Name: Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs That Will Delight You
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef short ribs; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish); Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish); Optional: 1/4 cup beef broth or water, if you prefer more sauce

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Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs are tender, flavorful beef ribs cooked in a savory and slightly spicy marinade, perfect for a hearty meal. The beauty of this dish lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the meat becomes incredibly tender. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these ribs will certainly impress. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Korean Short

There are countless reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Korean Short recipe. First, the slow cooker method guarantees tender Korean beef short ribs that fall off the bone. Second, the marinade, infused with soy sauce and gochujang, creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is both savory and slightly spicy. Third, it’s incredibly convenient—prep takes only 20 minutes. Fourth, the cooking time allows you to attend to other tasks while your meal cooks. Fifth, this dish is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Lastly, it’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. You can serve these Korean BBQ short ribs alongside rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Korean Short

Gather these items:

3 pounds beef short ribs
1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
Optional: 1/4 cup beef broth or water, if you prefer more sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Short Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and black pepper until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the marinade is smooth.
Step 2: Trim any excess surface fat from the short ribs if desired. Place the beef short ribs in the slow cooker in an even layer, meaty side down.
Step 3: Pour the marinade evenly over the ribs, turning them once or twice so they are well coated. Add a splash of beef broth or water if you prefer extra sauce.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are very tender and easily pull away from the bone with a fork.
Step 5: Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving platter, tenting loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 6: If desired, strain the cooking liquid into a small saucepan to remove any solids. Simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes to reduce slightly, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and cook until thickened to a glossy sauce.
Step 7: Spoon the sauce generously over the short ribs. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs That Will Delight You - Slow Cooker Korean Short - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Korean Short

Keep these in mind:

Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
For added flavor, marinate the short ribs overnight in the refrigerator.
Always allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors deepen when reheated.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Short

These tender Korean beef short ribs are best served with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete Korean BBQ experience, serve with kimchi on the side!

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Korean Short

After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the ribs in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth and heat over medium-low until warmed through. This method ensures the ribs remain tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Korean Short

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Korean Short?

The secret lies in the marinade and slow cooking process. Allowing the ribs to marinate for several hours or overnight enhances the flavor, while cooking them on low heat for several hours ensures they become incredibly tender. This is the authentic Korean short ribs cooking method!

Can I make Slow Cooker Korean Short ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing these ribs ahead of time is a great option. You can marinate them the night before and let them cook while you go about your day. This makes them perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Korean Short?

To avoid common mistakes, be sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker. If your cooker is too full, the ribs may not cook evenly. Additionally, ensure the marinade covers the meat sufficiently, and avoid lifting the lid while cooking, as it can extend the cooking time.

Variations of Slow Cooker Korean Short You Can Try

There are many delicious variations to explore! You can try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist or incorporating different vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a one-pot meal. For a spicier kick, add more gochujang or even some sliced jalapeños. This slow cooked Korean short ribs recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your taste!

Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs That Will Delight You - Slow Cooker Korean Short - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler or Vegan Berry Crisp. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try our Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies!

For more information on the health benefits of Korean cuisine, you can visit Healthline.