Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a quick and delicious meal option. The tender beef, combined with a rich teriyaki sauce, offers a delightful taste experience that suits both family dinners and entertaining guests. You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together in your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work, you can have dinner ready with little effort.
• Rich Flavors: The teriyaki sauce infuses the beef with bold and savory notes that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that pleases any palate.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory profile makes it appealing to kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Gallon-sized freezer bag
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: It allows for hands-off cooking, giving you time to focus on other tasks while your meal simmers away.
• Gallon-sized freezer bag: Perfect for coating the beef in cornstarch without creating a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent flavor every time.

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 all pieces are fully coated in cornstarch.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, including the beef coated in cornstarch. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Cook

Cover your slow cooker. Set it on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, depending on your timing needs.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (if needed)

If you find that the sauce is too thin, mix 1/4 cup of beef broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir gently. Let it cook on low for another 20 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it simmers.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki over rice. For an attractive presentation, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion before enjoying!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Serving Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is simple and versatile. This dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, enhancing its rich flavors while making your meal visually appealing.

Over Rice

• Serve the beef teriyaki over fluffy white or brown rice for a classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Add a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to bring freshness and crunch to your plate.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the teriyaki beef into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option. Top with shredded carrots and cilantro for added flavor.

With Noodles

• Toss the beef with cooked noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, to create a hearty one-bowl meal.

Topped on Quinoa

• For a nutritious twist, serve the teriyaki beef over quinoa. It adds a nutty flavor and boosts protein.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Use the beef as a filling in crusty rolls or sliders for an exciting handheld meal option.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki, consider these helpful tips:

• Use quality beef: Select tender cuts of stew meat for optimal flavor and texture in your dish.
• Coat evenly: Ensure all beef cubes are coated in cornstarch to help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
• Control sauce thickness: Adjust the consistency by adding more cornstarch mixed with broth if desired.
• Enhance flavors: Add ginger or green onions for extra depth and aroma in your teriyaki sauce.
• Rest before serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps meld the flavors together.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any remaining teriyaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its savory flavors:

1. Fried Rice – A classic Asian side dish that’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
2. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing and crunchy salad that balances the richness of teriyaki beef.
3. Miso Soup – This light soup acts as a wonderful starter that enhances the overall meal experience.
4. Garlic Green Beans – Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic provide a tasty and healthy addition.
5. Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables are perfect for dipping into sweet-and-sour sauce.
6. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickles offer a delightful contrast to the sweet teriyaki flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki, even small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Not coating the beef properly: Failing to coat the beef in cornstarch can result in a less thick sauce. Ensure each piece is well-coated before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the beef for too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time—4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW should suffice for tender, juicy meat.
• Ignoring ingredient ratios: Using too much or too little of the sauces can alter the flavor balance. Stick to the measured ingredients for optimal taste.
• Skipping garnishes: Not garnishing with sesame seeds and green onion may make your dish look less appealing. These add both flavor and presentation, so don’t skip them!
• Neglecting to thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t forget to use cornstarch at the end. Mix it with broth as directed for perfect consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals of 1 minute until warmed through, stirring between.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until hot, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enhance flavors in Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

You can enhance flavors by adding more garlic, ginger, or even red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken works wonderfully with this teriyaki sauce and will cook similarly in the slow cooker.

What vegetables pair well with Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are great additions that complement this dish beautifully.

How do I serve Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki?

Serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is an easy yet delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its rich flavors and tender meat are hard to resist! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings according to your taste preferences.