The aroma of Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace that feels like a hug from your grandma. Imagine tender meat falling off the bone, smothered in a luscious sauce that’s savory, sweet, and just spiced enough to make your taste buds salsa dance. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter, stories, and, of course, mouthwatering bites.
If you’re searching for an easy way to impress guests or simply want to treat yourself on a cozy night in, look no further. These Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs are perfect for any occasion—be it a family dinner, game day feast, or even a Friday night Netflix binge where you deserve something special without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs
- This incredible Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs:
- Beef Short Ribs: Aim for well-marbled ribs; they become melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked.
- Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for robust flavor; they soften beautifully during cooking.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth; peel it before grating.
- Soy Sauce: A key ingredient that balances sweetness and saltiness; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Brown Sugar: This caramelizes as it cooks, providing that essential touch of sweetness.
For the Sauce:
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; it brings an earthy richness to the dish.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance out the flavors—don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs:
Step 1: Sear the Ribs
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each side of the beef short ribs until they’re beautifully browned. This step adds depth to the flavor profile.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. This sweet-savory mixture is going to be magic!
Step 3: Place Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Layer the seared ribs in your slow cooker and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each rib gets some love from that sauce!
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for about 3-4 hours. The longer you let them cook, the better they’ll taste (and smell).
Step 5: Serve with Style
Once done, transfer those succulent short ribs onto plates. Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an Instagram-worthy finish.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Dig in while they’re hot! Pair with steamed rice or mashed potatoes—it’s comfort food at its best.
With these simple instructions and a dash of creativity in presentation, you’ll have friends questioning if you’ve secretly been taking culinary classes. Get ready to savor those Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs!

You Must Know About Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs
- This showstopping Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by searing the short ribs in a hot pan to lock in flavor. While they’re browning, chop your vegetables and prepare your sauce. Once everything is ready, transfer the seared ribs into your slow cooker, add the veggies and sauce, then let it work its magic.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out the soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free or add some gochujang for an extra kick. You can also toss in additional veggies like mushrooms or carrots for more texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave to keep the meat tender and juicy while avoiding overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs
- This professional-quality Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
When I first made these Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs, my friends literally devoured every last bite—one even asked if I’d consider opening a restaurant! It’s moments like that which remind me why I love cooking so much.

FAQs
What is Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs?
Slow cooker Korean short ribs are a delicious dish made from beef short ribs that are cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. This method allows the meat to become tender and flavorful as it simmers slowly over several hours. The key ingredients typically include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, which infuse the ribs with rich flavors. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe easy and hands-off, perfect for busy weeknights or gathering with family.
How do I serve Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs?
You can serve slow cooker Korean short ribs in various ways. A popular option is to place them over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the tasty sauce. Adding sides like kimchi, pickled vegetables, or sautéed greens enhances the meal’s flavor and texture. You can also garnish the dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Can I make Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare slow cooker Korean short ribs ahead of time. After cooking, let the ribs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. When ready to eat, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This makes it a convenient meal option that saves time during busy weeks.
What are some variations of Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs?
There are several ways to customize slow cooker Korean short ribs. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or use honey as a natural sweetener. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or gochujang (Korean chili paste). If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute beef short ribs with pork ribs or chicken thighs for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Conclusion
In summary, slow cooker Korean short ribs offer an easy and flavorful way to enjoy a classic dish at home. They require minimal prep time and let you savor tender meat infused with rich flavors from soy sauce and spices. Whether served over rice or complemented by traditional sides, this recipe is sure to delight your family and friends. Try making slow cooker Korean short ribs for your next gathering; they will be an instant hit!
Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender beef short ribs soaked in a sweet-savory sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these ribs promise a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Serve them over steamed rice or noodles for a delightful meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs, well-marbled
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Sear the Ribs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each side of the beef short ribs until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Place Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Layer the seared ribs in your slow cooker and pour the marinade over them.
- Set It and Forget It: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Serve with Style: Transfer short ribs to plates, drizzle with extra sauce from the cooker, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Enjoy: Serve hot alongside steamed rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib (150g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg





