Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a comforting dish that blends tender beef with crisp, flavorful broccoli in a rich sauce. This recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without much effort.
The History
Beef and broccoli originated as a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, designed to cater to American tastes while incorporating traditional ingredients. Over time, it has been adapted for home cooking, with slow cookers making the process even simpler by allowing the flavors to meld slowly over hours.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Beef: Typically flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets, adding a vibrant crunch and nutritional value.
- Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch for thickness.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger provide depth and aroma.
- Liquid: Beef broth or water to ensure the slow cooker doesn’t dry out.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, and mince garlic and ginger.
- Marinate the Beef: Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of oil; toss with the beef and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the marinated beef, broccoli, garlic, ginger, and remaining sauce ingredients into the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): Mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available, but add it during the last hour of cooking to preserve texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.
- If using tougher cuts of beef, opt for longer cooking times to ensure tenderness.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to give the dish a kick.
- Vegan Option: Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for a safe option.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added variety and nutrition.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This dish provides a good balance of protein from the beef and fiber from the broccoli. To make it healthier, reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and avoid excessive added sugars. A single serving contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on portion sizes and additional ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame oil (optional)
Directions
- Combine beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch; set aside.
- Mix remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth in a bowl.
- Place beef, marinade, broccoli, and sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in a cornstarch slurry for thicker sauce.
- Serve warm with garnishes and sides of choice.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, chicken works well, but adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Is this freezer-friendly? Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Do I need to pre-cook the broccoli? No, it cooks perfectly in the slow cooker, but add it later if you prefer a firmer texture.
Summary
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, hands-off meal that combines tender meat, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors. With simple prep and customizable options, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
