Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 6 Servings

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is an amazing dish that combines tender beef with a sweet and savory sauce, creating a flavorful experience that’s hard to resist. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. If you’ve never tried this dish, you’re in for a delightful surprise!
Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of Mongolian beef wafting through your kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, making it an excellent option for those with busy schedules. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels fancy yet is incredibly easy to make. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about preparing this incredible dish, ensuring that your family will be asking for seconds!
In this article, we will explore why you’ll love this recipe, the preparation and cooking time, the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips on how to serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. Here are a few highlights that make this dish stand out:
1. Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
2. Flavorful Sauce: The sauce is a delightful mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
3. Tender Meat: Slow cooking ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
4. Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it ideal for family dinners.
5. Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare it in advance and have a delicious dinner waiting for you.
With these benefits, it’s easy to see why Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a favorite among home cooks!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a straightforward process that allows you to maximize your time. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
– Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (if cooked on low)
This timing makes it perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds flank steak, sliced against the grain
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is easy when you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
2. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and water. Stir until well blended.
3. Coat the Beef: Place the sliced beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Heat the Oil: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the beef in batches until browned. This step is optional but adds flavor.
5. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared beef into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring it’s well coated.
6. Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the beef.
7. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, stir the beef and sauce. Serve over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.
These simple instructions will guide you in preparing this incredible dish effortlessly.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, presentation and pairing can elevate the meal experience:
1. Plating: Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to soak in.
2. Add Freshness: Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and crunch.
3. Side Dishes: Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the beef.
4. Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs well with a light, crisp white wine or iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
5. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave for a quick meal.
By following these serving tips, you can create an unforgettable dining experience with your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, ensure that your garlic and ginger are fresh. This will elevate the taste of your sauce.
– Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
– Customize Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. You can also add sliced bell peppers for a milder taste.

Recipe Variation

Get creative with your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef! Here are some variations to consider:
1. Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with tofu or seitan for a plant-based alternative that still packs a flavor punch.
2. Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas into the slow cooker for added nutrition and texture.
3. Different Cuts of Beef: If flank steak isn’t available, try using sirloin or chuck roast. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the beef for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s cooled down before placing it in freezer bags or containers. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Special Equipment

While you can make this dish with standard kitchen tools, having a few specific items can help you achieve the best results:
– Slow Cooker: A good-quality slow cooker is essential for this recipe.
– Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing the flank steak evenly.
– Mixing Bowls: To mix sauce ingredients and coat the beef with cornstarch.
– Skillet: For searing the beef, which adds extra flavor (optional).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish without searing the beef?
Yes, while searing adds flavor, you can skip this step and still achieve delicious results.
What type of beef is best for Mongolian beef?
Flank steak is the traditional choice for its tenderness, but other cuts like sirloin or chuck can also work well.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Absolutely! Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you want to reduce the salt content in your dish.
How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef and a rich, flavorful sauce with ease. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a delicious solution for families looking for a satisfying meal. With simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and plenty of serving options, it’s bound to become a treasured part of your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy the savory flavors and the joy of a homemade meal with this incredible recipe!

Print