Description
This easy crockpot Korean-inspired beef bulgogi bowl offers a quick, hands-off way to enjoy bold, sweet, and savory flavors with tender beef, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900 g) thinly sliced beef chuck or sirloin
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp powdered ginger)
- 1 small Asian pear or Bosc pear, grated (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly for garnish
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Instructions
- Slice 2 pounds (900 g) of beef chuck or sirloin thinly against the grain.
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, grated Asian pear, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add thinly sliced onion and beef to the marinade. Toss until beef is well coated.
- Pour the beef and marinade mixture into the slow cooker, spreading evenly without overcrowding.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens. Avoid stirring frequently.
- About 15 minutes before serving, gently stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Serve the bulgogi beef over freshly steamed white or brown rice. Optionally add quick pickled cucumbers or kimchi on the side.
Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for best tenderness. Grated pear tenderizes meat naturally and adds sweetness. Avoid stirring too often during cooking to allow caramelization. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Serve over rice, noodles, or greens. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with approxim
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: bulgogi, crockpot, slow cooker, Korean beef, weeknight meal, easy dinner, meal prep, savory, sweet, sesame oil