Slow Cooker Authentic Korean Beef Bulgogi

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

Tender, sweet, and savory Korean beef bulgogi slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection with traditional ingredients. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef sirloin, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 kg thinly sliced beef sirloin, 1 medium thinly sliced onion, and 1 medium julienned carrot to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Before serving, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the bulgogi for a nutty finish. Serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Authentic Korean Beef Bulgogi take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Slow Cooker Authentic Korean Beef Bulgogi?

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 sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Authentic Korean Beef Bulgogi?

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 Slow Cooker Authentic Korean Beef Bulgogi 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 Slow Cooker Authentic Korean Beef Bulgogi?

Korean beef 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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