When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a plate of mouth-watering Mongolian Beef, especially when you can prepare it effortlessly in your slow cooker. This culinary gem brings together tender slices of beef, a rich sauce, and a hint of sesame that makes for an unforgettable meal.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
What makes Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef stand out among other recipes? For starters, it’s all about convenience. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to go about your day without worrying about dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; fewer steps mean less hassle. You can pop everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Furthermore, this recipe uses flank steak, which, when cooked slowly, becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Pairing it with the savory soy sauce and the gentle sweetness of brown sugar creates a delightful contrast that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, you can easily double the recipe and have leftovers that taste just as good.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
To prepare this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Green onion for garnish
Having these ingredients ready and at hand will set you up for a successful and satisfying cooking experience. Each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish, ensuring that each bite is packed with deliciousness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Creating this extraordinary dish is easier than you may think. With just a few simple steps, you can craft a meal that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant. Here’s how to do it:
Prep the Flank Steak: Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips. Ensure that you cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. This method of cutting helps to break down the fibers of the meat, making each piece melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Coat the Beef: Place the sliced beef into a large bowl or a resealable Ziploc bag. Add the cornstarch and toss well to coat each piece evenly. The cornstarch helps create a nice glaze during cooking and adds a delightful texture to the beef.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the coated beef into your slow cooker. Now it’s time to add the remaining ingredients: toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. Take a moment to stir the mixture well, ensuring that every piece of beef is coated in that delicious sauce.
Slow Cook the Dish: Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or on low for 4 to 5 hours, depending on your schedule and preference. The low and slow method allows flavors to meld, and the beef becomes wonderfully tender.
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, give the dish a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce. Before serving, garnish your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. The green onions not only add a pop of color but also provide a bit of crunch that enhances the overall experience.
And there you have it—a simple yet gourmet dish that’s ready to impress!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
When it comes to serving, the options are plentiful. You can serve your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef over a bed of fluffy white rice or steaming jasmine rice, which will soak up the savory sauce beautifully. For a healthier twist, consider pairing it with steamed broccoli or sautéed vegetables. These sides add a nice balance to the dish and provide a pop of color to your plate.
If you’re feeling generous, consider preparing some homemade egg rolls for a delightful side. The crispy texture contrasts wonderfully with the tender beef, making for a satisfying meal that everyone will rave about.
To elevate the presentation, offer additional green onions or sesame seeds as optional toppings. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows everyone to customize their plate to their liking.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Enhancing your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef isn’t just about following the recipe; it’s also about understanding the nuances that make this dish special. Here are some expert tips to ensure your meal is a resounding success:
Choose Quality Beef: Opt for high-quality flank steak. Fresh beef will provide better flavor and texture. If possible, buy from a local butcher or a reputable source.
Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Resist the urge to cook on high for too long. The beauty of slow cooking is allowing the beef to tenderize. If you’re short on time, using the high setting is fine, but aim for at least 2 hours for optimal results.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dish. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the brown sugar slightly. Taste as you go; cooking should be an enjoyable experience that allows room for personal touches.
Add Vegetables: For a more wholesome meal, consider adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking. This will not only add color but also nutritional value.
Perfect The Garnish: Fresh herbs can elevate your dish, so don’t skip the green onions! They add brightness and flavor that are essential for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
After whipping up this delightful meal, you may be wondering about leftovers. Storing your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is straightforward:
Cool Down: Allow the beef to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Store the beef in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep it sealed properly to maintain freshness.
Freeze for Later: If you want to save it for a longer period, consider freezing it. It can last for up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Divide into portions for easier thawing and reheating.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors may even deepen, making it taste just as good—if not better—than the first time!
Variation of Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
The beauty of recipes like Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is they can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you might find exciting:
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for tofu or seitan for a plant-based alternative. Ensure you marinate the tofu beforehand to allow it to soak up the flavors.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the mix. This will give your dish a spicy twist that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness.
Different Cuts of Meat: While flank steak is ideal, other cuts like sirloin or chuck roast can also work. Adjust cooking times as needed since different cuts may require more or less time to tenderize.
Asian-Inspired Noodles: Instead of serving with rice, try tossing the beef and sauce over cooked stir-fry noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Experiment with Nuts: Adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews before serving can introduce an additional texture and flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delicious dish made with thinly sliced flank steak, coated in cornstarch, and slowly cooked in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 5 hours on low for the beef to become tender and fully infused with flavor.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, while flank steak is recommended, you can use other beef cuts like sirloin or even alternative protein sources like tofu for a vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or even noodles. You can also serve it with garnishes like green onions for added flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. flank steak thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Green onion for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl or resealable bag, coat the sliced flank steak with cornstarch.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until well mixed.
- Place the coated beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Before serving, stir the dish and garnish with sliced green onions.
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