Asian Steak Strips (Crock Pot)

🥩🍲 Asian Steak Strips (Crock Pot) – A Flavorful Delight! 🥢

What is it?
Asian Steak Strips made in a crockpot is a delicious, slow-cooked dish that combines succulent strips of beef with a variety of Asian-inspired flavors. It’s a mouthwatering fusion of tender meat, rich sauces, and aromatic spices.

History:
The concept of slow-cooking meat in Asian cuisine can be traced back to centuries-old cooking techniques. Various Asian cultures have their own versions of slow-cooked meat dishes. The use of a crockpot or slow cooker, however, is a more recent adaptation, taking advantage of modern kitchen appliances to simplify the cooking process.

Components:

• 2 pounds of beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 🥢
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce 🍯
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 🧂
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄🧄
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced 🧡
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 🌶️
• 1/2 cup beef broth 🍖
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 🌽
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 🫑
• 1 onion, sliced 🧅
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions 🌱

Steps to Prepare:

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Crockpot Setup: Place the marinated beef in your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth.

3. Cook Slow and Steady: Set your crockpot to low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking will make the beef incredibly tender.

4. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot, and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This will thicken the sauce.

5. Add Veggies: About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the crockpot. This ensures they are tender-crisp and not overcooked.

6. Serve and Garnish: Once the meat is tender and the veggies are cooked to your liking, serve the Asian steak strips over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flair. 🍚🥡

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 15-20 minutes
• Marinating: 30 minutes (or longer if desired)
• Slow Cooking: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Thickening and Adding Veggies: Additional 30 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 7.5 – 9 hours (slow cooker time, excluding marinating)

This Asian Steak Strips recipe in a crockpot is perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of a slow cooker and crave the bold flavors of Asian cuisine. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and may your taste buds be delighted! 🍽️👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

🥩🍲 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Asian Steak Strips (Crock Pot) 🥢

Here’s some nutritional information and health considerations for this delicious Asian Steak Strips dish:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: The number of calories in a serving of Asian Steak Strips can vary based on serving size, cut of meat, and added ingredients. On average, it can range from 300 to 450 calories per serving.

• Protein: A 4-ounce serving of beef provides about 25-30 grams of protein, making this dish a good source of this essential nutrient.

• Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates primarily come from the brown sugar and the vegetables. A serving might have around 10-20 grams of carbs.

• Fat: The amount of fat can vary depending on the cut of meat and whether you trim excess fat. A serving can have 10-15 grams of fat, with some being saturated fat from the beef.

• Sodium: Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth can contribute to the sodium content. A serving may contain 800-1200 milligrams or more.

• Fiber: Some fiber is provided by the vegetables, adding about 2-4 grams of dietary fiber per serving.

• Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin C (from bell peppers), and vitamin B6 (from garlic and ginger).

Health Information:

1. Protein: Beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and growth.

2. Iron: Red meat like beef is a significant source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plant sources. It’s crucial for preventing anemia.

3. Sodium Awareness: Be cautious about sodium intake, especially if you’re watching your blood pressure. You can reduce the sodium content by using reduced-sodium soy sauce and broths.

4. Lean Cuts: Opt for lean cuts of beef (e.g., sirloin) and trim any visible fat to lower the saturated fat content.

5. Fiber and Vegetables: The addition of vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, boosts the fiber content and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

6. Balanced Diet: Enjoy Asian Steak Strips as part of a balanced diet with a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.

7. Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes, as large servings can lead to excess calorie and fat intake.

Remember that the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Adjusting the ingredients can make this dish healthier and suit your dietary needs.

As with any meal, moderation and balance are key to enjoying it as part of a nutritious diet. 🍽️🥦🥩