The Year of the Monkey - Chinese Pot Roast with Stir Fried Bok Choy and Sesame Rice

I'm a little off date-wise for celebrating Chinese New Year, but we did have a chuck roast left in the freezer from one of the last runs on the Used Meat section. I've cleared out enough inventory up there to start stocking up again!

It's the Year of the Monkey. I am a Rabbit. The Colonel is a Rooster.

Rooster’s lucky colors are gold, brown, yellow, with lucky numbers being  5, 7, and 8. People born in a year of the Rooster are very observant. Hardworking, resourceful, courageous and talented, Roosters are very confident about themselves. Roosters are always active, amusing and popular among the crowd. Roosters are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest, and loyal individuals. They like to be the center of attention and always appear attractive and beautiful.

Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charm at any occasion. Roosters expect others to listen to them while they speak, and can become agitated if others don't. Vain and boastful, Roosters like to brag about themselves and their accomplishments.

Roosters are more motivated than other animals in the Chinese zodiac, making their careers a priority in their lives. Roosters are hard working, multi-talented, and can deal with a variety of jobs.

Rabbit’s lucky colors are red, pink, purple, blue, with numbers being 3, 4, and 6.  Rabbits tend to be gentle, quiet, elegant, and alert; quick, skillful, kind, and patient; and particularly responsible. However, they might be superficial, stubborn, melancholy, and overly-discreet. Generally speaking, people who belong to the Rabbit zodiac sign have likable characters.

Rabbits are faithful to those around them, but reluctant to reveal their minds to others, and have a tendency to escape reality. They are too cautious and conservative, which means they miss good opportunities.

With a pair of dexterous hands, Rabbits have a gift for calligraphy and painting, as well as tailoring and cooking. Owning a patient temperament, they are able to manage everything to people's wishes.

What a crock, eh?

And speaking of crock, or at least crock pot, let's have some Chinese Pot Roast! I skipped the turnips, because I had everything else to get this in the slow cooker this morning.  I served it with rice flavored after cooking with a little sesame oil and black sesame seeds, and some stir fried red peppers and bok choy, finished with some black bean sauce and soy sauce.

Mangia!

Slow Cooker Chinese Pot Roast
All Recipes

 ¼ C hoisin sauce (see note for homemade sauce recipe)

¼ C honey

½ C water

3 Tbsp ketchup

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp Asian Chili Sauce

1 2 lb. boneless chuck roast

2 tsp Chinese five spice powder

4 carrots, peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces

1 turnip or parsnip peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces or potatoes cubed

rice

green onions

Mix together ½ C water, hoisin sauce, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, chili sauce in a bowl. Season the beef all over with the five spice powder and salt and pepper. Add carrots and parsnips to slow cooker.

Add the beef and top with sauce mixture. Turn to coat beef.

Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until beef is very tender.

Remove from cooker and shred the beef with two forks. Add in additional sauce to coat.

Serve with vegetables over rice and garnish with green onion.