**Ultimate Guide to the Best Korean Short Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe**

If you're a fan of hearty, flavorful dishes that require minimal effort, then this Korean short ribs slow cooker recipe will be a game-changer for you. The……

If you're a fan of hearty, flavorful dishes that require minimal effort, then this Korean short ribs slow cooker recipe will be a game-changer for you. The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming tough cuts of meat into tender, juicy morsels infused with the rich, savory flavors of Korean cuisine. In this ultimate guide, we'll explore every aspect of making the best Korean short ribs in a slow cooker, ensuring your dish is nothing short of spectacular.

### Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

- 2-3 pounds of Korean short ribs (also known as galbi)

- 1 cup of soy sauce

- 1/2 cup of brown sugar

- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar

- 1/4 cup of sesame oil

- 1/4 cup of water

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

- 1 pear, grated (optional, for added sweetness)

- 1 onion, thinly sliced

- 2-3 green onions, chopped

- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, and grated pear. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. **Marinate the Ribs**: Place the Korean short ribs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

3. **Layer the Slow Cooker**: Place the thinly sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This acts as a bed for the ribs, ensuring even cooking and preventing them from sticking.

4. **Add the Ribs**: Remove the ribs from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place them on top of the onion layer in the slow cooker. Pour the remaining marinade over the ribs.

5. **Cook Low and Slow**: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours. If you're short on time, you can set it to high and cook for 4-5 hours, but the low setting yields the best results for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

6. **Finishing Touches**: Once the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce in the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer on medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

7. **Garnish and Serve**: Place the ribs on a serving platter and drizzle with the reduced sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables.

### Tips for Success

- **Quality of Meat**: Opt for high-quality short ribs for the best results. Look for well-marbled meat, as the fat will render down during cooking, adding to the richness of the dish.

- **Marinating Time**: Don’t skimp on marinating time. The longer the ribs marinate, the more flavorful they will be.

- **Slow Cooking**: Patience is key. Cooking on a low setting ensures the ribs become incredibly tender and absorb all the flavors of the marinade.

### Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this Korean short ribs slow cooker recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic of slow cooking. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a deep, umami-rich base, while the ginger, garlic, and pear add layers of complexity. The slow cooker method allows the ribs to cook gently, breaking down the tough connective tissues and resulting in meat that is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

### Conclusion

This ultimate guide to the best Korean short ribs slow cooker recipe ensures you have all the tips and tricks needed to create a dish that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, these Korean short ribs are sure to impress. So dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked Korean feast!