If you’re looking for a tender, flavorful, and easy-to-make beef dish, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Beef is the perfect choice. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe requires minimal preparation and results in melt-in-your-mouth beef. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore some variations, including keto and low-carb options.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and place it in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring the beef is well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the thickened sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Beef Choice: Beef chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling, which results in tender, flavorful meat. However, you can also use beef brisket or short ribs.
- Extra Flavor: For added depth of flavor, you can sear the beef chuck roast in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Variations
Keto Version
To make this dish keto-friendly:
- Replace the honey with a low-carb sweetener such as monk fruit or erythritol.
- Ensure the soy sauce is low-carb or use coconut aminos as a substitute.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version:
- Use a smaller amount of honey or substitute with a low-carb sweetener.
- Serve the shredded beef over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef? A: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as brisket or short ribs. Just ensure they are cooked until tender and easily shredded.
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free? A: Substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor. Just add them in the last few hours of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick? A: If the sauce thickens too much after adding the cornstarch slurry, you can thin it out with a bit more beef broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Beef is a flavorful and versatile dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers tender, delicious beef every time. With its sweet and savory sauce, it’s perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or low-carb alternatives. Try out the keto and low-carb variations to suit your dietary needs, and enjoy this mouthwatering meal with your loved ones!
