Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Asian cuisine to your dinner table. This simple crock pot recipe features tender flank steak, infused with garlic and ginger, all enveloped in a delicious sweet-savory sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home with minimal effort. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying family meal that will have everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
• Flavor Packed: Each bite is bursting with the rich flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish serves four, making it great for family dinners or entertaining friends.
• Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar to match your taste preferences easily.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking, making it perfect for busy schedules. It ensures even cooking and enhances flavors through long simmering.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for tossing ingredients together thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Knife: A sharp knife simplifies slicing the flank steak against the grain for tender pieces.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface to chop and prepare your ingredients.

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 Flank Steak

1. Toss the flank steak with cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated. This step helps to create a nice glaze during cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Place the coated steak in the slow cooker.
2. Add toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, 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 LOW for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Stir in chopped green onions just before serving to add freshness and color.
2. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

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 to enhance your meal experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the beef over fluffy white or brown rice for a classic combination that soaks up the rich sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fresh twist, spoon the Mongolian beef into crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a light and crunchy option that’s great for appetizers or a healthy main.

With Noodles

• Pair the beef with cooked egg noodles or rice noodles for a comforting dish. The noodles will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnish with additional chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

With Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nuttiness that complements the dish perfectly.

As Part of a Stir-Fry Platter

• Serve alongside other stir-fried vegetables and proteins to create a vibrant, shareable platter that showcases different flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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

• Use high-quality flank steak: Choosing a good cut will enhance flavor and tenderness, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef.

• Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences for a more balanced flavor profile.

• Let it marinate: If time allows, let the coated flank steak marinate in the sauce ingredients for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen flavors.

• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some liquid from the slow cooker toward the end of cooking, then stir in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.

• Add vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

• Serve immediately: For best results, serve the dish right after cooking while it’s still hot and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli
   Bright green broccoli adds freshness and a nutritional boost; simply steam until tender.

2. Fried Rice
   A flavorful fried rice loaded with vegetables makes an excellent complement; use leftover rice for quick prep.

3. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar adds crunch and balances out the richness of the beef.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and bell peppers provide sweetness and texture; toss them in olive oil before roasting.

5. Garlic Bread
   A side of garlic bread can soak up any leftover sauce, making it irresistible; choose crusty baguettes or rolls for added crunch.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers protein and complements the savory flavors of Mongolian beef beautifully.

7. Spring Rolls
   Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies add another layer of texture; serve them with dipping sauces for variety.

8. Zucchini Noodles
   For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles tossed in sesame oil make an excellent base for this dish while keeping things light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Improving your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is easy if you avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to be aware of:

• Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the beef for too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for tenderness.
• Skipping the Cornstarch: Not coating the beef with cornstarch can lead to a watery sauce. Always toss the beef in cornstarch before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality meat and sauces will affect flavor. Invest in high-quality flank steak and low sodium soy sauce for the best results.
• Neglecting to Season: Failing to adjust the sweetness or saltiness can result in bland flavors. Taste and modify the sauce as needed during cooking.
• Not Garnishing Properly: Skipping fresh garnishes like green onions diminishes presentation and flavor. Always finish your dish with garnishes for added freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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

Reheating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How Do I Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Spicier?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers into the slow cooker along with other ingredients for extra heat.

Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?

Yes! Cuts like sirloin or round steak work well too, but make sure they are thinly sliced for tenderness.

What Can I Serve With Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or even stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?

You can substitute beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water to create a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting sweetness levels or adding your favorite vegetables. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Try it out today!