Korean Style Pot Roast
Experience a rich and tender Korean Style Pot Roast bursting with bold, savory flavors and vibrant spices. This comforting dish combines classic pot roast tenderness with authentic Korean ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang, creating a perfectly balanced meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Slow braised to melt-in-your-mouth perfection and finished with nutty sesame oil, this one-pot meal is both easy to prepare and packed with exciting flavor layers.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast, well-marbled
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (optional, for subtle heat)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 cup daikon radish, chopped
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and gochujang if using. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade that will tenderize and season the beef.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a little oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Pat the chuck roast dry, then brown it thoroughly on all sides until a rich, caramelized crust forms. This seals in the juices and builds depth of flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Remove the beef temporarily and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and daikon radish in the same pot until they soften slightly and become fragrant, adding natural sweetness and textural layers to the dish.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the marinade and beef broth or water until the meat is nearly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer slowly for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and flavorful.
- Finish with Sesame Oil and Adjust Seasoning: Once cooked, drizzle sesame oil over the pot roast for a nutty aroma. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or sugar as needed to balance the flavors.
Notes
- Use chuck roast for the best balance of tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Do not skip searing the beef to develop a deep flavor via caramelization.
- Simmer gently over low heat to break down connective tissues, resulting in tender meat.
- Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the aromatic complexity of the dish.
- Start with a small amount of gochujang if you’re unsure about spice levels; you can always add more.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Korean pot roast, braised beef, Korean cuisine, gochujang, slow cooked beef, comfort food, one pot meal