Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is a fantastic dish that brings rich flavors and tender meat to the table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe allows you to enjoy an authentic taste of teriyaki without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy beef, aromatic garlic, and sweet teriyaki sauce makes this dish irresistible. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of teriyaki sauce and sesame oil creates a deep, savory flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap for a delightful twist.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and low in unhealthy fats, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet and savory taste of this comforting dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Below are some kitchen tools that will help you create this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Gallon-sized freezer bag
• Measuring cups
• Garlic press
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender meat while enhancing flavors as they simmer together.
• Gallon-sized freezer bag: Ideal for coating the meat evenly with cornstarch, making the process mess-free.
• Garlic press: Saves time by quickly mincing garlic cloves, adding robust flavor to your dish.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, keeping your workspace organized.

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 Meat

Add cubed beef and cornstarch to a gallon-sized freezer bag. Shake well until all pieces are fully coated in cornstarch.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

In your slow cooker, add all ingredients including the beef coated in cornstarch. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Set Your Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly while tenderizing the beef.

Step 4: Thicken If Needed

If you find that the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, mix 1/4 cup of beef broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir gently. Let it simmer on low for another 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki over cooked rice. For an extra touch, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion before enjoying!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is a versatile dish that can be served in several delicious ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the beef over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing. The rice soaks up the rich teriyaki sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, spoon the beef into fresh lettuce leaves. Add some grated carrots and sliced bell peppers for extra crunch.

With Noodles

• Toss the beef with cooked noodles like udon or rice noodles for a heartier dish. Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce for flavor.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the beef on top of mixed greens or spinach. A drizzle of sesame oil can add a nutty flavor to this fresh option.

Topped with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions

• Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of the beef for added texture and flavor.

As Part of a Rice Bowl

• Create a balanced rice bowl by layering the beef with steamed vegetables, avocado, and pickled ginger for an Asian-inspired meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

For the best results when making Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki, follow these helpful tips to enhance your dish.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh, high-quality stew meat for better flavor and tenderness.
• Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the cubed beef in teriyaki sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking to deepen its flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference; less sugar will make it less sweet.
• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place denser vegetables like carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly alongside the meat.
• Thicken Sauce Effectively: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding more cornstarch or using less broth during cooking.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Pairing your Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options you might consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness of teriyaki sauce.
2. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs makes a delightful companion to your beef dish.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a crisp contrast to the savory beef.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini bring out delicious caramelized flavors that pair well with teriyaki.
5. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is an easy-to-make snack that complements any Asian-inspired meal.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds warmth and depth to your dinner, making it feel complete and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the beef in cornstarch can lead to a less thick sauce. Always coat the meat well for a better texture.
• Using low-quality teriyaki sauce: Low-quality sauces can affect the overall flavor. Opt for a good quality teriyaki sauce for richer taste.
• Not stirring well before cooking: Failing to mix the ingredients properly can result in uneven cooking and flavor distribution. Stir everything together thoroughly before cooking.
• Overcooking on high heat: Cooking on high too long might toughen the meat. Stick to recommended cooking times for best results.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions can make your dish less appealing. Always add these for extra flavor and presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and heat until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is a flavorful dish made with tender beef simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, ideal for busy weeknights.

How can I customize Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition or adjust sweetness by varying brown sugar amounts.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, providing a lighter alternative while still being delicious.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Mix cornstarch with broth as directed in the recipe, then stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook briefly for a thicker sauce.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

Serve this dish over rice or noodles, along with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is not only simple to prepare but also rich in flavor and perfect for any night of the week. You can easily customize this versatile recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels. Give it a try today!