If you have ever craved that irresistible, sweet, and savory beef dish from your favorite takeout spot, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe. This version transforms your slow cooker into a magic pot, simmering tender slices of flank steak in a luscious sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh ginger. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it effortlessly delivers deep, rich flavors with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal that feels both special and totally doable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe is simple but incredibly important. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing the perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors while keeping the beef tender and juicy.
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, sliced thin: Thin slices ensure quick cooking and maximum tenderness in the slow cooker.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Brings the salty, umami depth that Mongolian beef is known for; opt for gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds the essential sweet contrast that caramelizes beautifully in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Gives a fresh, zesty undertone that complements the richness perfectly.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and a savory base that tenderizes the meat while cooking.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to coat the beef and later thickens the sauce into glaze-like perfection.
- Green onions for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a mild, fresh crunch at the end.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This ensures your beef will be tender and easy to bite through once cooked. Toss these slices in the cornstarch — this step is key for creating that silky, thick sauce we all love with Mongolian beef.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the cornstarch-coated beef into the slow cooker. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and beef broth on top. This mix is your flavor powerhouse, combining sweet, salty, and fragrant notes.
Step 3: Cooking Time
Set your slow cooker on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, set it to high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow simmer allows the sauces to meld beautifully while the beef becomes unbelievably tender. The end result is juicy meat with a perfectly sticky sauce.
Step 4: Optional Veggie Boost
If you want to bring some vibrant color and crunch into the dish, add broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. They not only add nutrition but offer a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cooking is complete, sprinkle chopped green onions generously over the beef. Serve the Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe over steamed rice to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic garnish, adding a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor that balances the sweetness of the sauce. Feel free to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro leaves for extra flair and texture.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a veggie side, try lightly steamed or stir-fried bok choy, snow peas, or a crunchy Asian cabbage slaw to keep things fresh and vibrant alongside the rich beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or wrap the saucy beef in warm lettuce cups for an interactive, hand-held meal. You can even turn this into a Mongolian beef bowl layered with avocado, pickled carrots, and crunchy peanuts for an exciting fusion bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens and deepens in flavor as it rests, making the leftovers just as delicious as the first time.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal handy for longer, the beef freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Mongolian beef gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for tenderness and slicing thinly, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice it thinly to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender in the slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a regular pot on the stove?
You can adapt it by simmering gently on low heat on the stovetop, but you will need to watch it carefully and stir often. The slow cooker gives you the ease of set-it-and-forget-it cooking while tenderizing the beef perfectly.
Can I add vegetables directly at the beginning of cooking?
Vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers can become too soft if added too early. It’s best to add them during the last hour of cooking to maintain some crunch and vibrant color in your dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your beef broth is gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go!
Is this recipe spicy? How can I add heat?
The Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe as written is mild and kid-friendly. If you love heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers, a dash of red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to kick it up a notch.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe is one of those dishes that turns a busy day around and makes dinner something to truly look forward to. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a staple you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Give it a try, invite your loved ones, and watch how this comforting, flavorful feast quickly becomes a favorite in your home.
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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender Mongolian-style beef simmered to perfection in a sweet and savory sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. This easy slow cooker recipe captures the flavors of takeout at home, delivering a comforting and flavorful main dish that’s perfect over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Toss the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the coated beef into the slow cooker, then add soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and beef broth. Stir lightly to combine.
- Cook the Beef: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, stir the sauce, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve the Mongolian beef over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add broccoli or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for added vegetables.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten free.
- The sauce will thicken during cooking thanks to the cornstarch coating on the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
