Asian Beef and Broccoli

I love anything I can throw in my slow cooker. This recipe was so easy and everyone in my family loved it – even my 16-month-old toddler was walking around slurping up the long whole-wheat Chinese noodles we served with it, both his hands clasped around broccoli florets. Not many visuals make a mother happier! And like the gift that keeps on giving, this recipe was even better the next day.

Asian Beef and Broccoli

Courtesy of Parents Magazine

Serves 6

¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

¼ cup orange juice, divided

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp minced fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

Nonstick cooking spray

2½ lb boneless beef chuck, trimmed of fat and cut into 2-inch pieces

2½ cups frozen broccoli flowerets (10 oz)

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp orange marmalade

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

½ cup dry roasted cashews

Hot cooked rice or Asian noodles (We served this with whole wheat Chinese noodles.)

In a small bowl stir together the soy sauce, 3 tablespoons orange juice, sugar, ginger, and garlic. Coat the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the beef and the soy sauce mixture; stir to combine. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 hours.

Just before beef is done, place broccoli in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover bowl with waxed paper. Cook on 100% power (high) for 4 minutes; drain off any liquid. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a large bowl. Use the spoon or 2 forks to break up the beef into smaller pieces. Add the broccoli to the bowl. Cover to keep warm and set aside.

Place a small fine mesh sieve over a small saucepan. Pour the juices from the slow cooker into the pan. In a small bowl stir together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Add to saucepan. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in orange marmalade, remaining 1 tablespoon orange juice, and pepper to taste.

Add about half of the sauce and cashews to the beef and broccoli mixture; toss to coat. Serve over hot cooked rice or noodles; pass remaining sauce.

For a printable version of this recipe, please click here.