Slow Cooked Asian Inspired Beef

Slow-cooked meals often top the list when it comes to comfort food that's both flavourful and nutritious. My slow-cooked Asian-inspired Beef is no exception. This dish combines the rich, savoury flavours of tamari, soy sauce, coconut sugar, and ginger with the slow-cooked beef's tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you're looking for a meal prep option or simply want to enjoy a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

WHY SLOW-COOKED ASIAN-INSPIRED BEEF?

Rich in Flavour: The combination of tamari soy sauce, coconut sugar, and ginger creates a deliciously savoury sauce that infuses the beef with incredible flavour.

Nutrient-Packed: This dish is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It requires minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker. Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Suitable for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free.

INGREDIENTS FOR SLOW-COOKED ASIAN-INSPIRED BEEF.

Serves: 8 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 8.5 hours

For the Beef:

1.3kg stewing beef, cut into chunks

2 tbsp. cornstarch

1 tbsp. sesame seeds

6 spring onions, thinly sliced

For the Sauce:

1 cup (240ml) beef stock

½ cup (120ml) tamari soy sauce

½ cup (100g) coconut sugar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp. sesame oil

1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp. ginger, grated

1 tsp. Sriracha sauce

½ tsp. onion powder

½ tsp. black pepper

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: beef stock, tamari soy sauce, coconut sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, Sriracha sauce, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. This sauce will serve as the flavourful base for your beef.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Place the stewing beef chunks into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat deeply as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 8 hours. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high heat for 4 hours. The slow cooking process is crucial for breaking down the beef's fibers, resulting in tender, flavourful meat.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the beef has finished cooking, it's time to thicken the sauce. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl with ¼ cup of water until smooth. Stir this cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

After the sauce has thickened, your slow-cooked Asian-inspired Beef is ready to serve. Garnish with thinly sliced spring onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavour and texture. Serve immediately.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)

• Calories: 305 kcal

• Fats: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 38g

• Fibre: 1g

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Rice: Serve the beef over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavourful sauce.

Steamed Vegetables: For added nutrients and colour, complement the rich beef with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.

Quinoa: For a protein-packed alternative to rice, serve the beef over quinoa.

Noodles: This beef also pairs well with rice noodles or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SLOW-COOKED ASIAN-INSPIRED BEEF.

High Protein: With 38g of protein per serving, this dish is excellent for muscle repair and growth, making it a great option for those leading an active lifestyle.

Low Carb: At just 18g of carbohydrates per serving, this meal is suitable for low-carb diets and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Rich in Flavour: The combination of tamari soy sauce, coconut sugar, and ginger provides a rich taste and beneficial nutrients like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is free from gluten and dairy, making it accessible for those with specific dietary restrictions.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SLOW-COOKED ASIAN-INSPIRED BEEF.

Choose Quality Beef: Using high-quality stewing beef will yield the best results in terms of flavour and tenderness.

Even Cuts: Ensure the beef is cut into even-sized chunks for consistent cooking.

Don't Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking is key to tender, flavourful beef. If you have the time, you can just opt for the low setting for the best results.

Thickening the Sauce: To prevent lumps, mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker.

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more Sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS.

Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use different cuts, such as chuck roast or brisket, which are also suitable for slow cooking.

Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! It's great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What if I don't have a slow cooker? You can cook this dish in a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid in the oven. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and cook for the same amount of time.

Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, yes you can, simply increase the amount of Sriracha sauce or add some chilli flakes to the sauce mixture.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Certainly! You can add vegetables like capsicum, carrots, or mushrooms. Add them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they don't become too soft.

There you have it—a delicious and nutritious Slow-Cooked Asian-inspired beef recipe that's perfect for any occasion. This dish is rich in flavour, high in protein, and meal-prep friendly, making it a great addition to your weekly menu.

So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and enjoy the comforting flavours of this Asian-inspired beef dish.