Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
A comforting and flavorful dish of tender beef and vibrant broccoli cooked in a savory sauce using a slow cooker.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup beef stock
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar or white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper or ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced (or other cuts like chuck roast or skirt steak)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (cornflour in the UK)
- 5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Beef. Start by slicing your flank steak very thinly against the grain. If you pop the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes prior to slicing, it’ll be a lot easier to cut. Once sliced, transfer the beef to a bowl and sprinkle it with cornstarch. Toss it well to ensure every piece is coated.
- Step 2: Make the Sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef stock, soy sauce, vinegar, white or black pepper, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved.
- Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker. Now, add the coated beef to your slow cooker. Pour over the sauce you just made, making sure the beef is nicely covered.
- Step 4: Cook. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when your beef is super tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Add the Broccoli. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the broccoli florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you can add it directly from the freezer.
- Step 6: Serve. Once everything is cooked, give it a good stir and serve hot over rice or noodles. Don’t forget some sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch!
Notes
For the best texture, slice the beef against the grain. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the dish at the end of cooking. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition!