Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will impress everyone at the table with its rich flavor and tender texture.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the beef becomes tender. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a dish that’s typically found in restaurants in the comfort of your own home. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic sesame oil creates a delightful sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Creating this delicious dish in your slow cooker is straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Toss the flank steak with cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
- Place the coated steak in a slow cooker and add sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Stir in green onions just before serving.
Pro Tips for Success Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
- Slice Against the Grain: For tender beef, ensure you slice the flank steak against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allowing the beef to cook thoroughly in the slow cooker is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Resist the urge to open the lid frequently, as this lets heat escape.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. Alternatively, for a more savory flavor, add a little extra soy sauce.
- Tip for Thicker Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, and stir into the mixture in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give you a nice glaze.
- Garnish Matters: Freshly chopped green onions not only add color but also a fresh bite that balances the richness of the beef.
- Experiment with Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Flavor Variations Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
- Add Vegetables: Incorporating bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli can add color and extra nutrition to your dish. Just add them halfway through the cooking time.
- Bok Choy Addition: Adding bok choy toward the end of the cooking process will lend a delightful crunch and a fresh flavor.
- Peanut Butter Twist: For a nutty flavor, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter with the other ingredients. It adds creaminess and depth.
- Citrus Punch: A splash of orange juice can brighten the overall flavor profile, giving the sauce a delicious zing.
- Sweet and Sour: Mix in some pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist that goes wonderfully with the beef.
Serving Suggestions Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a wholesome meal. For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving it over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside some crispy vegetable spring rolls. You can also garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for a delicate finishing touch.
For those who prefer a lighter meal, serving the Mongolian Beef with shredded lettuce wraps provides a fresh and crunchy alternative. Additionally, stir-fried vegetables can complement the dish well and add to its healthiness.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
If you’d like to freeze your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To do this, allow the dish to cool fully before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 670mg
FAQ About Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use cuts like sirloin or even chuck roast. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe contains soy sauce, which typically has gluten. However, you can easily substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by slicing the beef and mixing the sauce ingredients. Store them in the refrigerator and then throw everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. You could also consider a light salad on the side to balance the richness of the beef.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even a chopped chili pepper to the sauce mixture before cooking. Start small and adjust to your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a rewarding dish that’s simple enough for a weekday dinner yet delicious enough for special occasions. It allows you to enjoy the flavors of a classic dish without the typical effort involved in cooking it. With the right tools and a little prep, you can have a warm, mouthwatering meal ready to share with your loved ones. Whether you’re exploring new recipes or hanging onto a trusty favorite, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful recipe!
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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory soy sauce with sweet brown sugar for a rich and tender meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Toss the flank steak with cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
- Place the coated steak in a slow cooker and add sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 120-180 minutes or LOW for 240-300 minutes until beef is tender.
- Stir in green onions just before serving.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
