Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. This easy crock pot recipe features tender flank steak, garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With minimal effort required, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Your family will love the taste and ask for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With just a few simple steps, this slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously savory sauce that enhances the beef.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook in bulk and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings and family dinners, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef efficiently, having the right tools will simplify your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender meat with minimal fuss. Set it up in the morning and return to a delicious meal.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl makes tossing ingredients together easy and helps prevent messes during prep.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing flank steak against the grain, resulting in better texture.

Ingredients

For the Beef

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

For Coating and Flavoring

• 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. Toss the flank steak with cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated. This helps to thicken the sauce as it cooks.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

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

Step 3: Cook

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

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Stir in green onions just before serving to add freshness and color.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef ready to be enjoyed by everyone!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Serving Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can elevate your meal into a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to present this flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.

Over Rice

• Serve the beef over fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, making every bite delicious.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a light option, scoop the Mongolian beef into crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a fun, hands-on meal.

With Noodles

• Toss the beef with noodles for a hearty dish. Use egg noodles or rice noodles, and add some vegetables for extra nutrition.

As Tacos

• Fill soft tortillas with Mongolian beef for a unique twist on traditional tacos. Top with fresh cilantro and lime juice for added flavor.

On a Bed of Vegetables

• Serve the beef over sautéed or steamed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. This is a great way to incorporate more greens into your meal.

With Side Salads

• Pair with a simple side salad. A light cucumber or Asian-style salad complements the rich flavors of the beef perfectly.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance flavor and texture.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality flank steak ensures tenderness and flavor in your dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference; less sugar gives a more savory profile.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger boost flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the beef becomes tender.
• Thicken Sauce If Needed: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding chopped bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added color and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   Light and fragrant, jasmine rice complements the rich flavors of the beef beautifully.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   A mix of colorful veggies stir-fried in sesame oil adds crunch and freshness alongside the beef.

3. Garlic Broccoli
   Steamed broccoli tossed in garlic provides a nutritious side that balances the dish’s richness.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar brings brightness to your plate.

5. Fried Rice
   Leftover rice stir-fried with veggies and eggs makes a hearty side that pairs well with Mongolian beef.

6. Egg Noodles
   Soft egg noodles can soak up all that tasty sauce, making them an excellent accompaniment to this dish.

7. Quinoa Pilaf
   Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs offers an alternative grain option that adds texture to your meal.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned simply can provide an earthy contrast to the sweet-savory flavors of the beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to underwhelming results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not slicing the beef correctly: Always slice flank steak against the grain for tenderness. This ensures each bite is easy to chew and flavorful.

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Coating the beef in cornstarch helps create a nice glaze and thickens the sauce. Don’t skip this step as it adds texture.

• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches a tender state without overdoing it.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality soy sauce or flank steak can affect flavor. Opt for high-quality ingredients for a richer taste.

• Forgetting to garnish: Garnishing with green onions at the end enhances presentation and flavor. Always remember this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and safety.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, reheat for about 20-30 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef spicier?

Adding red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers can increase spice levels significantly. Adjust based on your preference!

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes! Cuts like sirloin or chuck roast also work well, but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

Cooking on HIGH takes about 2-3 hours, while cooking on LOW takes around 4-5 hours until tender.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add color and nutrition when added during the last hour of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting sweetness or adding your favorite vegetables. Try this recipe today and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delectable and hassle-free dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine straight to your dinner table. This easy recipe features tender flank steak simmered in a rich sauce made with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this succulent beef pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, delivering a restaurant-quality meal that will leave your family asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, coat the flank steak with cornstarch until evenly covered.
2. Place the coated beef into a slow cooker. Add sesame oil, garlic, 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. Stir in green onions just before serving for a fresh touch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg