Introduction

Slow cooker Mongolian beef is a delicious and convenient dish that combines tender beef with a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a satisfying meal that your whole family will love.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Beef: 2 pounds of flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup of soy sauce
Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
Cornstarch: 1/4 cup of cornstarch
Green Onions: 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
Rice: Cooked rice for serving

Prep Time

The preparation time for this slow cooker Mongolian beef is approximately 15 minutes. This includes slicing the beef and gathering all the necessary ingredients.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is about 5 to 6 hours on low in the slow cooker. The total time from start to finish is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes. This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, making it an excellent option for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Beef

Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the Beef to the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced beef into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Add the Broccoli

If cooking on high, add the broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If on low, add them during the last hour.

Thicken the Sauce

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Serve the Mongolian Beef

Once cooking is complete, serve the Mongolian beef over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

Beef Selection

Flank steak is recommended, but you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye.

Adjusting Sweetness

Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Vegetable Options

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, place cooled beef in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cook techniques

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is an excellent technique for achieving tender meat and rich flavors. By cooking food at a low temperature over an extended period, the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Browning Meat

Before placing the beef in the slow cooker, browning it in a skillet enhances the flavor profile and adds a nice caramelized effect to the dish.

Using Marinades

Marinating the beef before cooking allows it to absorb flavors, making the final dish more flavorful. A simple marinade can consist of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Layering Ingredients

Layering ingredients in the slow cooker ensures an even cooking process. Placing vegetables at the bottom works best, as they can handle longer cooking times.

Thickening Sauce

To achieve a thicker sauce at the end of cooking, you can mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Checking for Doneness

It’s essential to check the doneness of the beef before serving. It should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as flank or sirloin, but cooking times may vary depending on the cut’s tenderness.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

If a slow cooker is not available, you can cook the dish on the stovetop or in the oven at a low temperature, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots can be added for additional texture and nutrition.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

No, the dish is not spicy. It has a savory flavor profile that can be adjusted with additional spices if desired.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful and convenient dish that brings a burst of flavor without requiring extensive preparation. The tenderness of the beef combined with the rich, savory sauce makes it a perfect meal for busy days. It pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetable Stir-Fry

A colorful and nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of Mongolian beef perfectly. Use a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.

Egg Fried Rice

Transform leftover rice into a delicious egg fried rice that is a great base for serving the Mongolian beef. Stir in peas and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

Garlic Noodles

Toss cooked noodles with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of green onions for a simple yet flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the beef.

Asian Slaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Mongolian beef.

Spring Rolls

Serve a side of crispy spring rolls as an appetizer. Fill them with fresh vegetables and shrimp or chicken for a delightful start to your meal.

Coconut Rice

Cook rice in coconut milk to give it a creamy texture and sweet flavor that balances the savory notes of the Mongolian beef. Perfect for those who love a bit of sweetness in their dishes.