Beef And Broccoli Recipe Crockpot
Introduction
Beef and broccoli, a beloved Chinese-American takeout staple, translates beautifully to the convenience of a slow cooker. This “beef and broccoli recipe crockpot” adaptation offers a flavorful and tender result with minimal effort. Its popularity stems from the ease of preparation, the satisfying combination of savory beef and crisp-tender broccoli, and its ability to be customized to individual preferences. The crockpot method allows the beef to become incredibly tender while infusing it with the savory-sweet sauce.
Ingredients
Beef: 1.5-2 lbs flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces. Flank steak is a popular choice for its rich flavor and ability to tenderize well in the slow cooker. Broccoli: 4-5 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen. Fresh broccoli provides a slightly crisper texture, while frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Soy Sauce: cup, low sodium preferred. Soy sauce forms the base of the sauce and adds umami. Brown Sugar: cup, packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce. Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (optional, but highly recommended). Oyster sauce provides a deeper, more complex flavor. Can be substituted with hoisin sauce in a pinch. Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Garlic adds pungent aromatics to the dish. Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced or grated. Ginger contributes a warm, slightly spicy note. Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. Used to thicken the sauce at the end of the cooking process. Water: cup. Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry. Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Added at the end for a nutty aroma and flavor. Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat, sesame seeds for garnish.
Preparation Steps
Begin by preparing the beef. Trim any excess fat from the steak and cut it into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine the beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. This simple marinade will help tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator. While the beef is marinating, prepare the remaining ingredients. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Preparing all the ingredients in advance streamlines the cooking process and ensures a smoother workflow.
Cooking Instructions
1. Place the marinated beef into the crockpot. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour this sauce over the beef in the crockpot. 3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the strength of your crockpot, but the beef should be very tender and easily pulled apart with a fork. 4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. If using frozen broccoli, there is no need to thaw it first. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well. 6. Replace the lid and cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened. 7. Stir in the sesame oil. 8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Beef and broccoli is traditionally served over steamed rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying and complete meal. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or quinoa can be used as a substitute. Garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds visual appeal and extra flavor. Consider pairing with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple Asian-inspired salad for a more elaborate meal.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Avoid overcooking the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its vibrant green color. Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it remains tender-crisp. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce. Without it, the sauce will be thin and watery. Use low-sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce can be high in sodium, so using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish. Adjust the sweetness to your liking: The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer a more savory one. Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: Overcrowding the crockpot can prevent the beef from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
Explore More Cooking Guides
Mastering the “beef and broccoli recipe crockpot” offers not only a delicious and convenient meal but also unlocks a versatile technique applicable to countless other slow cooker dishes. Its blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, combined with the convenience of the crockpot, makes it a weeknight winner for home cooks of all skill levels. Experiment with variations, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade classic. Take the plunge, try this simple method at home, and find more culinary inspiration at foodrecipestory.com.
