Savory Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe for Cozy Nights

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

The aroma of tender beef simmering in a rich, savory sauce wafts through the air, promising an unforgettable meal. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not just a dish; it’s a culinary hug that warms both heart and tummy, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.

Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day to find the tantalizing scent of this delightful dish enveloping you like a warm blanket. The silky texture of the beef paired with the sweet and savory notes of soy sauce and brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor symphony that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • Its bold flavors and tender texture create a dish that looks as good as it tastes
  • You can serve it over rice or noodles, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences
  • Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that guarantees happy faces around the dinner table

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish. My friends were skeptical at first, but after one bite, they all agreed it was “life-changing.” Who knew beef could bring people together so effectively?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Beef Flank Steak: Opt for well-marbled flank steak for tenderness and flavor; slice against the grain for best results.

  • Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger root for its aromatic qualities that elevate the dish; avoid dried ginger here.

  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh cloves are essential; they add depth and richness to the sauce.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best, allowing you to control saltiness while ensuring rich umami flavor.

  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds that delightful sweetness balancing out the savory elements perfectly.

  • Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and color; sprinkle them on just before serving.

  • Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil enhances depth; be careful not to use too much as it’s potent.

  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for a touch of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Strongly recommend starting by prepping your flank steak properly. Cut it into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. This step is crucial for achieving melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Next, grab your trusty slow cooker and set it up on your counter. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until it’s well combined. This will become your flavor-packed marinade.

Now comes the fun part: toss those sliced beef strips into the marinade and give them a good coating. Let them marinate at least 30 minutes if you’re short on time—or better yet—let them sit in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Once marinated, place the beef in your slow cooker along with any remaining marinade. Set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for 5-6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is fork-tender and infused with all those delicious flavors.

In the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped green onions to add freshness and check your seasoning before serving. If you prefer thicker sauce consistency, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl then stir into the cooker during this last stretch.

Serve your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef over fluffy white rice or stir-fried vegetables for an irresistible meal. Enjoy each bite as if you’ve traveled straight to Mongolia without leaving your kitchen!

You Must Know

  • Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not just tender; it’s a flavor explosion that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas
  • This dish is perfect for meal prepping and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making weeknight dinners a breeze

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the beef to lock in juices, then combine with sauce ingredients in the slow cooker for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a personalized veggie medley. Experiment with different soy sauces for unique flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to preserve tenderness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, slice the meat against the grain for tenderness
  • Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if desired
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for optimum flavor!

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone was too busy eating to chat. The smiles on my loved ones’ faces made every hour of preparation worth it.

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and remain juicy when cooked slowly.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce!

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender and flavorful.

Print

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines tender beef, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound beef flank steak, sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
  2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Add sliced beef to the marinade and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
  4. Place marinated beef in the slow cooker and pour in any remaining marinade.
  5. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  6. Stir in chopped green onions during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Serve over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added texture, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. - Feel free to mix in vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a nutritious twist.

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