Are you craving the rich, savory flavors of Chinese cuisine but short on time? Then this Chinese slow cooker beef recipe is perfect for you! This incredibly easy recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a fragrant, deeply flavorful sauce. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, perfect for a comforting family meal, or even impressive enough for a dinner party. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a good sear later, resulting in a richer flavor. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Browning the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, you can brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding it to the slow cooker. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Browning the beef helps to develop a deeper, more intense flavor profile. If skipping this step, proceed directly to step 3.
Step 3: Assembling in the Slow Cooker
Place the browned (or un-browned) beef in your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Adding the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cooking the Magic
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the sliced bell peppers. Allow them to cook for another 15-20 minutes on low, or until tender-crisp. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious Chinese slow cooker beef over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. It's also fantastic served with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or oyster sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper for extra heat.
- Make it healthier: Use leaner cuts of beef and reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli. Add these alongside the onions and garlic for longer cooking.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! The beef can be made a day or two in advance and reheated.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Chinese slow cooker beef recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and impress your family and friends with this truly satisfying and flavorful meal. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!