
Tender Asian-Style Slow Cooked Beef Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories400kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat20gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Beef fillet (center cut, fresh and well-trimmed)800 g
- Soy sauce (low sodium is best)100 ml
- Honey3 tbsp
- Fresh ginger (peeled and finely grated)2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced, fresh)4 cloves
- Sesame oil1 tbsp
- Rice vinegar2 tbsp
- Spring onions (sliced for garnish)2 pieces
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
- Saltto taste n/a

This slow-cooked Asian-style beef fillet recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to achieve incredibly tender and flavorful meat with minimal effort. The beef fillet is gently cooked in a fragrant mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. This recipe costs approximately $15 USD / 13 EUR / 11 GBP / 1200 INR for all ingredients and yields 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately 400 kcal, making it suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe is medium complexity and requires around 8 hours of slow cooking time, mostly unattended, perfect for busy days.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to blend all flavors. This marinade will infuse the beef with rich Asian flavors.
Marinate the beef fillet
2Place the beef fillet in a zip-lock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor penetration.
Prepare the slow cooker
3Remove the beef fillet from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Transfer the beef along with marinade into the slow cooker pot. Do not add extra water or broth.
Slow cook the beef fillet
4Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Cooking on low heat method gently breaks down muscle fibers, ensuring tender meat. Make sure the lid stays closed during cooking for steady temperature.
Check internal temperature for safety
5Use a food-grade digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef fillet. For safety and perfect tenderness in beef fillet, aim for 63°C (145°F) for medium rare, or up to 70°C (160°F) for medium doneness. Do not overcook.
Rest the beef
6Once cooked to your desired temperature, remove the beef from the slow cooker and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting locks in the juices, making the beef juicy and easier to cut.
Serve and garnish
7Slice the beef fillet against the grain and arrange on a serving plate. Spoon some of the slow cooking juices from the pot over the slices. Garnish with sliced spring onions before serving for freshness and color.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and knives for raw meat and vegetables.
2Slow cooking times will vary with your slow cooker model. Start checking meat temperature after 6 hours to avoid overcooking.
3You can substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup if preferred.
4If you don't have a slow cooker, a tightly sealed oven dish in a low oven (around 120°C / 250°F) for 6-8 hours will work.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Digital meat thermometer
- Oven mitts
- Serving platter
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Beef fillet (800g) - about $12. Look for a fresh cut with bright red color and fine grain.
- [ ] Soy sauce (100ml) - about $1.50. Choose low sodium for better control on saltiness.
- [ ] Honey (3 tbsp) - about $0.80. Pure honey will give best flavor; local brands are a good choice.
- [ ] Fresh ginger (small piece) - about $0.50. Select firm, smooth skin pieces for freshness.
- [ ] Garlic (4 cloves) - about $0.30. Choose firm heads without mold or sprouting.
- [ ] Sesame oil (1 tbsp) - about $1. Can be strong, so quality toasted sesame oil is preferable.
- [ ] Rice vinegar (2 tbsp) - about $0.60. Look for varieties labeled as rice vinegar, not seasoned vinegar.
- [ ] Spring onions (2 pieces) - about $0.40. Fresh green tops and firm white bases indicate quality.
- [ ] Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - about $0.30. Use if you like a little heat.
- [ ] Black pepper, salt - typically pantry staples.
Total Approximate Cost: $17.40
FAQ
Can I use another cut of beef for slow cooking instead of fillet?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck or brisket which are great for slow cooking and become very tender. However, fillet is lean and will cook faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature. Beef fillet should reach at least 63°C (145°F) for medium rare, and rest for 3 minutes before eating. For more well done, 70°C (160°F) is good.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the beef in a low oven (around 120°C / 250°F) covered tightly for 6-8 hours, or use a stovetop simmer on low heat in a heavy pot.
Is it safe to marinate beef overnight?
Yes, marinating beef in the refrigerator overnight is safe and enhances the flavor. Always marinate in the fridge, never at room temperature.