Bold Flavor Made Easy: Spiced Braised Beef Baos in the Crock-Pot
If you’re looking to elevate your home cooking with something unique, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, look no further than these Spiced Braised Beef Baos. A delicious fusion of tender slow-cooked beef and soft, pillowy bao buns, this recipe is an impressive and satisfying meal that’s easier to make than you might think — thanks to the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker.
Infused with Asian-inspired spices, the beef slowly braises in a rich sauce until it’s fall-apart tender. Whether you’re planning a weekend dinner, a gathering with friends, or just treating yourself, these baos offer restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Complex Flavors: Soy sauce, five spice, ginger, and garlic come together beautifully
- Tender, Juicy Beef: Slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Perfect for Sharing: Make a batch and let guests build their own baos
- Flexible Serving: Serve in bao buns, over rice, or as lettuce wraps
Bold Flavor Made Easy: Spiced Braised Beef Baos in the Crock-Pot
6
servings50
minutes6
hours420
kcalIngredients
2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup beef broth
Directions
- Sear the Beef
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the Crock-Pot® slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, five spice powder, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.
- Slow Cook
- Pour the sauce over the beef in the Crock-Pot® slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours, or until beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred and Serve
- Remove beef from the cooker and shred using two forks. Return to sauce and stir to combine. Serve in steamed bao buns with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and sriracha if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Make Ahead: The braised beef can be made a day ahead and reheated. It often tastes even better the next day.
- No Bao Buns? Serve the beef over jasmine rice or inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Custom Toppings: Add pickled red onions, daikon radish, or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper or sriracha to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
These Spiced Braised Beef Baos are a bold, savory take on traditional slow-cooked comfort food. The combination of tender meat, fragrant spices, and soft bao buns makes every bite a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Whether you’re exploring new flavors or simply want a show-stopping meal without the stress, this recipe is a delicious way to upgrade your dinner table.
Add it to your Crock-Pot collection and enjoy restaurant-style flavor made easy at home.
