Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is an incredible dish that brings the flavors of Asia right to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender beef simmers in a rich teriyaki sauce, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or side dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set this dish and forget about it while it cooks.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even a bed of fresh greens for a delightful meal.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge and makes for excellent leftovers throughout the week.
• Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking much easier and more enjoyable. Below are essential kitchen tools you’ll need to prepare Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Gallon-sized freezer bag
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows you to cook your beef low and slow, resulting in tender meat infused with flavor.
• Gallon-sized freezer bag: Perfect for coating your beef with cornstarch; it keeps things tidy and minimizes mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your flavors are balanced and consistent every time you make this dish.

Ingredients

Slow-cooker Beef Teriyaki is easy to make, rich, and decadent. Prepping takes 10 minutes, making it the ideal meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:
– 2 – 3 lbs. stew meat (cubed)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 cup Teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 8 garlic cloves (minced)
– 3 medium carrots (diced in 1/4 inch rondelles)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup beef broth

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Step 1: Coat the Beef

Add cubed beef and cornstarch to a gallon-sized freezer bag. Shake well until the meat is fully coated in cornstarch.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. This includes teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, diced carrots, soy sauce, and beef broth. Follow this by adding the beef covered in cornstarch. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cooking Time

Cover your slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours until the meat is tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (if needed)

If you find that the sauce is too thin for your liking, mix together 1/4 cup of beef broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the slow cooker while stirring gently to combine. Let it cook on LOW for another 20 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. From traditional rice to unique wraps, there are numerous options to enjoy this flavorful meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice acts as the perfect base for the rich teriyaki sauce and tender beef, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with beef teriyaki. Add some shredded carrots and cucumber for crunch.

With Noodles

• Serve the beef teriyaki over cooked noodles, such as udon or soba, for a hearty twist. The noodles will absorb the savory sauce beautifully.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the dish with a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add color and nutrition.

As a Beef Bowl

• Create a beef bowl by layering rice, beef teriyaki, and toppings like avocado slices and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

On a Salad

• Top a fresh salad with slow cooker beef teriyaki for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and filling. Include mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavor and improve texture.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select good-quality stew meat for tenderness. Grass-fed options often yield better flavor and texture.
• Coat Evenly: Make sure to coat the beef cubes thoroughly in cornstarch before cooking. This helps create a nice glaze on the meat.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving; feel free to add more soy sauce or brown sugar based on your preference.
• Thicken Sauce Wisely: If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with broth as described in the recipe. This method keeps it smooth and rich.
• Add Vegetables Early: For added nutrition, include diced bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for extra flavor without compromising texture.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some great options that complement this savory dish perfectly.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and pairs well with teriyaki’s sweet notes while providing vitamins.
2. Fried Rice: A classic side that can be customized with vegetables or protein; it’s great for soaking up any extra sauce.
3. Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad offers a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of beef teriyaki.
4. Quinoa: Nutty quinoa is a healthy alternative to rice; it’s packed with protein and adds an interesting texture.
5. Miso Soup: Warm miso soup serves as a soothing start to your meal, balancing out the savory elements of teriyaki.
6. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic provides an excellent source of nutrients while enhancing color on your plate.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the salty-sweet nature of teriyaki, making for an appealing side.
8. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies can add an extra layer of crunchiness alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious meal.

• Skipping the cornstarch: Not coating the beef in cornstarch can result in a watery sauce. Always coat the meat well before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on HIGH or LOW affects the tenderness of the beef. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Overloading with ingredients: Adding too many vegetables can dilute the flavor. Follow the recipe closely for a balanced dish.
• Not tasting before serving: Failing to taste can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Using low-quality teriyaki sauce: A subpar sauce can ruin your dish. Choose a high-quality teriyaki sauce for richer flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Label and date the containers for easy identification.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of beef in Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

Yes, chicken works well and will cook similarly. Adjust cooking time if necessary based on chicken size.

What side dishes go well with Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

Serve it over rice or quinoa, alongside steamed vegetables or stir-fried greens for a complete meal.

How do I make Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be mindful not to overcrowd the slow cooker, as it can affect cooking time and flavor concentration.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is an appealing dish that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to customize ingredients according to your preferences. Try experimenting with different vegetables or adjusting the sweetness level, making it your own!

---