Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is the perfect dish for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender pieces of beef with a rich and savory sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Simply prepare the ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and come home to a delicious meal waiting for you.
This dish captures the essence of classic Mongolian flavors with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s not only simple but also versatile; you can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Don’t worry if you’re not a culinary expert; this recipe is designed for cooks of all levels. In just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delightful dish without stress
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of ingredients delivers outstanding flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices to suit your palate
- Time-Saving Meal: Cooking in a slow cooker allows you to have hands-free cooking time while enjoying other activities during the day
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable cuts of beef makes this dish economical while still being delicious and satisfying
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Flank Steak or Sirloin: Choose high-quality cuts for tenderness; flank steak works best due to its flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still providing rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness that balances out the salty soy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; feel free to adjust based on preference.
- Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds zest and warmth; if unavailable, ground ginger can be used as an alternative.
- Green Onions: These offer freshness as a garnish and enhance flavor when added at the end of cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Slice flank steak into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Make sure all pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well blended.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place sliced beef into the slow cooker followed by pouring in the prepared sauce mixture over it. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and infused with flavors.
Step 5: Finish with Green Onions
Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add chopped green onions into the slow cooker so they soften slightly but still retain freshness.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the slow cooker for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times.
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results.
- Add Vegetables: Consider including bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added texture and nutrition.
- Advanced Flavor Enhancement: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the beef overnight in soy sauce mixture before cooking.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Provides a healthy balance and brings vibrant color to your plate.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Storing: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen beef overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often, until hot.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
To make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, you will need a few essential ingredients. Start with 2 pounds of flank steak, which you will slice into thin strips. For the sauce, gather soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. You can also add green onions and sesame seeds for garnishing. The combination of these ingredients will give your dish that authentic Mongolian flavor. Additionally, consider using cornstarch to thicken the sauce if desired. This easy recipe does not require many ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The flavors meld beautifully while cooking slowly, ensuring every bite is tender and savory.
How long does it take to cook it?
Cooking Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a straightforward process. Typically, this dish takes about 4 to 5 hours on the low setting or 2 to 3 hours on high in your slow cooker. The longer cooking time allows the flank steak to become incredibly tender as it absorbs all the rich flavors from the sauce. When preparing this dish, check for doneness at the lower time threshold; you want the beef to be juicy and fork-tender without overcooking it. Once finished, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving so that the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Can I use other cuts of meat for this recipe?
While flank steak is the traditional choice for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, you can definitely experiment with other cuts. Options like sirloin or round steak can work well too; just remember they may have different cooking times and textures. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, chuck roast could also be used—though it might require additional time to ensure tenderness. Regardless of your choice, keep an eye on how long each cut takes to cook so that your final dish remains succulent and flavorful. Adjusting your meat selection can lead to delicious variations of this classic dish.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice serves as an excellent base to soak up the savory sauce. You might also consider fried rice for an added layer of flavor. For a healthy twist, serve it alongside sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas; they add color and crunch while complementing the dish nicely. Alternatively, you could prepare a simple salad with fresh greens dressed lightly in sesame oil to balance out flavors. These side options will elevate your meal and provide a complete dining experience.
How can I store leftover of it ?
Storing leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is simple and allows you to enjoy this delicious meal later on. Allow any leftovers to cool down before transferring them into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator where they can last for about 3 to 4 days without losing quality. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing your leftovers; they can last up to three months when properly sealed in freezer-safe bags or containers. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen and warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is an excellent choice for meal prep due to its ease of preparation and ability to taste even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. A large batch makes it convenient for portioning into individual servings that you can enjoy throughout the week. Simply divide cooked beef into containers along with your chosen sides like rice or vegetables. This way, you’ll have quick access to nutritious meals whenever needed without compromising taste or quality throughout the week.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preparing Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef offers an easy yet flavorful dining experience that delights both family and friends alike. By utilizing simple ingredients such as flank steak, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger combined with accessible cooking methods in a slow cooker, anyone can create this delicious Asian-inspired dish at home effortlessly. With various options available regarding meat cuts and side dishes that complement its rich flavors perfectly—your culinary creativity knows no bounds! Storing leftovers effectively ensures that this tasty meal remains part of your weekly menu plan while providing convenience through meal prep options as well! Enjoy every bite of this savory delight!
Print
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delightful and hassle-free dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe features tender beef strips simmered in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger that melds beautifully over hours of slow cooking. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner without the stress.
Ingredients
- – 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin
- – 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- – 1/3 cup brown sugar
- – 3 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- – 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add the sliced beef to the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it; toss gently.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped green onions.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles with any remaining sauce.
Notes
– Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for extra nutrition.
– For enhanced flavor, marinate the beef overnight in soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g
Leave a Comment