Why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef combined with a sweet and savory sauce creates a comforting dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Making it in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. Plus, the simple ingredients make it easy to prepare, and you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!

How to make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is quite straightforward. With just a few steps, you can have a hearty meal ready when you get home or whenever you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced (Slice against the grain for tenderness.)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar (Adjust sweetness to taste.)
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (To thicken the sauce.)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (For garnish.)
Cooked rice (For serving.)

Directions

Begin by slicing the flank steak into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness after cooking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, water, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir well to combine.
Place the sliced flank steak into the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 4 hours. Allow the beef to cook undisturbed.
After 4 hours, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Once done, serve the Mongolian beef over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutritional Benefits

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The flank steak offers a good source of protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of garlic and ginger can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, using brown sugar instead of white sugar gives some extra minerals, such as calcium and iron. Cooking it with vegetables (if you choose to add some) can increase the vitamin and fiber content of the meal.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides that can complement its flavor profile. Here are some good serving suggestions:

Steamed Rice: White or brown rice is a classic and absorbs the sauce well.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Adding some colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can enhance the meal.
Asian Noodles: Serve over noodles for a different texture and flair.
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These can make for a great appetizer or side dish.

Why You’ll Love This

Convenience: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing you to prepare other things or relax while dinner cooks.
Flavor: The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors sings in this dish.
Tender Meat: Cooking in a slow cooker makes the beef incredibly tender, falling apart as you eat it.
Leftover Friendly: This recipe not only serves well for dinner but makes for great leftovers that can be reheated easily for lunch the next day.

How to Store Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Storing leftovers is easy. Here’s how:

Refrigeration: Allow the Mongolian beef to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Place the beef in a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it on the stovetop or microwave.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Slice Against the Grain: This is vital for tenderness. If you slice it the other way, the meat may be tough.
Monitor Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary, so check the beef at 4 hours if you know yours cooks hotter than others.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This step is important for achieving that thick and glossy sauce that clings to the beef.
Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before serving. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or more brown sugar for sweetness based on your preference.

Variations

While the classic version of Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is delicious, you can also try some variations:

Add Vegetables: Sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli can be added during the last hour of cooking to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
Use Different Cuts of Meat: If flank steak isn’t available, you can substitute it with sirloin or even chicken for a different protein option.
Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free. Make sure to check the hoisin sauce as some brands contain gluten.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and the sauce in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and put everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

Can I use another type of meat?

Definitely! While flank steak is recommended, other cuts like sirloin or even chicken thighs can work well. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Is this dish spicy?

No, Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat!

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or a roux made from flour and butter if you don’t have cornstarch. Just make sure to mix it in well to avoid lumps.

With its rich flavors and the ease of preparation, Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is sure to become a favorite in your household. Take the time to savor this dish, and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction it brings to the table!