Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Introduction

Craving a flavorful takeout-style meal without all the hassle? This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is a tender, saucy, and satisfying dish you can throw together in the morning and come home to at night. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder that beats the drive-thru every time.

Ingredients

For the beef and sauce:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)

Add-ins and toppings:

• 3–4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Cooked white rice or noodles, for serving
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the sauce and beef:
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (if using), garlic, ginger, vinegar, water, and sesame oil. Place sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour sauce over it.
2. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the beef is tender.
3. Thicken the sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Add broccoli:
   Steam broccoli separately (or microwave it with a splash of water until just tender), then stir into the slow cooker during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve:
   Spoon beef and broccoli over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Description

This dish delivers everything you love about teriyaki takeout—tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a glossy, sweet-savory sauce—but made easy in your slow cooker. The flavors meld slowly throughout the day, making for an effortless and deeply satisfying dinner.

Tips

• Slice beef very thinly for the most tender result—partially freeze it for 20–30 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid overpowering saltiness.
• Add broccoli at the end to keep it bright and crisp.
• Prefer it spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Want a stronger sesame flavor? Add toasted sesame oil at the end for a boost.

Variations

• Chicken Teriyaki: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of beef.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for color and crunch.
• Pineapple Twist: Stir in chunks of pineapple for a sweet, tropical note.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are GF.
• Meal Prep: Store leftovers in meal-prep containers with rice for easy lunches.

Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

• Tough beef? It wasn’t sliced thin enough or didn’t cook long enough—always slice against the grain.
• Overcooked broccoli? Add it too early, and it’ll get mushy—steam separately or stir in late.
• Sauce too thin? Be sure to add a cornstarch slurry and give it time to cook in.
• Too salty? Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt.

Enjoy!

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor—just like your favorite Asian takeout, only easier and homemade. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a guaranteed favorite for the whole family.