It is freezing outside and your house smells incredible. These Korean Beef Noodles are the ultimate winter comfort food. You can set the slow cooker and forget about it. Dinner will be ready and waiting when you are.
It is 6pm and you are likely tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. There is something magical about savory beef on a cold evening. This recipe delivers tender beef and a sauce your family will love. It is the perfect way to end a long week.
Why You Will Love These Korean Beef Noodles
This dish is a total winner for busy families. It uses lean beef for a high protein boost. You will feel full and satisfied all night long. It is much cheaper than buying takeout for four people.
The slow cooker does the hard work while you are busy. It is a nutritious meal that feels like a treat. Your kitchen will smell like a five-star restaurant all afternoon. It is the perfect cozy meal for a snowy day.
Simple Method
You will love how simple this method is. Even beginners can make this dish perfectly. You just whisk the sauce and pour it over. The beef simmers until it is perfectly fork-tender.
Cooking the noodles takes only a few minutes. Then you just toss everything together in the pot. It is a one-pot wonder that saves on dishes. You do not need any fancy equipment for this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are probably in your pantry right now. Using fresh ginger makes a huge difference in the flavor.
- 1.5 lbs lean beef chuck roast, trimmed and thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces high-protein ramen or whole wheat noodles
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the trimmed and sliced beef into the base of the slow cooker.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Secure the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Approximately 10 minutes before serving, cook the noodles in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and incorporate them directly into the slow cooker, tossing with the beef and sauce to combine.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these noodles in your favorite large bowls. The beef should be glistening and tender. Add some steamed broccoli on the side for color. This adds a nice crunch to the soft noodles.
Top with extra green onions for a little brightness. This meal is great for a casual weeknight dinner. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free family meal. It is filling enough to stand on its own.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers stay delicious for up to four days. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. This recipe is a dream for healthy meal prep. The noodles soak up even more flavor overnight.
Reheat them in the microwave for a quick lunch. Add a splash of broth if it looks dry. You can also freeze the cooked beef separately. This makes for an even faster dinner next time.
Tips for Best Results
- Trim the fat from the roast for a leaner sauce.
- Slice the beef very thinly for the best texture.
- Always slice against the grain of the meat.
- Use fresh ginger for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles in the boiling water.
- Add a splash of lime juice for extra brightness.
- Whisk the sauce well to dissolve the sugar.
- Double the recipe to feed a larger group.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Swap the beef for lean pork loin slices.
- Add shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Use honey if you want to avoid refined sugar.
- Stir in some spinach at the very end.
Common Questions
What cut of beef is best?
Lean chuck roast is great for slow cooking. You can also use flank steak or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly.
Is this dish very spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a tiny kick. You can leave them out for sensitive palates. It is very kid-friendly without the extra spice.
Can I use regular spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti works in a pinch. High-protein noodles are better for a healthy reset. They keep you full for much longer.
I hope this meal brings warmth to your kitchen tonight. It is so satisfying to have dinner already done. Enjoy every savory, tender bite with your loved ones.
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean beef chuck roast, trimmed and thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup low -sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces high -protein ramen or whole wheat noodles
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place the trimmed and sliced beef into the base of the slow cooker.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Secure the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Approximately 10 minutes before serving, cook the noodles in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and incorporate them directly into the slow cooker, tossing with the beef and sauce to combine.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
