Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine to your table. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any busy weeknight. With its tender beef and rich sauce, this dish stands out as a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a sweet-savory taste that rivals your favorite restaurant dishes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings; this recipe serves four and is sure to leave guests asking for more.
• Healthy Twist: By using lean flank steak and low-sodium soy sauce, you can enjoy the flavors without the extra calories.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline your preparation and cooking time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals while you go about your day.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for tossing ingredients together evenly to ensure the flavors are well-distributed.

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Ingredients

For the Beef

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

For the Coating

• 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 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 toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and water.
3. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3: Cook

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

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Stir in chopped green onions just before serving for added freshness and color.

Now you’re ready to serve your delicious Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef! Enjoy over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Serve your Mongolian beef over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty option. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, enhancing every bite.

With Noodles

• Toss the beef with cooked noodles for a delightful twist. Choose lo mein or rice noodles to complement the flavors of the dish perfectly.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a light and refreshing option, serve the beef in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a crunchy texture and makes for a fun, interactive meal.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for added crunch and a nutty flavor. This simple garnish can make your presentation pop.

Accompanied by Green Onions

• Use sliced green onions as a fresh garnish. Their mild onion flavor pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the beef, adding color and freshness.

With Steamed Broccoli

• Serve alongside steamed broccoli to add some greens to your plate. The vibrant color and health benefits make this an excellent choice.

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: Choosing a good cut of meat enhances flavor and tenderness. Flank steak is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

• Adjust the sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference. A bit more sugar can enhance the sauce’s richness if you prefer it sweeter.

• Marinate before cooking: Allowing the beef to marinate in soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes can deepen its flavor profile, making it even more delicious.

• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Garnish generously: Don’t forget to add fresh garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds before serving. They not only enhance flavor but also provide visual appeal.

• Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your Mongolian beef right after cooking while it’s hot and tender.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice complements the rich flavors of the beef perfectly.
2. Garlic Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds a crunchy texture and fresh taste that balances out the dish.
3. Fried Rice: Create a quick fried rice using leftover ingredients from your fridge; it’s an easy and tasty side.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can help cleanse the palate, making each bite more enjoyable.
5. Egg Noodles: Soft egg noodles tossed in sesame oil make for a comforting base that pairs nicely with Mongolian beef.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as an excellent starter and complements Asian flavors well.
8. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies provide an additional layer of texture and flavor to round out your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, there are a few common missteps that can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using tough cuts of beef – Opt for high-quality flank steak, as tougher cuts will not become tender in the slow cooker.
• Overcooking the beef – Cooking on HIGH for too long can dry out the meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Ignoring ingredient proportions – Adjusting the amount of soy sauce or sugar can impact the flavor balance. Follow the recipe closely, especially for your first attempt.
• Not letting it rest before serving – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld and enhances taste.
• Skipping garnishes – Garnishes like green onions add freshness and color to your dish. Don’t skip this step for a more appealing presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure it has cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered in a baking dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Make Mongolian Beef in a Slow Cooker?

To make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, slice flank steak thinly, coat it with cornstarch, and mix with other ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook until tender.

Can I use other cuts of meat?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin or even chicken or turkey. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on meat type.

What do I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with vegetables or in lettuce wraps for a light meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight before starting your slow cooker in the morning.

Is there a vegetarian option?

For a vegetarian version, consider using mushrooms or tofu instead of beef and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only simple to prepare but also rich in flavor and versatility. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious meal without much fuss. Try making it today!