This slow cooker Teriyaki Beef recipe is one of my go-to meal preps, and you can bet it appears a few days every month. Taken straight from the Bored of Lunch cookbook, this hearty slow cooker Teriyaki Beef Bowl is made using lean beef steak, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.

To make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef in the slow cooker, just toss all ingredients together, except the garnishes, and let it cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.

Every bite takes me back to my first successful slow cooker experiment, filled with pride and satisfaction.

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Can I Use Frozen Beef for Teriyaki Beef?

Yes, using frozen beef for Teriyaki Beef is absolutely fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before slicing it up for the recipe.

Thawing ensures that the beef cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavorful teriyaki sauce.

How To Tell When the Teriyaki Beef is Done Cooking in the Slow Cooker?

You’ll know your Teriyaki Beef is ready when it’s wonderfully tender to the point where it almost falls apart when prodded with a fork.

This level of tenderness usually happens after cooking on a low setting for 5-6 hours or on a high setting for 3-4 hours. The beef should not be tough or chewy; instead, it should be easy to slice through, indicating it’s perfectly done.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef Ingredients

• 500g of lean beef steak, sliced into strips
• 4 tbsp of dark soy sauce or tamari for that deep, umami flavor
• 2 tbsp of light soy sauce to balance the saltiness with a touch of sweetness
• 3 tbsp of honey
• 1 tsp of sesame oil
• 1 tbsp of mirin
• 1 tsp of chilli flakes
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tsp of ground ginger
• 1 heaped tbsp of cornflour (optional)
• For garnish: chopped spring onions, 1 tsp of mixed sesame seeds, and a sliced red chili to sprinkle on top

How To Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

1. Combine Your Forces: Grab your slow cooker and gently lay in all the ingredients you’ve prepared, except for the cornflour (if using) and the garnishes.
2. Set It and Forget It: Cover your slow cooker and set it to high and let it work its magic for 3–4 hours. But if you’re out for the day or just love the anticipation, setting it to low for 5–6 hours will greet you with equally tender, flavorful results.
3. Thicken the Plot (Optional): If you’re into a thick Sauce, take a moment about 30 minutes before serving to mix the cornflour with a little water to form a smooth paste. Stir this into your beef mix, then cover it back up and let it thicken up.
4. Garnish and Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce is to your liking, take a moment to garnish with those vibrant spring onions, nutty sesame seeds, and the kick of red chilli slices.

Recipe Tips

• Bold Flavors: I always sear the beef strips in a hot pan before tossing them into the slow cooker. It adds such a rich depth to the sauce.
• Sauce Consistency: You know, if you’re like me and love your sauce on the thicker side, stirring in 2 tablespoons of cornflour mixed with water works wonders.
• Garnish Generously: I can’t stress enough how much a liberal hand with the garnishes elevates the dish. It’s not just about looks; it’s about flavor and texture too.
• Low and Slow: If I were you, I’d go for the low cooking setting. The beef becomes unbelievably tender, soaking up every bit of that teriyaki goodness.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: If you’re into a bit of heat like I am, adding a tablespoon of Sriracha or an extra pinch of chili flakes before cooking really sparks up the dish.
• Sweet and Savory: I love tossing in some pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking. It adds a sweet tanginess that just sings with the savory beef.
• Pulled Beef Teriyaki: After cooking, I often shred the beef right there in the sauce. It’s perfect for when I’m in the mood for tacos or sliders with a twist.
• Asian Fusion: I sometimes throw in a mix of bell peppers and snap peas about 30 minutes before it’s done. Adds a beautiful crunch and a splash of color.

What To Serve With Teriyaki Beef

You can serve your hearty Teriyaki Beef with vibrant and crunchy sides like steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, cucumber salad, sautéed bok choy, and grilled pineapple slices.

You can also serve it with something like soba noodles tossed in a light sesame dressing, or edamame sprinkled with sea salt for a touch of simplicity and freshness.

How To Store Teriyaki Beef

In The Fridge:

Place cooled Teriyaki Beef in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You just need to make sure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness.

In The Freezer:

Your Teriyaki Beef leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months after placing them in an airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the freezing date to track freshness.

How To Reheat Teriyaki Beef

Reheat your Teriyaki Beef by gently simmering it on the stove over medium heat until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

If you’re in a hurry, microwaving it covered on medium power works too, but keep an eye to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Parsnip And Carrot Soup
• Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Stifado
• Slow Cooker Lamb Saag