Korean-Style Pulled Beef with Gochujang and Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled beef simmered in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce finished with toasted sesame and scallions for a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 260 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 3 pounds beef chuck roast into large chunks and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, combine 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 cup beef broth; stir until smooth and heated through.
  3. Step 3: Add the beef chunks to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender enough to be pulled apart with forks.
  4. Step 4: Remove the beef and shred it using two forks; return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to coat evenly in the sauce; cook uncovered for 10 minutes over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Pulled Beef with Gochujang and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Korean-Style Pulled Beef with Gochujang and Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Style Pulled Beef with Gochujang and Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Korean-Style Pulled Beef with Gochujang and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Korean-Style Pulled Beef with Gochujang and Sesame?

Korean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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