Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

When I think about comfort food, Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef immediately comes to mind. There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to the rich aroma of beef simmering away all day. It’s a dish that takes me back to my childhood, when my mother would prepare it for family gatherings. The tender pieces of beef paired with a savory sauce create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a busy weeknight, I can always count on this recipe to bring warmth and joy to our dinner table.

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Ingredients

Every ingredient in Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor and texture. From the tender beef to the savory sauce, these ingredients complement each other beautifully and are what make this recipe irresistible. Here are the key players you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak: The star of the show! Flank steak is flavorful and becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked.
• ¼ cup cornstarch: This helps to coat the beef, giving it a lovely texture and helping to thicken the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps in browning the beef.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• ¾ cup soy sauce: Provides a savory, umami flavor and is a key component of the sauce.
• ¾ cup water: Balances the flavors and helps in cooking the beef evenly.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: The sweetness balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a touch of caramelization.
• 1 cup carrots, grated: Adds a hint of sweetness and color, complementing the beef perfectly.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: For garnish, these add freshness and crunch that elevates the dish.

Step by Step Guide for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these detailed steps to create a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

1. Start by cutting the flank steak into thin strips. Aim for about half an inch thick to ensure even cooking. The thinner the strips, the more tender they become during the slow cooking process.
2. Next, place the beef strips in a ziplock bag and add the cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake it well until all the pieces are evenly coated. This step is crucial as it creates a lovely crust when cooked.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth sauce.
4. Pour this sauce into your slow cooker. It’s the base that will enhance the flavors of the beef as it cooks.
5. Add the coated flank steak and grated carrots to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure that all the meat and carrots are coated in the sauce.
6. Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to high. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, depending on your schedule.
7. As it cooks, the beef will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Keep an eye on it and enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home!
8. Once cooking is complete, give it a good stir. The sauce should be thickened, and the beef should be fork-tender.
9. Serve the Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Top it off with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
10. Enjoy your meal and get ready for compliments from family and friends!

Expert Tips about Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

To ensure your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. These insights will help enhance your cooking experience and give you the best results.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last up to three days, perfect for meal prep!
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Mongolian Beef. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or a side of sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Garnish wisely: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Consider adding cilantro or basil for an extra layer of flavor!
• Experiment with spices: For a different flavor profile, try adding spices like ginger or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Serving Options for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Serving Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef can be just as enjoyable as making it. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• Over rice: Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite delicious.
• With noodles: For a twist, serve the beef over cooked noodles. It’s a delightful alternative that adds a different texture.
• Side dishes: Pair with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the beef.
• Special occasions: This dish is perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. It’s hearty and sure to impress your guests!
• Leftover lunches: The next day, pack it for lunch with extra rice or noodles. It’s just as delicious reheated!
• Seasonal touches: In winter, serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or winter squash for a seasonal touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a standout dish for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen as it cooks. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a sweet and savory dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare, it’s a must-try for your next weeknight meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ¾ cup soy sauce
• ¾ cup water
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup carrots, grated
• green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Grater
• Whisk
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Cut 1 ½ pounds flank steak into thin strips. In a ziplock bag, add flank steak pieces and ¼ cup cornstarch. Shake to coat.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic, ¾ cup soy sauce, ¾ cup water, and ¾ cup brown sugar. Whisk to combine and add to the slow cooker.
3. Add 1 cup carrots, and coated flank steak to the slow cooker and stir until coated in the sauce.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours.
5. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last up to three days, perfect for meal prep!
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked Mongolian Beef. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or a side of sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Tip 4: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Consider adding cilantro or basil for an extra layer of flavor!
• Tip 5: For a different flavor profile, try adding spices like ginger or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.