EASY SLOW COOKER MONGOLIAN BEEF

Imagine the tantalizing aroma of tender beef, simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, filling your kitchen. Forget takeout – this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe delivers that restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, creating the perfect crock beef recipes. Get ready to enjoy a ridiculously easy and delicious meal that will have everyone begging for seconds; I promise, it’s easier than you think!

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 2 lbs Flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Ginger, freshly grated
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice, for serving
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Let’s Talk Beef: Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Cut

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks about the star of our show: the beef! While flank steak is my go-to for that classic Mongolian Beef tenderness, you’ve got options. Skirt steak works beautifully, and even sirloin can be a good choice if you slice it thinly and don’t overcook it. The key is to slice against the grain. Why? Because it shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef incredibly tender and easy to chew. Trust me, this simple step makes a world of difference! Make sure you are choosing high quality ingredients when making crock pot food for a crowd.

Before we even think about the slow cooker, we’re going to give our beef a little love. Toss those beautiful slices with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating will not only help the beef brown nicely but also create a slight thickening effect in the sauce later on. It’s a win-win!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Slow Cooker Magic

Getting Started: Searing for Flavor

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Working in batches, sear the beef slices for about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will steam the beef instead of searing it.
3. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.

Crafting the Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and a Little Bit Spicy

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking: The Key to Tenderness

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it.

Finishing Touches: Thickening the Sauce (if needed)

1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
2. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce thicken up beautifully.

Serving: The Grand Finale

1. Serve the Mongolian Beef over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Enjoy!

Troubleshooting: Common Slow Cooker Challenges (and How to Fix Them!)

Okay, let’s be real. Slow cookers are amazing, but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back! One common issue is the sauce ending up too watery. If that happens, don’t panic! Just use the cornstarch slurry trick I mentioned earlier. Another potential problem is the beef being too tough. This usually means it wasn’t cooked long enough. Just give it some extra time in the slow cooker; the longer it cooks, the more tender it will become. And remember, every slow cooker is different, so adjust the cooking time as needed. I like to serve this with Garlic Butter Beef Bites for parties.

Flavor Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to put your own spin on this Mongolian Beef? Go for it! Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level. You could also add a splash of sriracha for an extra kick. If you’re not a fan of ginger, you can reduce the amount or even omit it altogether. Some people like to add a touch of hoisin sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor. Get creative and experiment until you find your perfect combination! These crock beef recipes are super customizable!

Make It a Meal: Perfect Side Dish Pairings

While Mongolian Beef is fantastic on its own over rice, why not create a complete and balanced meal? Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple side salad would be excellent choices. For a heartier option, consider adding some egg rolls or potstickers. The possibilities are endless! Plus, this pairs nicely with some Beef And Noodles, especially during winter.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers

Lucky enough to have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You can also add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. This dish reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a quick and easy lunch.

Easy Healthier Meals: Making it Lighter

Looking for ways to make this Mongolian Beef even healthier? You’re in luck! Opt for lean flank steak or sirloin, and trim off any excess fat before cooking. Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content. You can also substitute the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in smaller quantities. Serve it with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. And don’t forget to load up on the veggies! Adding some steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables will make it a more balanced and nutritious meal. You can even find some great tips for other easy healthier meals online.

Crock Pot Food For Crowd: Perfect for Gatherings

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is an absolute winner when it comes to feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make, requires minimal hands-on time, and is always a hit with guests. Simply double or triple the recipe as needed, and let your slow cooker do the work! Set up a buffet-style serving station with rice, green onions, sesame seeds, and your favorite side dishes. This is also a great opportunity to try some Beef Stew, or some Mexican Birria Crockpot Recipe. You can also consider some Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Beef Tacos.

Crockpot Meat Meals: Why Slow Cooking is the Best!

Let’s face it, life is busy! That’s why I’m such a huge fan of crockpot meat meals. Slow cooking is the ultimate hands-off cooking method. You can throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, fully cooked meal at the end of the day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Plus, slow cooking helps tenderize even the toughest cuts of meat, resulting in incredibly flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth dishes. Trust me, once you start slow cooking, you’ll never go back!

So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious and easy meal as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Alice Yowell

This Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Tender beef is simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula
• Serving spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• ¼ cup Cornstarch
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• ½ cup Soy sauce low sodium preferred
• ½ cup Water
• ½ cup Brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup Rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Ginger, freshly grated
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Working in batches, sear the beef slices for about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is very tender.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
• Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
• Serve the Mongolian Beef over cooked rice.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
• Enjoy!

Notes

For a healthier version, use lean flank steak or sirloin, low-sodium soy sauce, and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Serve with brown rice or quinoa and steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Flank steak can be substituted with skirt steak or sirloin steak.