Slow Cooker Korean-Inspired Beef Short Ribs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef short ribs slowly braised in a savory and slightly sweet Korean-style sauce with garlic and ginger, perfect for a comforting dinner. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 435 minutes pairs pounds beef short ribs, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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: 15 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 3 pounds beef short ribs and season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  2. Step 2: Place the short ribs in a slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring ribs are mostly submerged.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
  4. Step 4: Once done, remove the ribs and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the ribs to the sauce, toss gently to coat, and garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Korean-Inspired Beef Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 435 minutes (15 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 Korean-Inspired Beef Short Ribs?

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 pounds beef short ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Korean-Inspired Beef Short Ribs?

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 Korean-Inspired Beef Short Ribs 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 Korean-Inspired Beef Short Ribs?

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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