Are you ready to savor a dish that’s both easy and mouthwatering? This Savory Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe brings rich flavors right to your kitchen. With tender flank steak, a blend of savory sauces, and fragrant spices, you’ll enjoy a delightful meal that practically cooks itself. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps that make this dish so special, ensuring a family favorite for dinner tonight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without too much hassle.
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich, savory sauce that infuses the beef with amazing flavor.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become tender, resulting in a comforting, hearty dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous amount, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
– 2 pounds flank steak, sliced thinly
– 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– ½ cup vegetable oil
The main players in this dish are flank steak, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Flank steak gives the dish a rich taste and tender texture. The soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Brown sugar brings sweetness, balancing the salty flavor. Vegetable oil helps to keep the meat juicy during cooking.
Seasoning and Flavor Components
– 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 4 green onions, chopped
Next, we need some seasoning! Garlic and ginger add a fresh, zesty taste. Red pepper flakes give just the right kick. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your dish. Green onions are great for both flavor and garnish.
Additional Items for Serving
– Cooked rice, for serving
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 3 tablespoons water
For serving, cooked rice is perfect. It soaks up the sauce and makes each bite delightful. Beef broth adds extra flavor to the slow cooker. Cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce, making it stick to the beef better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need low-sodium soy sauce, packed brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix these ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk them together until the brown sugar is gone. This will create a tasty marinade that makes the beef shine.
Next, take your flank steak and slice it against the grain into thin strips. Carefully add these strips to the marinade. You want to make sure each piece is well coated. Gently toss the meat in the bowl until it is fully covered. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up those delicious flavors.
Slow Cooking the Beef
Now, it’s time to transfer everything to the slow cooker. Pour the marinated beef into the slow cooker. Don’t forget to include all that tasty marinade. Then, add in the beef broth and give it a gentle stir. This helps to mix everything well. Make sure the beef is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should become fork-tender and full of flavor by the end of cooking.
Thickening the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, prepare a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture until it is smooth. This will help thicken the sauce in the slow cooker.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and stir. You will notice the sauce getting thicker. Before serving, mix in the chopped green onions. Save some for garnishing your dish when you are ready to serve. This adds a fresh and colorful touch to your meal.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Tender Beef
To get tender beef, cook it slow. Use low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This time helps the meat become soft and full of flavor. If you are in a hurry, cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Always check the beef with a fork. It should break apart easily when done.
Adjusting Spice Levels
If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon. Taste the sauce after cooking. If it needs more heat, add a pinch more. Remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away. So, go slow with the spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mongolian beef over fluffy rice. White or brown rice works well. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch. For a fun twist, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This makes the dish look and taste great!
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Depth of Flavor: If time allows, marinate the flank steak for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely. You can always add hot sauce later for individual servings.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried alternatives. Always opt for fresh when possible.
- Serve with Fresh Veggies: For a balanced meal, pair the Mongolian beef with steamed broccoli or snap peas. Their crunch complements the tender beef beautifully.
Variations
Alternative Cuts of Beef
You can use different cuts instead of flank steak. For a tender texture, try sirloin or ribeye. These cuts also add rich flavor to your dish. Just slice them thinly, like you would flank steak.
Low-carb Options
If you want a low-carb dish, serve this beef with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Both options are light and healthy. They soak up the sauce well, making each bite delicious. You can quickly sauté zucchini noodles in a pan for a warm side. Cauliflower rice can be steamed or pan-fried for added taste.
Vegetarian Adaptation
To make a meat-free version, swap the beef for tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up the sauce well. Press tofu to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate and cook it just like you would the beef. This way, you still get that great flavor in your meal. Enjoy it over rice or noodles as you would with the original recipe.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, let the Mongolian beef cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will last up to three days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing Mongolian beef, use a freezer-safe container. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, warm the Mongolian beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it gently to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it’s heated through but not overcooked. Enjoy the same great taste as fresh!
FAQs
How do I know when the beef is done?
You can tell when Mongolian beef is done by checking its texture. The beef should be fork-tender. This means you can easily pull it apart with a fork. The sauce should also be thick and flavorful. You can taste the sauce to make sure it’s just right.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead of time. You can marinate the beef a day before. Just keep it in the fridge. This helps the flavors soak in. Before serving, just put the marinated beef in the slow cooker. Cook it as you normally would.
What other sides pair well with Mongolian beef?
Mongolian beef goes well with several sides. Here are some great options:
– Steamed rice
– Fried rice
– Stir-fried vegetables
– Noodles
– A fresh salad
These sides balance the rich flavors of the beef and add more color to your plate. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is simple to make with easy steps and great flavors. We covered the main ingredients like flank steak, soy sauce, and garlic. You learned how to prepare the marinade and thicken the sauce. Tips helped ensure your beef is tender and explained serving suggestions. You also discovered variations for different diets and how to store leftovers.
In short, this dish is tasty and adaptable. Enjoy making it your ow
