Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine to your kitchen with ease. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender, flavorful beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, making it ideal for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Its simplicity and rich taste make it a standout choice for those who crave restaurant-quality meals without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously complex taste that rivals takeout.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for added crunch.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it perfect for family meals.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Using the proper equipment will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender beef without constant supervision. It allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl helps combine ingredients evenly for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise slicing of the flank steak, enhancing presentation and cooking efficiency.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 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

For Garnish

• 1/2 cup green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Flank Steak

Start by tossing the flank steak with cornstarch in a mixing bowl until it’s evenly coated. This step helps tenderize the beef while creating a nice texture once cooked.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place the coated steak into your slow cooker. Add in toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir everything gently to combine all flavors.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours. The goal is to achieve tender beef that melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving

Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor. This enhances both taste and presentation.

With these easy steps, you’ll have a wonderful meal ready that exemplifies why Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is such a beloved dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef offers a delightful blend of flavors that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Over Rice

• White Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the rich sauce and complements the beef beautifully.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Butter Lettuce: Crisp butter lettuce leaves make a refreshing wrap for the flavorful beef, adding a nice crunch.
• Romaine Lettuce: Romaine provides a sturdier option that holds up well with the juicy filling.

With Noodles

• Rice Noodles: Light and chewy, rice noodles pair perfectly with the savory sauce for a satisfying dish.
• Egg Noodles: These hearty noodles soak up the flavors and add texture to your meal.

As a Salad Topping

• Mixed Greens: Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and light option.
• Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to your serving.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

To make sure your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality flank steak: Choosing good quality meat ensures tender and flavorful results.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
• Marinate for added flavor: Allowing the beef to marinate with soy sauce and spices for an hour enhances its taste.
• Thicken sauce if needed: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Garnish before serving: Fresh green onions not only add color but also enhance flavor when sprinkled on top just before serving.
• Pair with sides wisely: Choose sides that complement the dish, like rice or vegetables, to create a balanced meal.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can enhance your dining experience. Here are some suggestions to complement this delicious meal.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the beef.
2. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice packed with vegetables makes an excellent accompaniment that embraces Asian cuisine.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the savory beef, enhancing each bite.
4. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide crunch and flavor, making them a lovely side dish.
5. Sesame Noodles: These cold noodles tossed in sesame dressing are great for adding variety without overwhelming flavors.
6. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls served on the side offer delightful texture and are perfect for dipping in sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Using thick cuts of beef: Always choose flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness. Thick cuts can result in chewy meat.
• Skipping the cornstarch: Coating the beef in cornstarch before cooking helps create a rich sauce. Skipping this step may lead to a thinner sauce that lacks depth.
• Not adjusting sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to adjust the brown sugar amount. Balancing flavors is key to enhancing the dish.
• Overcooking the beef: Cooking for too long can make the beef tough. Follow the recommended cooking times for perfect results.
• Neglecting garnishes: Adding green onions at the end not only enhances flavor but also provides a pop of color. Don’t skip this step for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place beef in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer serving-sized portions into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers when mixing your ingredients. This will enhance the flavor without overwhelming it.

Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?

While flank steak is ideal, you can substitute with sirloin or ribeye. Just ensure it’s sliced thinly for best results.

How Long Does Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Last?

In the refrigerator, it lasts about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

What Should I Serve With Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

Serve over steamed rice or noodles. You can also pair with vegetables or in lettuce wraps for a fresh touch.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare everything in advance and store it in your slow cooker insert in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich flavors and tender meat will impress both family and friends. Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting spices or adding vegetables according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a savory and sweet dish that brings the authentic flavors of Asian cuisine right into your home. This easy-to-make recipe features tender flank steak simmered in a delectable sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it up and enjoy the enticing aroma as it cooks. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a delightful culinary experience that everyone will love.

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately four servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced)
• 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

1. In a mixing bowl, toss thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Place the coated steak in the slow cooker. Add toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
4. Just before serving, stir in chopped green onions to enhance flavor and presentation.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 oz (170g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider marinating the flank steak in soy sauce and spices for an hour before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Pair with steamed vegetables or fried rice for a complete meal.