Slow 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.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This slow cooker recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously savory experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare in advance and let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on other tasks.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef seamlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for gentle cooking that keeps the beef tender and flavorful.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients efficiently before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Knife: A sharp knife simplifies slicing the flank steak evenly for optimal cooking.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe and stable surface for food preparation.

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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. This step helps create a nice texture for the beef 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 well.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

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

Step 4: Serve with Garnish

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

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Serving Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can elevate your dining experience, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Here are some creative ways to present this flavorful dish.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice acts as the perfect base for the savory Mongolian beef, soaking up the delicious sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fresh twist, serve the beef in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a nice crunch and makes for a fun, interactive meal.

With Noodles

• Pair the beef with your choice of noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, for a hearty and satisfying dish.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle extra green onions on top just before serving to enhance both flavor and presentation.

On a Bed of Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Serve the beef over a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for added color and nutrition.

With Sesame Seeds

• A final sprinkle of sesame seeds not only adds texture but also brings out the authentic Asian flavors of the dish.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, follow these helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use high-quality flank steak for maximum tenderness and rich flavor in your dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences; you can add more or less for sweeter or less sweet results.
• Let It Rest: Allow the cooked beef to rest for 10 minutes before serving; this helps retain moisture and improves tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the dish’s flavor profile compared to dried alternatives.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skip on garnishing! Adding green onions or sesame seeds will bring freshness and visual appeal.
• Experiment with Sauces: Consider adding different sauces, such as hoisin or chili garlic sauce, for a unique twist on traditional flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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

1. Fried Rice: A classic side that pairs well with Mongolian beef; prepare it with veggies and scrambled eggs for an extra boost.
2. Steamed Broccoli: This simple yet nutritious side adds color and crunch while balancing the richness of the beef.
3. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides a crunchy contrast.
4. Garlic Bok Choy: Sautéed bok choy with garlic offers a light, flavorful addition that complements the main dish perfectly.
5. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar is refreshing and offsets the heaviness of meat dishes.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: For a nutritious grain option, serve quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs and vegetables alongside your beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can be a delightful dish, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong cut of meat: Selecting a tough cut instead of flank steak can result in chewy beef. Always opt for flank steak for tenderness.
• Overcooking the beef: Cooking on HIGH for too long can dry out the meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times to keep it juicy.
• Skipping the cornstarch: Failing to coat the beef with cornstarch can lead to a watery sauce. Ensure each slice is well-coated for a perfect texture.
• Not stirring enough: If you don’t stir the ingredients before cooking, they might not blend properly. Mix everything well to allow all flavors to meld.
• Ignoring garnishes: Forgetting to add green onions or other garnishes can diminish presentation and flavor. Always finish with fresh toppings for an appealing dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts on medium power, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef:

How Do I Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers during cooking for an extra kick.

Can I Substitute Different Meat?

Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or turkey instead of flank steak. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What Can I Serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

Cooking typically takes 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-5 hours on LOW until the meat is tender.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious meal that feels like dining out at home!