Ingredients
For the beef
- 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the glaze
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup beef broth
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
To thicken
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Optional garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the beef: Pat the roast dry. Rub with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast for about 3–4 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a deeper roasted flavor.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, beef broth, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Slow cook: Place the beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until fork-tender.
- Make it glossy: Remove the beef and let it rest for 10 minutes. Mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir it into the hot cooking liquid and cook on HIGH for about 10–20 minutes, until thick and glossy.
- Finish: Slice or shred the beef and spoon the thick glaze generously over the top.
- Garnish: Add green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serving
Serve with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Broccoli
- Dinner rolls
Nutrition — approximate
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
- Calories: 480–550
- Protein: 35–40 g
- Carbs: 25–30 g
- Fat: 25–32 g
- Sugar: 15–20 g
- Sodium: high because of soy sauce
Nut / Allergen Info
- Peanuts: None
- Tree nuts: None
- Dairy: None
- Eggs: None
- Gluten: Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce may contain wheat; use gluten-free versions if needed.
- Sesame: Contains sesame if sesame oil/seeds are used.
- Soy: Contains soy from soy sauce.
Q/S — Quick Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use another cut of beef?
A: Yes. Chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or round roast can also work.
Q: Can I skip searing?
A: Yes. Add the seasoned roast directly to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Yes. Reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup and honey to 2 tablespoons.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add extra red pepper flakes or a little chili sauce.
Q: How do I get the sauce extra glossy?
A: Thicken the cooking liquid with the cornstarch slurry after removing the beef. This creates the shiny glaze seen in the photo.