Description
This Healthy Crock Pot Korean Beef is a lighter, flavorful twist on the classic takeout favorite. Made with lean beef, garlic, ginger, and a sweet-salty Korean-inspired sauce, it’s slow-cooked to tender perfection. Serve it with rice or steamed veggies for an easy, healthy side or main dish bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional sides: steamed broccoli, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
Instructions
- Place the thinly sliced beef in the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the beef is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Once done, taste and adjust seasoning — add a touch more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
- Serve the Korean beef topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Pair with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or noodles for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use lean cuts of beef or even ground beef for a budget-friendly option.
- Make it spicy by adding gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce.
- This dish stores well — refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a complete healthy side, serve with roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed greens.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hrs
- Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired