Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. This easy crock pot recipe highlights tender flank steak, seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a delicious sweet-savory sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe effortlessly delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Pair it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deep flavor that rivals your favorite takeout.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, saving time on dinner.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, make sure you have all the necessary tools ready for an effortless cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this recipe! It ensures your beef becomes tender and absorbs all those delicious flavors over time.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing the flank steak with cornstarch to ensure even coating.
• Sharp knife: Essential for slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain, which enhances tenderness.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)

For Coating and Seasoning

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

For the Sauce

• 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

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the flank steak with cornstarch until evenly coated. This step helps create a nice texture on the meat as it cooks.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

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

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

1. Cover the slow cooker.
2. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and infused with flavors.

Step 4: Serve Your Delicious Dish

1. Just before serving, stir in fresh green onions for added flavor and freshness.
2. Serve over rice or noodles as desired.

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Elevate your meal experience by considering these serving suggestions.

Over Rice

• Serve the beef over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a comforting base that absorbs all the delicious sauce.

With Noodles

• Pair it with egg noodles or rice noodles, which provide a chewy texture and soak up the flavors beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the beef in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds freshness and crunch to each bite.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnish your dish with extra chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.

With Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of nuttiness and visual appeal.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a family-style platter with Mongolian Beef alongside other Asian-inspired dishes for a fun shared meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality flank steak: Choosing good-quality meat ensures tenderness and rich flavor in every bite.

• Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference for a customized flavor profile.

• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Let it rest: Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before serving to help lock in juices and enhance flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious green addition that balances the richness of the beef.
2. Fried Rice: Stir-fried rice mixed with vegetables makes for a hearty side that complements the main dish.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made from sliced cucumbers dressed lightly in vinegar adds brightness.
4. Asian Slaw: Crunchy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots provides texture and tanginess.
5. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods are easy to prepare and add protein to your meal.
6. Miso Soup: This warming soup serves as an excellent starter or side, enhancing Asian flavors on your table.
7. Roasted Cauliflower: Seasoned roasted cauliflower florets offer a savory contrast to the sweet-savory beef.
8. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic make for an aromatic side that pairs perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish, but there are common mistakes that can affect its flavor and texture. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using the wrong cut of beef: Selecting a tougher cut instead of flank steak can result in chewy meat. Stick to flank or sirloin for the best results.
• Not coating the beef in cornstarch: Skipping this step may lead to a watery sauce. Ensure each piece of beef is evenly coated for a flavorful sauce.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking for too long can dry out the meat, while not cooking it enough may leave it tough. Follow the recommended cooking times for tender results.
• Ignoring ingredient measurements: Altering the amounts of soy sauce or sugar without adjusting other ingredients could throw off the balance of flavors. Measure carefully for optimal taste.
• Forgetting to garnish: Serving without green onions or sesame seeds can make the dish look incomplete. Always add garnishes for color and added flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover lightly. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef:

How to Make Mongolian Beef?

To make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, coat flank steak with cornstarch, mix with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar in a slow cooker, then cook until tender.

Can I use other cuts of meat?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin or even chicken if you prefer a different protein while maintaining similar flavors.

What sides go well with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not inherently spicy; however, you can add red pepper flakes or chili paste if you prefer some heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting sweetness levels or adding your favorite vegetables. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!

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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings authentic Asian flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort. This easy crockpot recipe features tender flank steak simmered in a rich, sweet-savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish can be served over rice or noodles, making it a versatile and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 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)

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Instructions

1. Toss the flank steak in cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Place the coated steak into the slow cooker and add toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir gently.
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 and enjoy over rice or noodles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 80mg