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Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

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Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory garlic sauce, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This better-than-takeout recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak, sliced against the grain into 1/4-inch strips
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • Optional: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, extra sesame oil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef: Place flank steak in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up, then slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
  2. (Optional) Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear beef strips in batches for 1 minute per side until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar until sugar is mostly dissolved.
  4. Combine in slow cooker: Place beef (seared or raw) in slow cooker. Pour sauce over and stir to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until fork-tender.
  5. Add broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to slow cooker. Stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour slurry into slow cooker and stir well. Cook uncovered on HIGH for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
  7. Final adjustments: Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a pinch of salt or splash of soy sauce for more depth. If too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon warm water.
  8. Serve immediately: Spoon beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Add broccoli during the last 30 minutes to keep it crisp. Do not skip the cornstarch slurry for a thick, glossy sauce. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, garlic sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Chinese takeout, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli-with-garlic-sauce/