Description
Slow cooker broccoli beef brings tender meat and crisp vegetables together in a savory Asian-inspired dish. Home cooks can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with minimal preparation and delicious results.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced and chopped into 2-inch pieces
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons cold water
Vegetable:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture by greasing the slow cooker interior. Combine thinly sliced steak with beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Set slow cooker to high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, allowing meat to become tender and absorb flavors.
- Create sauce thickener by whisking cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth. Twenty minutes before serving, pour mixture into slow cooker and stir thoroughly.
- Cover and continue cooking for additional 20-25 minutes, allowing sauce to reach desired consistency.
- Steam broccoli by placing in microwave-safe container with minimal water. Cover partially and heat on high for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly crisp.
- Drain broccoli and gently fold into slow cooker, ensuring even coating with savory sauce.
- Transfer to serving dish, ensuring each portion receives equal amounts of meat and vegetables. Garnish with optional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing diners to enjoy the rich, tender beef and perfectly steamed broccoli.
Notes
- Tenderize beef by choosing cuts like flank or sirloin steak with good marbling for maximum flavor and softness.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and less salt, which helps maintain the dish’s rich taste without compromising health.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for spice lovers who enjoy bold flavors.
- Meal prep friendly option: Cook entire recipe ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and deepen overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg