Some of my favorite dishes
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients (Serves: 4-6)
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) lean beef (sirloin, flank steak, or chuck roast), sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/4 cup water, for the cornstarch slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh (or frozen, thawed)
- Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Sauce
Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the sauce.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring all the meat is coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook: On Low for 5-6 hours On High for 2-3 hours Cook until the beef is tender.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the water and cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Add the broccoli florets into the slow cooker as well, mixing them into the sauce and beef. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Serve
Once the beef and broccoli are fully cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if needed (e.g., more soy sauce or honey). Serve hot over steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Tips for Success For fresh broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker to keep it greener and crispier. For frozen broccoli: Thaw it slightly before adding it directly to the slow cooker. For extra veggies: Add sliced carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas to the slow cooker for more variety and nutrients. To save time: Ask your butcher to thinly slice the beef for you. Enjoy this easy and healthy Chinese-inspired dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your slow cooker recipe rotation. 🍴
Taco Mango Rice Bowl Recipe
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Taco seasoning
- Rice (cooked)
- Mango, diced
- Avocado, diced
- Tomato, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Green chile, diced
- Green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Sauce (e.g., hot sauce, lime crema, or salsa)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
a. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
b. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
c. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat. Adjust with additional salt and pepper, tasting as you go. -
Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
While the beef is cooking, dice the mango, avocado, tomato, and green chile. Chop the cilantro and green onions. Set everything aside. -
Assemble the Bowls:
a. Start by adding a layer of cooked rice to the bottom of each bowl.
b. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
c. Add diced mango, avocado, tomato, and green chile on top. -
Finish and Serve:
a. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onions for garnish.
b. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add your choice of sauce for extra flavor. -
Leftovers Tip: Reheat leftovers in the morning and serve with a fried or scrambled egg for a delicious breakfast option.
Enjoy your Taco Mango Rice Bowl! 🌮🍚
Tik Tok Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 quart cherry or grape tomatoes
- 10 ounces feta cheese
- 1 pound bite-sized linguine pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flake (or to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Lay out whole cherry tomatoes in a Pyrex or earthenware baking pan.
- Evenly spread olive oil, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and 2/3 of the oregano over the tomatoes.
- Mix the seasonings, olive oil, and tomatoes thoroughly, then create a rectangular well in the middle of the pan for the feta cheese.
- Gently place the feta in the well and sprinkle the remaining oregano on top. Place three thyme sprigs on top of the pan.
- Place the roasting pan in the middle rack of the oven. Set the oven timer for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring salted pasta water to a boil on the stove.
- After 25 minutes, drop the pasta into the boiling pasta water and cook according to the box instructions.
- Bake the tomato and feta mixture for an additional 10 minutes until the tomatoes and feta are light brown and caramelized.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Pour the pasta into the roasting pan and thoroughly mix it with the tomatoes and feta. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!
Iskiate
A refreshing, nutritious drink that is packed with energy and hydration.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 cups water
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 tbsp honey (or your favorite sweetener like maple/agave syrup; note that honey is non-vegan)
Instructions
- Combine chia seeds and water in a glass or pitcher.
- Stir well and let sit for 15–20 minutes for the chia seeds to hydrate and expand.
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice and honey (or your chosen sweetener) to the mixture.
- Stir thoroughly, serve chilled, and enjoy a burst of energy!
Apple Rice Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups of milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 4 apples (or pears)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 eggs
- Cinnamon (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Fill a pot with a bit of water, followed by 4 cups of milk, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1 cup of short-grain rice. Boil the mixture for roughly 25 minutes until the rice is cooked.
- Preheat Oven: Start preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Prep the Apples: While the rice is boiling, cut 4 apples (or pears) into small cubes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of butter, 1/3 cup of honey, cinnamon to taste, 4 eggs, and the cubed apples.
- Combine and Bake: Fill a baking tray with the milk-rice mixture, then mix it with the apple mixture. Add small flakes of butter across the top for added richness.
- Cook: Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Once done, set the oven to broil mode and broil the dish for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden finish.
- Let cool slightly before serving for a cozy and hearty dessert or breakfast.
Enjoy these recipes and happy cooking! 🍴