Slow Cooker Directions:

1. Brown the Beef:

   • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium/medium-high heat. This creates a hot surface for searing, which develops a rich, caramelized flavor on the beef.
   • Working in batches, brown the beef pieces on all sides. (You don’t need to cook through, just get some caramelization on each side). Make sure not to crowd the pan. This ensures even browning and prevents the beef from steaming instead of searing.
   • Add browned meat to the slow cooker. This preps the meat for slow cooking, allowing it to become incredibly tender.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano. This combines the sauce ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors.
   • Pour over meat. Add water and stir to combine everything. This coats the beef with the sauce, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious flavors.

3. Slow Cook:

   • Cover and cook 4 – 6 hours on LOW (we do not recommend cooking this recipe on high as it may cause the honey to burn). This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

   • Check after 4 hours. If your meat is tender and you want to thicken the sauce, then stir in your cornstarch slurry in 1 tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached. This creates a thicker, glossy sauce that coats the beef beautifully.
   • Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. This adds garnishes and flavor, enhancing the visual appeal and taste of the dish.

5. Continue Cooking (If Needed):

   • If the meat is not tender yet, but the sauce is nearly gone, add a little more water and stir to avoid burning the honey. This prevents burning and ensures tender meat, maintaining the integrity of the dish.
   • Cover and continue cooking.
   • When meat has reached your preferred tenderness, if you want to thicken the sauce, stir in your cornstarch slurry in 1:1 tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached. This adjusts the sauce to your liking, ensuring it is perfectly thick.
   • Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. This adds the finishing touches, enhancing the flavor and presentation.

Instant Pot Directions:

1. Brown the Beef:

   • Using sauté mode and working in batches, heat oil and brown the beef pieces on all sides. (You don’t need to cook through, just get some caramelization on each side). Make sure not to crowd the pan. This develops flavor, creating a rich base for the dish.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano. Pour over meat. Add water and stir to combine everything. This coats the beef with the flavorful sauce.   
      

3. Pressure Cook:

   • Cover and set to ‘sealing’. Cook on high (manual) for 20 minutes. This cooks the beef quickly and efficiently, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
   • Allow a natural pressure release of at least 10 minutes. This prevents splattering and ensures tender meat, maintaining the quality of the dish.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

   • Remove lid and turn on sauté mode. If you want to thicken the sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry in 1:1 tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached. This creates a thicker, glossy sauce that coats the beef beautifully.
   • Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. This adds the garnishes, enhancing the flavor and presentation.

Dutch Oven Directions:

1. Brown the Beef:

   • Place Dutch oven on the stove top and brown steak pieces in sesame oil over medium/medium-high heat. Work in batches if necessary so you don’t crowd the pan. This creates a flavorful sear, enhancing the overall taste.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano. Pour over meat. Add water and stir to combine everything. This coats the beef with the flavorful sauce.   
      

3. Deglaze and Cook:

   • Deglaze the bottom of the pan with the water, then whisk in remaining ingredients. This prevents sticking and adds flavor, ensuring a smooth and delicious sauce.
   • Cover and place Dutch oven in a 250°F oven. (If your Dutch oven doesn’t have a good fitted lid, cover with foil and then put lid on to create a tighter seal.) This cooks the beef slowly and evenly, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
   • Cook for 2 – 3 hours, until meat is tender. This allows the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

   • If you want to thicken the sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry in 1:1 tablespoon increments until desired consistency is reached. This thickens the sauce, creating a glossy coating for the beef.
   • Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. This adds the garnishes, enhancing the flavor and presentation.