Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dining table. This easy crock pot recipe features tender flank steak infused with garlic, ginger, and a rich sauce that resembles your favorite Chinese takeout. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort. Serve this flavorful dish over rice or noodles, and you’ll have a complete meal that will have your family coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With just a few steps, you can set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the beef perfectly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice or noodles, or try it in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this dish tastes even better the next day!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet-savory flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender beef as it allows low-and-slow cooking, maximizing flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing ingredients together before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures easy slicing of flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.

this recipe

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 (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Toss the flank steak with cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

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

Step 3: Cook

1. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 4: Finish with Garnish

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

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef over steamed rice or noodles!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the beef over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing that absorbs the delicious sauce.

With Noodles

• Toss the Mongolian beef with stir-fried noodles for a hearty and satisfying dish that adds extra texture.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the beef mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option that adds freshness and crunch.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving to add a nutty flavor and extra visual appeal.

With Additional Vegetables

• Serve alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to balance the richness of the beef with fresh veggies.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Portion out servings in meal prep containers for an easy, flavorful lunch throughout the week.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips for success.

• Choose high-quality meat: Select fresh flank steak for tender results. The quality of the beef significantly impacts flavor and texture.

• Marinate when possible: Allowing the beef to marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor depth.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar according to your preference.

• Thicken sauce if desired: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Add vegetables towards the end: If you want to include vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, add them during the last hour of cooking for optimal texture.

• Garnish generously: Fresh green onions not only add color but also provide a burst of freshness that complements rich flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

To complement your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal’s overall experience.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   Fluffy jasmine rice pairs beautifully with Mongolian beef, soaking up all those savory juices.

2. Stir-Fried Vegetables
   A colorful mix of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers sautéed in garlic adds nutrition and crunch.

3. Fried Rice
   Transform leftover rice into fried rice with veggies and egg for a tasty side that kids love.

4. Garlic Noodles
   Simple garlic noodles tossed in butter deliver an aromatic flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

5. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and sesame oil balances the richness of the dish while adding crunch.

6. Miso Soup
   A light miso soup serves as a warming starter that prepares your palate for the main event.

7. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables bring an exciting crunch to your dinner table; serve them with dipping sauce.

8. Quinoa Salad
   A quinoa salad mixed with herbs provides a healthy grain option packed with protein and fiber alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some errors to steer clear of:

• Skipping the cornstarch: Failing to coat the beef in cornstarch can lead to a less thick and flavorful sauce. Always toss the meat in cornstarch for optimal results.
• Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef too long can make it tough and dry. Keep an eye on cooking times, using the recommended settings for best tenderness.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality soy sauce or flank steak can compromise flavor. Opt for high-quality ingredients for a more delicious outcome.
• Neglecting flavor adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings while cooking can result in a bland dish. Always sample your sauce and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
• Cooking on high too long: Cooking on high heat for too long can lead to overcooked meat. If you’re short on time, set a timer to prevent this issue.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat at medium power until warmed.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef:

How To Make Mongolian Beef tender?

To ensure tender meat, slice flank steak against the grain and avoid overcooking it in the slow cooker.

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes! While flank steak is ideal, you can also use sirloin or chuck roast as alternatives.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, but you could also serve it in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

How do I adjust sweetness in the recipe?

You can modify the amount of brown sugar based on your personal preference. Start with less and add more if desired.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Give it a try, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home!

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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Experience the rich, savory flavors of Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, a dish that transforms your kitchen into an Asian culinary haven. This simple yet delightful recipe highlights tender flank steak coated in a mouthwatering sauce made with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality beef with little effort. Serve over rice or noodles, or try it in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. With its sweet-savory profile that appeals to both kids and adults, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Toss thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
2. Place the coated steak in a slow cooker and 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 chopped green onions just before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor depth, consider marinating the beef in the sauce ingredients for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences. If desired, add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.