To get our fix, I tried my hardest to recreate "take out fake out" dinners. The results were pretty darn good, and I've continued my quest keep our menu drawer (I know, it's weird. A whole drawer full of takeout menus--it's like we collect them or something) closed.
Here's the new favorite:
The Ingredients.
serves 4
1 1/2 pounds beef round steak, sliced or beef stir fry strips
1/4 cup gluten free soy sauce (LaChoy or Tamari wheat-free)
2 teaspoons ground ginger
3 tablespoons honey (not pictured, the kids stole it to use on their pancakes.)
1/2 cup orange juice
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
6 green onions, sliced
1 small head bok choy, cut in 1-inch chunks
cooked white or brown basmati rice for serving
The Directions.
Use a 4-quart slow cooker. What? You don't have one? Why then you should enter yourself in this conveniently timed contest...
For absolute best results, marinate the meat the night before in a plastic bag with the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, honey, ginger, and orange juice. In the morning, dump the contents into an empty cooker and add the vegetables on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, high for 3-4, or until meat is fully cooked and super tender. Stir fry meat cane sometimes be tough---cook until it's really soft and pliable. Serve over rice with the crock juice.
The Verdict.
The orangey-sweet flavor is fantastic, and fully satisfied my takeout craving. I liked that the vegetables steamed nicely in the same pot, creating a much lighter meal than we'd get if ordering in. I still can't convince my girls to eat bok choy, but they are now old enough to not get upset when the veggies and meat are touching.
this is awesome.
Mmmmm mmmm mmm! I love when meats and orange juice get together and party down like this. :)
October 2, 2010 at 7:05 AM
So happy to see you posting daily again. I made the Indian Butter Chicken this week...sooo delicious! My all time favorite meal. I'm going to preorder your new book.
October 2, 2010 at 8:08 AM
What an amazing blog! I Love using my crockpot! In fact, I am going to make some shredded venison today with it!
I just found your blog on a Saturday Blog Hop! Have a wonderful weekend!
Amanda @ www.nutritionistreviews.com
October 2, 2010 at 8:16 AM
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, high for 3-4, or until meat is fully cooked and super tender.
Is that 6-7 hours on low then 3-4 hours on high...or 6-7 hours low OR 3-4 hours high? O_o
October 2, 2010 at 8:41 AM
LOL, one or the other. :-)
October 2, 2010 at 8:49 AM
Sounds yummy - think I'm making this one for Sunday dinner!
Thanks! :o)
October 2, 2010 at 5:00 PM
My crockpot is as old as Methuzula. It was a gift from my parents about 30 years ago. I sure could use a new one.
October 2, 2010 at 6:23 PM
The beef is marinating in the fridge as we speak and the whole thing will hit the crockpot tomorrow morning. Can't wait to taste it!
I found your blog a few days ago and had been looking for different ways of using my lovely crockpot. It reminds me of being at home with my mother! Thanks so much!
October 3, 2010 at 4:07 PM
My takeout menus live in the front cover of our phone book. And in a folder in my car for emergency calls on the way home (prior to driving!)
October 4, 2010 at 5:51 PM
This looks tasty! And that is a great photo. I like that the veggies appear to still retain their shape - something I would be concerned about when slow cooking them. I often use my slow cooker as a way to keep us from eating out too!
October 6, 2010 at 6:38 AM
Tried this one too...added the baby corn, mushrooms and broccoli to the beef. Anther homerun with my hungry household!
October 11, 2010 at 2:54 PM
I made this last night. It was very tender, my husband loved it. I wanted it a touch sweeter and saucier so I added some sweet and sour sauce to it. Quite tasty.
June 15, 2011 at 4:03 PM
For some reason bok choy doesn't seem to be available in Denmark. Do you have any suggestions for substitutions? I don't think I've ever had bok choy so I can't make an educated guess myself.
March 19, 2012 at 4:23 AM
Hi Maria,
you aren't missing out on too awful lot. :-) It's like a tiny cabbage plant with longer leaves. You can use any vegetables you'd like--cauliflower, string beans, asparagus-- they would all work just fine.
March 19, 2012 at 7:50 AM
Excellent - thanks :-)
March 19, 2012 at 7:51 AM
Thank you! I am making this for dinner tonight - right now!
February 17, 2013 at 11:21 AM