This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings the bold flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dining table. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this crock pot recipe features tender flank steak simmered with garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory sauce. It’s an easy meal that tastes just like what you would find at your favorite Chinese restaurant, making it both a family favorite and a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a delicious sauce that infuses the beef with incredible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist on traditional serving styles.
- Healthy Option: Using flank steak keeps the dish lean while still providing protein and essential nutrients.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough to feed a family and is perfect for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This appliance allows for low-and-slow cooking, which is key for tenderizing the beef while developing rich flavors.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing your flank steak against the grain.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, making it easier to slice the flank steak thinly.
- Mixing bowl: This is perfect for tossing the beef with cornstarch before adding it to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
For the Sauce
- 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 (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Step 1: Prepare the Flank Steak
- Place the flank steak in a mixing bowl with the cornstarch.
- Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Add the coated flank steak into your slow cooker.
- Pour in sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water over the meat.
- Stir gently to ensure all pieces are coated with sauce.
Step 3: Cooking Time
- Cover your slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
Step 4: Add Green Onions
- Once cooked, stir in the green onions right before serving to add freshness.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef! Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce perfectly, making each bite delicious.
With Noodles
- Pair it with your favorite noodles, such as lo mein or udon. The combination of beef and noodles creates a satisfying meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, serve the beef in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a fun, hands-on meal.
Topped with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and a nice presentation.
With Sautéed Vegetables
- Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas on the side. This not only adds color but also provides additional nutrients.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Perfecting your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Choose Quality Meat: Selecting high-quality flank steak ensures tenderness and flavor in your dish.
- Slice Against the Grain: Thinly slicing the meat against the grain helps keep it tender during cooking.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Coating the beef in cornstarch before cooking thickens the sauce and enhances texture.
- Use Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This allows for better control over saltiness while still providing that essential umami flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the dish.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma complements the dish wonderfully.
- Fried Rice: A colorful mix of vegetables adds variety and flavor.
- Egg Noodles: Soft noodles provide a great contrast to the savory beef.
- Roasted Broccoli: Adds nutrition and a slight char that enhances taste.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad balances out the richness of the beef.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls provide a delightful crunch alongside your meal.
- Miso Soup: A light soup can cleanse the palate between bites of rich beef.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Adds a nutritious green element that pairs well with Asian flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can be easy, but some common mistakes may lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring the Thickness of the Beef: Slicing the flank steak too thick can result in chewy meat. Ensure you slice it against the grain into thin strips for tender results.
- Overcooking the Meat: Cooking on HIGH for too long can dry out the beef. Stick to the recommended cooking times—2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-5 hours on LOW.
- Using Regular Soy Sauce: Opting for regular soy sauce instead of low sodium can make your dish overly salty. Always choose low sodium soy sauce for balanced flavor.
- Forgetting to Coat with Cornstarch: Skipping the cornstarch coating can lead to a watery sauce. Make sure to toss your beef in cornstarch evenly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale garlic or ginger can dull the flavor of your dish. Always use fresh ingredients for vibrant taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
- Place cooled beef in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef:
Can I use other cuts of beef for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
You can substitute flank steak with other cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. Just ensure they are sliced thinly.
How spicy is Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
This recipe is not spicy but rather savory and slightly sweet. If you prefer heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or chili paste.
What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only convenient but also delivers incredible flavor that rivals takeout. It’s versatile—you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
PrintSlow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine right in your home. This easy crock pot recipe features tender flank steak infused with garlic, ginger, and a rich, sweet-savory sauce that closely mimics your favorite Chinese takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave your family asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
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 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Stir in green onions just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
