Korean Style Pot Roast is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with a spicy-sweet sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings together tender meat and a unique twist that will impress your guests. The bold taste of gochujang, combined with garlic and ginger, creates a savory experience that is hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – This pot roast requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion – The combination of gochujang and sweet brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor profile that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve it over rice or alongside kimchi for a full Korean meal experience. Customize it with your favorite sides!
- Family-Friendly Dish – The mild spice level makes it suitable for all ages, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this meal.
- Make Ahead – This dish tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Korean Style Pot Roast, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven – Ideal for slow cooking, this pot retains heat well and ensures even cooking of the beef.
- Chef’s knife – A sharp knife makes slicing vegetables quick and easy, giving you more time to enjoy cooking.

Ingredients
For the Pot Roast
- 4 to 5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 sweet onion, sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 2 cups beef broth
For Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Kimchi, for serving
How to Make Korean Style Pot Roast
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast pieces with kosher salt.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef pieces. Sear them on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add sliced sweet onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir continuously until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Add Beef Back In
Return the seared beef to the pot. Ensure that each piece is submerged in the sauce as much as possible.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 3-4 hours or until tender. You can also transfer everything to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) if preferred.
Step 7: Serve
Once cooked, serve over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Pair with kimchi for an authentic touch!
How to Serve Korean Style Pot Roast
Korean Style Pot Roast is a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Cooked Rice
- Serve the pot roast over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a comforting and filling meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Cilantro Garnish
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness. This herb adds a bright flavor that complements the rich roast.
Accompanying Kimchi
- Pair with kimchi for an authentic Korean experience. The spicy, fermented flavors of kimchi balance the savory pot roast perfectly.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Serve slices of pot roast in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held option. Add fresh vegetables for crunch and extra flavor.
As Sandwich Filling
- Use leftovers in sandwiches or sliders. The tender meat makes for a hearty filling, especially when paired with tangy sauces.
How to Perfect Korean Style Pot Roast
To achieve the best results with your Korean Style Pot Roast, consider these helpful tips.
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Choose Quality Meat: Select a well-marbled beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor during cooking.
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Sear the Meat: Brown the beef pieces in vegetable oil before slow cooking. This step enhances the overall richness of the dish.
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Balance Flavors: Adjust gochujang and brown sugar levels to suit your taste preferences. This will ensure the perfect sweet-spicy balance.
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Use Broth Wisely: Opt for homemade beef broth if possible, as it provides deeper flavor compared to store-bought alternatives.
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Slow Cook: Allow plenty of time for slow cooking to ensure the meat becomes tender and absorbs all flavors fully.
Best Side Dishes for Korean Style Pot Roast
Complement your Korean Style Pot Roast with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal’s overall appeal.
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Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds a nutritious green element, providing a slight crunch and mild flavor.
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Garlic Soy Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic and soy sauce deliver both texture and savory taste.
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Spicy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with chili flakes and vinegar offers a cool contrast to the warm pot roast.
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Kimchi Fried Rice: Turn leftover rice into kimchi fried rice for an exciting twist that echoes Korean flavors.
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Pickled Radishes: Serve pickled radishes on the side; their tangy crunch cuts through the richness of the pot roast beautifully.
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Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness, balancing out the savory elements on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Always marinate your beef chuck roast for at least a few hours or overnight for the best results.
- Using too high heat: Cooking at high temperatures can dry out the meat. Use low and slow cooking methods for tender, juicy pot roast.
- Neglecting the resting time: Cutting into the roast too soon can result in lost juices. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
- Overcooking vegetables: Adding vegetables too early can cause them to become mushy. Add them during the last hour of cooking for a perfect texture.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Every beef cut is different, so taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt or spice levels as needed to enhance flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing Korean Style Pot Roast
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy thawing and reheating.
Reheating Korean Style Pot Roast
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean Style Pot Roast?
Korean Style Pot Roast is a flavorful dish made with tender beef chuck roast marinated with ingredients like gochujang and soy sauce, slow-cooked until perfectly tender.
How do I make Korean Style Pot Roast spicy?
To add more heat, increase the amount of gochujang used in the recipe or add some red pepper flakes during cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for a lighter version of this recipe while still enjoying its rich flavors.
Is Korean Style Pot Roast gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What should I serve with Korean Style Pot Roast?
This pot roast pairs well with steamed rice, fresh cilantro, and kimchi for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Korean Style Pot Roast is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. Whether it’s for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish will surely impress everyone at your table!
Korean Style Pot Roast
Korean Style Pot Roast is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly marries the rich flavors of beef with a vibrant spicy-sweet sauce. Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe features tender chunks of beef chuck roast slowly simmered in a sauce infused with gochujang, garlic, and ginger. The result is a hearty meal that not only satisfies but also impresses with its unique flavor profile. Serve it over fluffy rice and pair it with kimchi for an authentic Korean dining experience that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 sweet onion, sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 cups beef broth
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Kimchi, for serving
Instructions
- Season the beef chuck roast with kosher salt.
- In a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- Remove the beef and sauté sliced onion for about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant.
- Stir in gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and beef broth until well combined.
- Return the seared beef to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the sauce.
- Cover and reduce heat to low; slow cook for about 3-4 hours or until tender (or transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F).
- Serve over cooked rice garnished with fresh cilantro and kimchi.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 oz (170g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg



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