Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

This Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef recipe offers a wonderful blend of flavors and convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With tender beef infused with garlic, ginger, and lemongrass simmered to perfection, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that warms the heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just combine ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and spices creates a savory dish full of depth.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables to suit your preference.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for days; the flavors only get better!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests; everyone loves a hearty beef dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and help you create the best Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over several hours.
• Medium skillet: Perfect for browning the beef before slow cooking, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Ingredients

This easy to make slow cooker Asian braised beef combines garlic, ginger, lemongrass, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a delicious hearty dish. Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

For the Beef

• 3 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes, excess fat trimmed)
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or grapeseed oil)

For the Aromatics

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 stalks green onions (thinly sliced (green and light green parts))
• 2-inch piece of ginger ( minced)
• 1 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 stalk lemongrass (cut into thirds and pounded)

For the Sauce

• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup reduced-sodium (light) soy sauce
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• ½ cup rice vinegar
• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 Tablespoons Sriracha sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. In a small bowl whisk together flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge cut beef in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

1. In a medium skillet, add vegetable oil and warm over medium heat.
2. Brown the beef in batches until it forms a nice crust; do not fully cook.
3. Place seared beef into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet used for searing beef, add minced garlic, ginger, and white/pale parts of green onion.
2. Cook until fragrant.
3. Add lemongrass and red pepper flakes; cook until garlic begins to brown.
4. Pour in chicken broth while scraping bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and Sriracha.
2. Pour this mixture over beef in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook

1. Cover slow cooker and cook on high heat for 4-5 hours or on low heat for 6-8 hours.
2. Stir in reserved green onions before serving or use them as garnish.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef with rice or noodles!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

This delicious slow cooker Asian braised beef is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Serve Over Rice

• White Rice – Fluffy white rice absorbs the rich flavors of the braised beef perfectly.
• Brown Rice – A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Jasmine Rice – Fragrant and aromatic, jasmine rice elevates the dish with its unique fragrance.

Pair with Noodles

• Udon Noodles – Thick and chewy, these noodles soak up the savory sauce wonderfully.
• Rice Noodles – A gluten-free alternative that provides a light, delicate base for the beef.
• Soba Noodles – Made from buckwheat, these noodles add a hearty, earthy flavor.

Enjoy with Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
• Bok Choy – This leafy green is a classic pairing that complements the Asian flavors beautifully.
• Carrots – Sweet and tender carrots provide a lovely contrast to the savory beef.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

To achieve the best results with your slow cooker Asian braised beef, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Beef – Select well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor during cooking.
• Brown the Meat – Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates depth of flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust sauces or spices before cooking to suit your palate.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, ginger, and lemongrass enhance overall flavor significantly.
• Cook Low and Slow – For maximum tenderness, cook on low heat for longer periods if time allows.
• Let It Rest – Allow the dish to rest after cooking for flavors to meld before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

Complement your slow cooker Asian braised beef with these fantastic side dishes that balance flavors and textures.

1. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil.
2. Steamed Dumplings – Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or meat offer a delightful bite alongside the beef.
3. Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice with peas, carrots, and green onions makes for a hearty pairing.
4. Asian Slaw – Crunchy cabbage slaw tossed in a tangy dressing brings brightness to your meal.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasted until caramelized, they add an earthy note that complements the dish well.
6. Miso Soup – A warm miso soup serves as a light starter that enhances the meal’s umami profile.
7. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled vegetables provide a sharp contrast to the richness of the beef.
8. Sesame Green Beans – Sautéed green beans tossed in sesame oil offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking with a slow cooker can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Searing Step: Failing to brown the beef can result in a less flavorful dish. Always sear the meat first to lock in juices and create a rich crust.
• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Too much meat can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for steam and heat to circulate properly.
• Ignoring Liquid Measurements: Not using enough liquid can cause the meat to dry out. Follow the recipe closely and adjust if necessary.
• Not Adjusting Cooking Time: Every slow cooker is different. If your dish isn’t cooking as expected, check it periodically and adjust time accordingly.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste your sauce before serving. You may need more salt, sweetness, or acidity based on your preferences.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure the beef has cooled down before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Portion into smaller servings for easy thawing later.

Reheating Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place beef in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer beef to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Place beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef that might help you out.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter version of this dish while maintaining great flavor.

How do I thicken the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, remove some liquid from the slow cooker and whisk in cornstarch or use an alternative thickening agent like agar-agar before returning it back.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef?

This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef?

It typically takes 4-5 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef is an appealing dish that combines rich flavors with ease of preparation. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Give it a try today!

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Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef, a dish that brings tender, succulent beef together with aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, allowing you to savor each bite as the savory sauce envelops the beef. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly create a hearty dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2-inch piece of ginger (minced)
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• ½ cup rice vinegar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• Sriracha sauce to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 stalks green onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 stalk lemongrass (cut into thirds and pounded)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the beef cubes in this mixture.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add chicken broth and scrape any bits from the pan before transferring it to the slow cooker.
4. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and Sriracha in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or low for 6–8 hours until tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours on low
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg