Tender Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Looking to bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout into your own kitchen without the hassle? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe! This dish takes simple flank steak and transforms it into a tender, mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing. The sweet and savory sauce, infused with garlic and soy, creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of tender beef simmering away in a sticky, flavorful sauce – that’s the magic of this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. The slow cooking process works its wonders, turning tough flank steak into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that rivals any restaurant dish. With minimal effort required on your part, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your own home. Trust me, this recipe will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Quick Benefits

• Tenderizes meat: Slow cooking process makes the flank steak incredibly tender
• Rich sweet and savory flavors: Sauce infused with garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates amazing taste
• Easy and hands-off preparation: Perfect for busy days, just toss ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic
• Versatile: Can be customized with vegetables like broccoli or peppers, and leftovers freeze beautifully for quick future dinners

Why You’ll Love This Tender Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe Recipe

• Tender, Melts-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The slow cooking process transforms tough flank steak into incredibly tender meat that practically melts in your mouth.
• Authentic Takeout Flavor: The sweet and savory sauce infused with garlic and soy creates a delicious sauce that mimics the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant.
• Kid-Friendly and Family Approved: Even picky eaters love this dish – perfect for getting your kids to eat something other than chicken!
• Easy and Convenient Cooking: Simply toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker before work, and come home to a house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of Mongolian beef.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day – perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Versatile: This recipe works well in an Instant Pot too, just sear the meat first for that added depth of flavor.
• Leftover Friendly: The leftovers taste amazing and freeze beautifully for quick and convenient future meals.

Ingredients for Tender Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar.
• Sesame seeds for garnish.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch.
• 3/4 cup water.
• 1 cup carrots, grated.
• 3/4 cup soy sauce.
• 1½ pounds flank steak.
• Green onions for garnish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced.

Pro Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

For the most tender bites, be sure to slice the flank steak thinly against the grain before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture. To create that classic sticky sauce, make sure to coat the beef in cornstarch before cooking. This step is essential for achieving the perfect consistency we all love in Mongolian beef.

Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to your liking! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like broccoli or peppers for added texture and flavor. If you have an Instant Pot, you can also make this dish in there by searing the meat first. Leftovers taste amazing and freeze well, making this recipe perfect for meal prep. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious takeout-inspired meal waiting for you at home without the cost.

How to Make Tender Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Slice flank steak into thin strips.

Step 2: Step 02

Place steak in a ziplock bag and coat with cornstarch.

Step 3: Step 03

Combine oil, garlic, soy sauce, water, and sugar.

Step 4: Step 04

Transfer the sauce to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Step 05

Combine carrots with coated steak.

Step 6: Step 06

Mix the meat with the sauce until well coated.

Step 7: Step 07

Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.

Step 8: Step 08

Spoon the dish over a bed of cooked rice.

Step 9: Step 09

Top with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Storage Tips

To store the finished slow cooker Mongolian beef, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth to the dish to help maintain its moisture and flavors.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked Mongolian beef. Portion out the cooled beef into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. The dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the beef overnight in the refrigerator and then gently warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra soy sauce or water if needed to refresh the flavors. Enjoy the convenience of having homemade takeout flavors at your fingertips whenever you crave a delicious Asian-inspired meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have flank steak on hand, you can substitute it with another cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or round steak. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness similar to flank steak.

For a gluten-free option, you can replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives will provide a similar umami flavor without the gluten content. Additionally, if you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup to sweeten the sauce to your taste.

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas towards the end of cooking for added color and texture. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also make this recipe in an Instant Pot by searing the meat before pressure cooking. Don’t forget that the leftovers freeze well, making for convenient future meals.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion with this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, try serving it in lettuce cups for a light and refreshing twist. Simply spoon the tender beef and sauce mixture into individual lettuce leaves, sprinkle with grated carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds, and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Another creative way to serve this delicious dish is to transform it into Mongolian Beef sliders. Toast some slider buns, pile on the flavorful beef, and top with a crunchy slaw made with shredded carrots and green onions. These mini sandwiches are perfect for a party or game day gathering, offering a unique and tasty twist on the classic Mongolian beef flavors.

FAQs for Tender Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Flank steak is the best choice for this recipe as it becomes incredibly tender when cooked in the slow cooker. However, you can also use thinly sliced sirloin or skirt steak as alternatives.

Can I reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe?

The brown sugar in this recipe adds a sweet balance to the savory flavors. You can reduce the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce, but keep in mind that it may alter the overall taste of the dish.

Can I add extra vegetables to the slow cooker Mongolian beef?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas towards the end of the cooking time to add more color and nutrients to the dish.

How should I store the leftovers of slow cooker Mongolian beef?

You can store the leftovers of this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a delicious Chinese takeout meal. The simplicity of tossing in the ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic is unbeatable. The tender flank steak, coated in that sticky, sweet sauce, will have your family asking for seconds every time.

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making restaurant-quality Mongolian beef at home – with this slow cooker recipe, it’s easier than you think. The flavors develop beautifully as the dish cooks low and slow, resulting in a meal that is sure to impress. So next time you’re looking for a fuss-free yet incredibly flavorful dinner option, remember the magic of Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. Your taste buds will thank you!