Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe to Try Now

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is an amazing dish that combines tender beef and delicious sauce. If you love flavors that sing together, this recipe is a must-try! The beauty of using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Not only is this dish tempting, but it’s also incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

What truly sets Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef apart is its balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of spice. Picture succulent beef coated in a glossy, savory sauce, served over fluffy rice or noodles. It’s a dish that your family will love, and it’s sure to impress your friends at your next dinner party.

In this article, we’ll explore why you'll love this recipe, give you a rundown of the preparation time, list all necessary ingredients, provide step-by-step instructions, and share tips on how to serve this delectable dish. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Before diving into the ingredients, let’s outline the preparation and cooking timeline for this delicious dish:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes (if cooking on low) or 4 hours and 15 minutes (if cooking on high)

This flexibility allows you to choose the best cooking method for your schedule, all while yielding tender, flavorful beef!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank steak, sliced against the grain
• ¾ cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef at home is simple and satisfying. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Prep the Meat: Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain. This helps ensure tenderness.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced beef in batches until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step enhances the overall flavor.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of sauce from the slow cooker. Stir until smooth, then return to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
7. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flair.
8. Serve: Enjoy your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef over cooked rice or noodles.

Following these steps guarantees a mouthwatering meal that will encourage second helpings!

How to Serve

Serving Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef properly can enhance the dining experience. Here are some tips to ensure your meal is memorable:

1. Choose the Right Base: Serve the beef over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or noodles like lo mein or rice noodles. Each option offers a delightful contrast to the rich sauce.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for a balanced meal.
3. Portion it Right: Serve generous portions, but encourage guests to take smaller servings initially. This often leads to more people going back for seconds!
4. Beverage Pairing: Complement with a light beverage like iced tea or a refreshing white wine that won't overshadow the dish's flavors.
5. Presentation: Use a large serving platter to display the beef attractively, and don’t forget to add a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color.

Following these tips will ensure your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, leading to a memorable dining experience for you and your guests!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a significant difference in flavor. Always opt for these over dried versions when possible.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding sliced fresh chilies.
• Searing the Beef: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef. This enhances the flavor of your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, making it even more delicious.
• Customize the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the brown sugar. Reducing it slightly can help balance the flavors if preferred.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to experiment! Here are some variations on Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef to suit different tastes:

1. Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
2. Alternative Proteins: Substitute flank steak with chicken thighs or tofu for a different protein source.
3. Sauce Substitutions: Swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option or try coconut aminos for a sweeter taste.
4. Mongolian Beef Skewers: After cooking, thread the beef on skewers and grill for a smoky flavor and fun presentation.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep any leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, portion the beef into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Always thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

While making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef doesn't require specialized tools, having these might help:

• Slow Cooker: A reliable slow cooker is essential for this recipe, allowing the beef to become wonderfully tender.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Use these for preparing the meat and chopping the vegetables.
• Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Necessary for browning the beef before it goes into the slow cooker.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only easy to prepare but also promises an explosion of flavors that will delight any palate. Its tender beef combined with a savory-sweet sauce makes it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. With a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying dish that becomes a favorite in your home. Be sure to enjoy it with rice or noodles, and consider some variations if you wish to switch things up. Happy cooking!