cooking. The beef chuck makes it tender, while the soy sauce adds depth. Brown sugar balances the saltiness, and garlic and ginger bring warmth. The sesame oil gives a nutty touch, while black and red pepper add a hint of heat. You can top it off with green onions and sesame seeds for a nice finish. Add broccoli if you want extra greens in your meal. Enjoy these tasty bites! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, mix these ingredients in a large bowl: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons minced garlic - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Next, add 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Once marinated, it's time to cook. Transfer the beef and marinade into your slow cooker. If you want more nutrition, add 2 cups of broccoli florets on top. Cover the slow cooker. You can cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should become tender and easy to shred. When cooking is done, stir the beef to mix everything well. If you prefer smaller pieces, break the beef into bits as you stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe add more soy sauce or red pepper flakes for extra kick. Serve the Korean beef bites in bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful touch! - Ensuring tender beef bites To get soft beef, choose the right cut. Beef chuck is great for slow cooking. Cut it into small cubes. Marinate it well for at least 30 minutes. The marinade adds flavor and helps with tenderness. When cooking, keep the lid on the slow cooker. This keeps moisture in, making the beef juicy. - How to control spice level If you like it mild, use less red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can always add more if you want it spicier. If the dish is too spicy, add more brown sugar or a little extra soy sauce. This will balance the heat. - Best sides to pair with Korean beef bites I love serving these beef bites with steamed rice or quinoa. The grains soak up the tasty sauce. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or carrots for a colorful plate. A fresh salad with a light dressing adds crunch and freshness. - Presentation tips for a beautiful dish When you serve the beef, use a large bowl. Lay the beef bites on a bed of rice. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a fun touch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes it look fancy. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the beef cubed overnight in the refrigerator. The longer marination allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your beef is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for tender beef is around 195°F (90°C) for shredding. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also add fresh chili slices for an extra kick. Serve with Fresh Garnishes: Enhance presentation and flavor by serving the beef bites with fresh herbs, such as cilantro, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish. {{image_2}} To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor. Place the beef bites in the fridge right after serving. They will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Always let the dish cool down before sealing it in a container. This way, you prevent excess moisture from forming. Freezing Korean beef bites is easy. First, let them cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Enjoy your delicious beef bites again! To add more heat, you can increase the red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon instead of half. If you want extra spice, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find the right level for you. Yes, you can use other cuts like beef brisket or flank steak. These cuts can also be tender and flavorful. Just remember that cooking times may vary. Ensure the meat is cut into equal-sized pieces for even cooking. Korean beef bites pair well with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve them with stir-fried vegetables. For a fresh touch, try a side salad with sesame dressing. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and color. Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes is good. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This lets the meat soak up all the tasty marinade. Just make sure not to marinate too long, or the beef can become too soft. In this blog post, we explored making Korean beef bites, highlighting key ingredients and cooking steps. You learned about marinating, using a slow cooker, and perfecting flavors. I shared tips for tender beef and serving ideas to impress. Remember, you can adapt this dish to fit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and find what you love best. With these guidelines, you’re well-equipped to create a delicious dish that your family will enjoy. Happy cooking!$

Savory Slow Cooker Korean Beef Bites

A delicious and tender Korean beef dish made in a slow cooker, perfect for a hearty meal.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
0.25 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
0.25 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 cups broccoli florets (optional, for added nutrition)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to create the marinade.
Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Transfer the marinated beef into the slow cooker, including all of the marinade. If using, add the broccoli florets on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
Once cooked, stir to combine and break the beef into smaller pieces if preferred. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the Korean beef bites in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve the beef bites over steamed rice or quinoa, with a sprinkle of extra green onions and sesame seeds on top for a colorful and inviting dish.

Keyword beef, dinner, easy, Korean, slow cooker