Description
This Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a flavorful and convenient way to enjoy a classic Asian-inspired dish with tender flank steak and fresh broccoli cooked slowly in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and yields a deliciously authentic meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Vegetables and Garnish
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Thickening and Oils
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the thinly sliced flank steak into the crock pot, spreading it evenly as the base layer for slow cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until combined. Pour this mixture over the beef in the crock pot and stir gently to coat all the meat evenly.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the crock pot and cook the beef on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
- Prepare the Slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry which will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot along with the sesame oil. Then, add the broccoli florets gently folding them into the beef mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Finish and Garnish: Once done, stir in the vegetable oil (to add a hint of richness), garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds, then serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For the best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If you prefer softer broccoli, add it earlier during the cooking process.
- This dish is delicious when served over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
