Slow Cooker Korean Beef Stew

Recipe is from Food & Wine.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 3  lbs  trimmed beef chuck, cut into 3-inch pieces
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup dry white wine
• 1  quart  beef stock or 1  quart  low-sodium broth
• 2  medium red onions, quartered through the core
• 6  large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 2  large  jalapenos, halved, seeded and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 2  cups mung bean sprouts
• 1  tablespoon cornstarch
• 4  cups  coarsely chopped napa cabbage
• 1⁄2 cup  thinly sliced sour dill pickle
•  steamed short-grain rice, toasted sesame oil and 3 thinly sliced scallions, for serving

Directions

1. In a very large skillet, heat the oil. Season the meat with salt and pepper and sear the pieces over moderately high heat until richly browned all over. Transfer the meat to a large slow cooker, turn it to high and cover.
2. Wipe out the skillet and return it to the burner. Add the soy sauce, sugar, wine and stock and bring to a boil. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker. Add the onions, cover and cook for 2 hours. Add the garlic and jalapeños to the stew, cover and cook for 1 hour longer, until the meat is very tender.
3. Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the bean sprouts and blanch for 30 seconds; drain. Put the cornstarch in a bowl and whisk in 1/2 cup of the liquid from the cooker.
4. With a slotted spoon, pick out and discard the onions. Transfer the meat to a large bowl. Whisk the cornstarch mixture, then whisk it into the stew, cover and let simmer for 2 minutes. With 2 forks, very coarsely shred the meat. Return the meat to the cooker. Add the Napa cabbage and pickles to the cooker, cover and cook until the cabbage is just wilted, about 5 minutes. Turn the cooker off.
5. Spoon steamed rice into bowls. Ladle the stew over and around the rice. Top with the beans sprouts, a drizzle of sesame oil and the sliced scallions and serve.
6. MAKE AHEAD The recipe can be prepared through Step 1 and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature and reheat gently.