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Instant-Pot Korean Chilli-Braised Brisket and Kimchi Coleslaw

This Korean-inspired chilli-braised brisket is a fantastic way to bring bold, savoury flavours to your table with minimal effort. By using an electric pressure cooker, the beef becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender in a fraction of the time usually required for traditional braising. The rich, spicy sauce is balanced perfectly by the addition of a crisp, zingy kimchi coleslaw, which provides a fresh contrast to the deep umami notes of the gochujang and soy.

Designed as a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high protein and fibre while remaining incredibly satisfying. It is an excellent choice for a weekend family dinner or for entertaining guests who appreciate a modern twist on classic comfort food. Serving the brisket with shredded cabbage ensures a nutrient-dense meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent without compromising on flavour.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Instant-Pot Korean Chilli-Braised Brisket and Kimchi Coleslaw

  • 4 to 2.3kg beef brisket, cut into 3 or 4 pieces

  • 1 tablespoon dried red chilli flakes, preferably Korean gochugaru

  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 to 3 tablespoons peanut or safflower oil, as needed

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger

  • 150g lager-style beer

  • 40g gochujang (Korean chilli paste) or Sriracha

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

  • 5 cups shredded cabbage (from 1 small cabbage)

  • 1/4 cup chopped kimchi, plus more to taste

  • 2 tablespoons peanut, grapeseed, or olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

  • Juice of 1/2 lime, plus more to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt, plus more to taste

Rub the beef with the chilli flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour and up to 24 hours.

Set the electric pressure cooker to sauté (or use a large skillet). Add a tablespoon of the oil, let it heat up for a few seconds, and then add a batch of the beef and sear until it’s browned all over, about 2 minutes per side, adding more oil as needed. Transfer the beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining batches.

If the pot looks dry, add a bit more oil. Add the onion and sauté until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute longer. Add the beer, gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Scrape the mixture into the pressure cooker if you have used a skillet.

Cover and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, and then release the remaining pressure manually.

To make the kimchi coleslaw, combine the cabbage, kimchi, both oils, lime juice, and salt in a large bowl and toss well. Taste, and add more salt or lime juice if needed.

Transfer the beef to a plate or a rimmed cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Set the pressure cooker to sauté and simmer the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, until it is reduced by half or two-thirds (remember that it thickens as it cools). Use a fat separator to skim off the fat, or let the sauce settle and spoon the fat off the top. Serve the sauce alongside the beef, with the kimchi coleslaw.

Cut the beef into 6 to 8 pieces instead of 3 or 4 pieces. Marinate and brown as in steps 1 and 2. Place the meat in the pot and cover with the sautéed onion mixture from step 3. Cook on high for 7 to 9 hours or low for 10 to 12 hours.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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