Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. This recipe showcases tender flank steak cooked slowly, allowing it to absorb a rich and sweet-savory sauce infused with garlic and ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this easy-to-make meal will impress your family and friends. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ll have a satisfying dish that rivals your favorite takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist on serving.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is great for making ahead of time; simply reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful profile makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe; it allows the beef to cook slowly, resulting in tender meat.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for coating the flank steak evenly with cornstarch before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

For the Sauce

• 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

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

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

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

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

Step 4: Final Touches

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

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

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

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the Mongolian beef into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy alternative. Add some shredded carrots for extra texture.

With Noodles

• Toss the beef with cooked noodles like lo mein or rice noodles. This makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to eat.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving to add extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the dish.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair your Mongolian beef with stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers and broccoli for a colorful and nutritious side.

As an Appetizer

• Serve small portions of the beef as an appetizer in mini cups or skewers for a delightful finger-food option at gatherings.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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

• Use high-quality flank steak: A good cut of meat makes all the difference in flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences; this allows you to personalize the dish.
• Let it marinate: For deeper flavors, allow the coated steak to marinate in the sauce ingredients for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Garnish generously: Fresh green onions not only add color but also enhance the dish’s flavor when sprinkled on top just before serving.
• Serve hot: Enjoy your dish immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Pairing your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the rich flavors of the beef.
2. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs makes an excellent accompaniment, soaking up any extra sauce.
3. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
4. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add crunch and flavor that pairs well with Mongolian beef.
5. Egg Rolls: Crunchy vegetable egg rolls serve as a delightful starter or side that complements Asian cuisine perfectly.
6. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad mixed with herbs and vegetables offers a healthy, protein-packed side that contrasts nicely with warm beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly.

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the flank steak in cornstarch can lead to a less appealing texture. The cornstarch helps tenderize the meat and creates a nice sauce consistency.
• Using low-quality beef: Choosing lower-quality flank steak may result in toughness. Always opt for high-quality cuts for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking the beef for too long can make it dry, while undercooking may leave it tough. Follow recommended cooking times closely.
• Neglecting flavor balance: Forgetting to adjust the sweetness with brown sugar can lead to an unbalanced dish. Taste as you go and modify ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Not garnishing: Skipping the green onions as garnish can make your dish look less appealing. Garnishing adds freshness and enhances presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the dish is completely cooled before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy identification later.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a savory dish made with tender beef, garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory sauce that simulates classic Asian flavors.

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

The prep time is about 15 minutes, while cooking takes approximately 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-5 hours on LOW.

Can I use other meats instead of flank steak?

Yes! You can substitute flank steak with chicken, turkey, or even lamb for different flavors while maintaining the essence of this dish.

Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef spicy?

Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to bring some heat into the dish according to your taste preference.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it wrapped in lettuce for a fresh crunch!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the sweetness or add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition. Try this recipe today and impress your family with delicious Asian-inspired flavors!