Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Highlighted under: Global Culinary Recipe Ideas
This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that combines tender beef with a rich and flavorful sauce. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the wonderful flavors, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender beef that melts in your mouth
- Sweet and savory sauce with a hint of ginger
- Perfect for serving over rice or noodles
A Flavorful Experience
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is more than just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds. The combination of tender flank steak and a rich, sweet-savory sauce creates a delightful fusion that will have everyone asking for seconds. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
The hint of ginger in the sauce adds a unique twist that elevates the overall flavor profile. It brings warmth and depth, making this dish perfect for any occasion. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles, and you have a complete meal that is effortlessly elegant. Plus, the convenience of a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the great things about this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a healthier option, consider using leaner cuts of beef or adding more vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be tossed in during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
If you prefer a spicier kick, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce. Additionally, this recipe serves as a fantastic base for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week, ensuring you have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go.
Perfect Pairings
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, the options are endless. While it's traditionally enjoyed over rice or noodles, feel free to experiment with different sides. Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice are excellent choices, but you can also serve it with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. If you're looking to add more texture, crispy egg noodles or even a fresh salad can complement the dish beautifully.
To round out your meal, consider pairing it with a light appetizer or dessert. Spring rolls or dumplings make great starters, while a refreshing fruit salad can be a perfect ending to your meal. With so many pairing possibilities, you can create a restaurant-quality dining experience right at home.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Mongolian Beef:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
Make sure to have all ingredients prepped before starting your slow cooker.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef:
Prepare the Beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with cornstarch until well-coated. This will help in thickening the sauce later.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Combine in Slow Cooker
Add the coated beef to the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over it. Stir to combine.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
Finish and Serve
Once cooked, stir in chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Let your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you're in luck! Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply transfer the cooled beef and sauce into an airtight container to keep it fresh. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of water or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with this recipe, it's essential to slice the flank steak against the grain. This ensures that the meat remains tender and easy to chew. Additionally, don't skip the cornstarch coating; it plays a vital role in thickening the sauce and giving it a luscious texture.
For optimal flavor, consider marinating the beef in the sauce for a few hours before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is especially helpful if you have time the night before. Just mix the sauce ingredients and let the beef soak overnight for a deeper flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or chuck, but cooking times may vary.
→ How can I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
→ What should I serve with Mongolian Beef?
It pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Global Culinary Recipe Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with cornstarch until well-coated. This will help in thickening the sauce later.
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Add the coated beef to the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over it. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
Once cooked, stir in chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 22g