Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Beef for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the beef pieces in a portion of the honey soy sauce for up to two hours in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker.

This extra step helps the savory notes penetrate deeper into the meat. Remember to always keep raw meat refrigerated while marinating to ensure food safety, and never leave it out on the counter at room temperature for extended periods.

If you want to add a bit of heat to the dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste when you add the garlic. This will complement the sweetness of the honey without overpowering the savory base.

Always adjust these additions to your personal preference, starting with a small amount and tasting before you commit to more, as the flavors will concentrate during the slow cooking process.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Sesame Beef: Add two teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the honey soy sauce mixture before pouring it over the beef. This provides a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Ginger-Infused Honey Beef: Incorporate one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger into the slow cooker along with the minced garlic. The ginger adds a bright, zesty note that complements the savory depth of the soy sauce perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the beef has cooled for no more than two hours after cooking before placing it in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth. It will stay fresh for up to three days when properly stored. Always ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the beef from absorbing other odors from the refrigerator or drying out during storage.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator once cooled. When ready to serve, simply reheat the beef gently on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe dish until it is heated through. This makes it a convenient option for busy work weeks or when you need a reliable meal ready to go.

Serving ideas

Serve the honey sesame beef hot, ideally over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious glaze. A side of stir-fried vegetables, such as snap peas, bok choy, or broccoli, provides a nice crunch and balance to the tender beef.

You can also garnish the dish with a few extra toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the overall presentation.

For a lighter serving option, consider spooning the beef and sauce over a bowl of fresh salad greens or rice noodles. The versatility of the honey soy glaze allows it to pair well with various sides, making it easy to adapt the meal to what you have on hand.

Ensure each serving includes a generous portion of the sauce, as this is where much of the flavor resides, and serve immediately while the beef is at its most tender.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Beef for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef pieces, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 3/4 cup honey soy sauce mixture

Instructions

1. Place the beef pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure the meat is spread out in an even layer to allow for consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the toasted sesame seeds over the beef. Add the minced garlic on top, then pour the honey soy sauce evenly over all the ingredients to ensure everything is well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. Once cooked, check that the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the beef rest for 5 minutes before serving on a plate.

Contains: soy, gluten, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.