slow cooker chinese 5 spice beef stew

beef stew meat (1-inch chunks), preferably grass-fed

kosher salt, divided

coconut oil or avocado oil, divided

large onion, large dice

-ounces sliced fresh mushrooms, such as shiitake or white

Chinese 5-spice

dry sherry or Shao Shing wine

box chicken broth

large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

stalks celery, cut into chunks

large russet potato (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into chunks

coconut sugar or pure dark maple syrup

crushed red pepper

arrowroot powder

Optional Garnishes

Toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, mung bean sprouts