Tender Korean Style Pot Roast Recipe

Tangy Korean Style Pot Roast Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat meets bold Korean-inspired flavors in this incredible Korean style pot roast that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Rich marinades dance with slow-cooked beef, creating a symphony of savory and sweet notes that will transport you straight to the streets of Seoul.

Robust spices and umami-packed ingredients weave magic through every succulent bite.

The slow cooking method ensures each morsel becomes impossibly tender and deeply infused with complex seasonings.

Succulent beef absorbs layers of gochujang, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic, promising a meal that’s both comforting and adventurous.

This hearty dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen, without hours of complicated preparation.

Serve this show-stopping pot roast and watch as everyone around the table falls in love with every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

Total Time: 1 hr 47 min

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient List for Korean Style Pot Roast

For The Star Protein:
  • Beef Chuck Roast: Tender, marbled cut perfect for slow cooking, choose well-marbled meat for rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For Flavor Builders:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic duo that adds depth and authentic Korean zest, select fresh ginger and firm garlic cloves for maximum punch.
  • Onions: Provides sweet undertones and creates a flavor foundation, pick firm onions with no soft spots.
For Sauce Magic:
  • Gochujang: Korean red chili paste bringing heat and complex sweetness, look for authentic Korean brands for genuine flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances spiciness and adds caramelized notes, choose dark brown sugar for deeper flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness, select traditional fermented varieties for richer taste.
  • Beef Stock: Creates rich liquid base, opt for low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb for garnishing, select vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
  • Kimchi: Traditional fermented side that adds tangy crunch, choose well-fermented kimchi for authentic Korean experience.
  • Rice: Perfect accompaniment to soak up delicious sauce, select short-grain rice for most authentic presentation.

Pot Roast Prep Tools You’ll Need

  • Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the beef to tender perfection.
  • Large plate: Needed to hold browned meat temporarily during cooking.
  • Cutting board: For prepping onions, garlic, and ginger.
  • Sharp knife: To chop ingredients precisely.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Step-by-Step for Korean Style Pot Roast

  • Beef Preparation

Select a tender cut of beef and ensure it’s thoroughly dried. Season generously with salt to enhance natural flavors.

  • Searing Process

Heat oil in a cooking vessel until shimmering. Brown the beef on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior that locks in delicious juices.

  • Aromatic Foundation

Sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and ginger. These ingredients will build a complex flavor profile for the dish.

  • Flavor Infusion

Combine spicy gochujang, sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and rich beef stock. Submerge the beef in this vibrant liquid mixture.

  • Slow Cooking

Cook under pressure for approximately one hour, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender. Let the roast rest briefly after cooking to redistribute internal moisture.

  • Serving Suggestion

Slice the beef against the grain and plate with steamed rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and tangy kimchi for an authentic Korean dining experience.

Adjustments for Heat & Sweetness

  • Replace chuck roast with brisket or short ribs for different flavor profiles and textures. Each cut brings unique tenderness and richness to the dish.
  • Adjust gochujang quantity to personalize heat intensity. Start with less and gradually increase for a perfectly balanced Korean-inspired meal.
  • Toss in sliced carrots, daikon radish, or mushrooms during cooking to enhance nutritional value and add extra depth to the sauce.
  • Prepare the pot roast a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Reheat gently for an even more delicious meal.
  • Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to create a gluten-free version without compromising authentic Korean taste.

Serving Tips for Korean-Style Beef Roast

  • Korean Comfort Feast: Perfect Plate Companions
  • Rice Harmony: Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the rich, spicy sauce and creates a perfect base for the tender pot roast meat.
  • Banchan Bonanza: Serve with traditional Korean side dishes like pickled cucumber, radish kimchi, and crispy seaweed for a complete meal experience.
  • Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds to add brightness and extra layers of flavor.
  • Cooling Complement: Add a small side of cucumber salad or simple mixed greens to balance the robust and spicy pot roast, providing a refreshing contrast.

How to Store Korean Pot Roast Properly

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into family-sized portions for quick future meals during busy weekdays. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 4-5 days when stored in airtight containers.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the pot roast completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. These Korean-style roast portions can remain frozen up to 3 months without losing flavor intensity or meat tenderness.
  • Reheat with Care: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed pot roast in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef stock to maintain moisture. Microwave works well when covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  • Sidekick Suggestions: Pair extra roast with fresh kimchi, steamed rice, or quick pickled vegetables for reinvented meals. Shredded leftovers make excellent Korean-style tacos or hearty sandwich fillings for lunch transformations.
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Tender Korean Style Pot Roast Recipe

Tender Korean Style Pot Roast Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hr 47 min
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Korean-inspired pot roast combines tender beef with bold, complex flavors that transport diners straight to Seoul’s culinary landscape. Hearty meat melts in your palate, inviting comfort and excitement with each savory bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (4-5 lb/1.8-2.3 kg) chuck roast, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsps gochujang paste
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • Cooked rice
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Kimchi

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously pat beef dry and liberally coat with salt, ensuring comprehensive seasoning for optimal flavor penetration.
  2. Searing: Activate Instant Pot’s Sauté mode and heat oil until it glistens. Expertly brown meat on all sides, developing a deep caramelized crust that locks in robust flavors. Transfer browned meat to a side plate.
  3. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and ginger, stirring until their fragrant essence fills the cooking space. Create a vibrant flavor foundation for the Korean-inspired dish.
  4. Sauce Composition: Blend gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and beef stock into a harmonious braising liquid, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory elements that characterize authentic Korean cuisine.
  5. Pressure Cooking: Reintroduce seared meat to the pot, completely submerging it in the aromatic sauce. Seal Instant Pot lid, close vent, and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, transforming the meat into a meltingly tender delicacy.
  6. Resting and Serving: Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes to preserve moisture. Carefully transfer pot roast to a serving platter, artfully garnishing with fresh cilantro. Accompany with steamed rice and tangy kimchi for a complete culinary experience that captures the essence of Korean flavor profiles.

Notes

  • Perfectly Dry Meat: Ensure beef is completely dry before seasoning to achieve optimal browning and flavor development.
  • Caramelize with Care: Brown meat meticulously on all sides to create a deep, rich exterior that locks in incredible flavor and texture.
  • Balance Sauce Ingredients: Whisk gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and beef stock precisely to create a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and umami characteristics.
  • Rest and Absorb: Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes to help meat retain moisture and fully absorb the complex Korean-inspired braising liquid.
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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