Adobo is the national dish of the Philippines, and I absolutely love it, which makes this Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Beef Adobo a must-try, prepared using beef, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.

To make Beef Adobo in your slow cooker or crockpot, marinate the beef with all the ingredients, then cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 5–6 hours until tender.

I love adding my vegetables to the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time to save on having to prep sides separately. In this case, I’ve gone for broccoli, but feel free to switch this up for whatever you prefer.

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Slow Cooker Beef Adobo Ingredients

• 2 tbsp of brown sugar
• Juice of ½ lime
• 4 tbsp of dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp of light soy sauce
• 3 tbsp of rice vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 red chili, sliced
• A handful of black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 2–3 bay leaves
• 500g (1.1 lbs) of beef, cut into chunks
• 250ml (1 cup) of beef stock
• 1 tbsp of cornflour (cornstarch)
• 200g (7 oz) of broccoli florets or Tenderstem broccoli
• Cooked rice, to serve

How To Make Beef Adobo in Slow Cooker

1. In a freezer bag, add the beef chunks along with brown sugar, lime juice, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sliced garlic cloves, sliced red chili, black peppercorns, honey, and bay leaves.
2. Mix everything well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
3. Transfer the beef along with the marinade into the slow cooker. Make sure to pour all the marinade into the slow cooker to capture all the flavors.
4. Next, add the beef stock and cornflour, and ensure to mix well so the cornflour is fully dissolved into the liquid. This will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
5. Cook the mixture on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 5–6 hours. The cooking time depends on your schedule and the desired tenderness of the beef.
6. If using thicker broccoli florets, cut them into smaller pieces and add them to the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking. If using Tenderstem broccoli, add them for the last 40 minutes of cooking.
7. Once the beef and broccoli are cooked to your preference, serve the Beef Adobo hot with cooked rice. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Adobo.

How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?

The beef is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and is tender. If the beef shreds easily with a fork and has absorbed the flavors of the marinade, it is done. Cooking times can vary based on the cut of beef used.

Recipe Tips

• Marinate the beef longer for more flavor: Marinating the beef overnight instead of just six hours will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
• Use fresh garlic and chili for better taste: Freshly sliced garlic cloves and red chili will provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced or dried options.
• Adjust the cooking time based on beef cut: If using a tougher cut of beef, cook on low for an extended period to ensure the meat becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors.
• Thicken the sauce if needed: If the sauce appears too thin after cooking, dissolve a little more cornflour in water and stir it into the slow cooker, then cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables for a complete meal: You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes during the last hour of cooking to make the dish more nutritious and hearty.
• Try different meats for variety: Instead of beef, you can use chicken thighs or pork shoulder, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked properly.
• Spicy version for heat lovers: For a spicier version of Beef Adobo, add extra red chilies or a spoonful of chili paste to the marinade to increase the heat level.
• Sweet and tangy twist: To add a different dimension to the dish, include pineapple chunks and juice during the last hour of cooking, giving the adobo a sweet and tangy flavor.

What To Serve With Beef Adobo

Serve your Beef Adobo with flavorful sides like garlic fried rice, Sweet Potato Wedges, grilled asparagus, pickled radish, or kimchi.

You can also pair it with a fresh cucumber salad, Cornbread, buttery mashed potatoes, and toasted garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

How To Store Leftover Beef Adobo

In The Fridge

Store leftover Beef Adobo in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to refrigerate it within 2 hours after cooking to prevent spoilage. The leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to 4 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.

In The Freezer:

Freeze leftover Beef Adobo in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags to maintain its quality. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.

How To Reheat Leftover Beef Adobo

Reheat your leftover Beef Adobo in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef stock to maintain its moisture. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, reheating it in one-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated thoroughly.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored Of Lunch Black Pepper Beef In Slow Cooker
• Bored of Lunch Buffalo Chicken Wings In Slow Cooker
• Bored of Lunch Beef Pho Slow Cooker