Korean Style Pot Roast
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same! When the hunger pangs strike and all you want is an explosion of flavor without the need for a culinary degree, it’s time to roll up those sleeves (or just put on an apron if we’re feeling fancy) and get your hands dirty with this Korean style pot roast. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Okay, let’s talk about why you need this recipe in your life. First off, it’s super easy and I mean even your pet goldfish could probably pull this off. Well, maybe not the goldfish, but you get the idea. From searing the meat to a delectable, spicy-sweet sauce that will make your neighbors jealous when they smell it wafting from your kitchen, this recipe right here is chef’s kiss fabulous.
Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup when you’re done—you can get back to binge-watching your favorite show in no time. It’s idiot-proof; even I didn’t mess it up (and if I can do it, you definitely can).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to flex those shopping skills because here’s what you’re going to need for this pot roast masterpiece:
- 3–4 lbs chuck roast (because we all deserve that juicy meat)
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks (a little color never hurt anyone)
- 1 large onion, sliced (tears are optional and probably not necessary)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced (garlic breath is a bonus)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (add a little zing to your life)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (the salty goodness you crave)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste (for that spicy kick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (the sweetening agent of your dreams)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (because life needs a little tang)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (it’s not a party without sesame oil)
- 1 cup beef broth (we need this for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish, because you fancy)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, but why not be a rebel?)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps and I promise you’ll end up with a pot roast that has your mouth watering.
Pat that chuck roast dry and sprinkle it with salt and pepper like it’s confetti. Seasoning is key to happiness.
In a Dutch oven, sear the roast on all sides until browned. This is where the magic starts happening, so go ahead and make it sizzle. Then, remove and set aside the roast—giving it the time it deserves.
In the same pot, throw in the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté those aromatic goodies for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want your kitchen to smell like a five-star restaurant, don’t you?
Now, stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Get that mixture all cozy together—this is the sauce of dreams.
Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the pan. That means you’re scraping up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Trust me, you want that flavor!
Return the roast to the pot and add the carrots around it. Think of it like a meaty throne with carrot sidekicks.
Cover and braise at 325°F for about 3 to 3.5 hours until it’s fork-tender. Now you can go watch Netflix or take a nap because it’s on autopilot at this point.
Once you’re back, skim any fat off the top of the sauce, drizzle that beautiful roast with sesame oil, and garnish with green onions and cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.
Slice or shred the roast when it’s out and ready to devour.
Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or use it in wraps. Honestly, the world is your oyster, or should I say roast?

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Okay, let’s ensure you don’t trip over any cooking landmines here.
Thinking you don’t need to preheat the oven—rookie mistake. That’s like showing up to a party when it’s already over.
Under-seasoning the meat— don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. We want flavor, people!
Not letting the roast rest before slicing—that’ll lead to a juicy mess. Give it a few minutes to chill.
Ignoring the fat—skimming it off leads to a more delightful sauce. Nobody wants to swim in a pool of grease.
Alternatives & Substitutions
You’re probably wondering if you can tweak things a bit. Here’s where your creativity can shine.
Don’t have chuck roast? Go for brisket or a nice pork shoulder instead. It all shreds beautifully.
Feeling less spicy? Scale back on the gochujang or omit it entirely. Not everyone can handle the heat.
No rice vinegar on hand? White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work too—let’s not go crazy here.
Cilantro lover or hater? Just skip it if you’re on team anti-cilantro. You do you!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Real butter makes everything taste better.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven? Just use a regular pot with a lid. Just make sure it’s oven-safe, or you’re asking for trouble.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Sear the roast first, then throw everything into the slow cooker and set it on low for about 8 hours. You can thank me later.
Is this good for leftovers? Oh, heck yes. The flavors get even better the next day.
How can I thicken the sauce? If you like it thick and saucy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in at the end. Voila!
Can I add other veggies? Totally! Potatoes, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can join the party.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, but I doubt they’ll last that long.

Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! This Korean style pot roast is your ticket to flavor town without the fuss of a three-course meal. So fire up your oven, unleash your inner chef, and dive into the deliciousness. Enjoy every bite and remember that cooking is all about fun, flavor, and maybe a little bit of chaos. Happy cooking!
Print
Korean Style Pot Roast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 195 minutes
- Total Time: 210 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: None
Description
This Korean style pot roast is a flavorful and easy one-pot dish, perfect for anyone craving a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs chuck roast
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chuck roast dry and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- In a Dutch oven, sear the roast on all sides until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the pan.
- Return the roast to the pot and add the carrots around it.
- Cover and braise at 325°F for about 3 to 3.5 hours until fork-tender.
- Skim any fat off the sauce, drizzle roast with sesame oil, and garnish with green onions and cilantro.
- Slice or shred the roast as desired and serve hot.
Notes
This dish can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or used in wraps. Be sure to let the roast rest before slicing for optimal juiciness.
