Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of Mongolian cuisine at home. This dish features tender, juicy slices of flank steak, cooked low and slow in a savory and sweet sauce, resulting in a meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. The combination of toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the beef. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Flank Steak: The star of the dish, flank steak is thinly sliced to create tender, juicy bites that soak up the delicious sauce as it cooks.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, rich flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile of the sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients infuse the sauce with depth and complexity, bringing out the savory elements of the dish.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides the salty component of the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness, creating a perfect harmony of flavors with the soy sauce.
- Cornstarch: Coating the flank steak in cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and thickens the sauce as it cooks, giving it a silky, luxurious texture.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Flank Steak:
- Start by slicing the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This ensures the meat remains tender as it cooks. The thinner the slices, the quicker the beef will cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Coat the Beef in Cornstarch:
- Place the sliced flank steak into a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over it. Toss the steak slices until they are evenly coated with the cornstarch. This step not only helps to tenderize the meat but also thickens the sauce as the dish cooks.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, low sodium soy sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the coated flank steak slices into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring that all the slices are evenly coated. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the Mongolian beef on low heat for 5-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Cooking the beef slowly allows the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb all the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Finish with Green Onions:
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the sliced green onions to the slow cooker. Stir them into the beef mixture and allow them to cook until they are softened but still vibrant.
- Serve:
- Once the cooking time is complete and the beef is tender, your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is ready to serve. The sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the beef slices beautifully.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish the Mongolian beef with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- Thin Slices: Ensure that the flank steak is sliced thinly against the grain. This technique is key to achieving tender pieces of beef that melt in your mouth.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low sodium soy sauce is recommended to prevent the dish from becoming too salty. The combination of flavors in the sauce is perfectly balanced with this type of soy sauce.
- Cornstarch Coating: Don’t skip the cornstarch coating step. It not only tenderizes the meat but also gives the sauce its signature thickness and glossy finish.
- Timing: The longer, slower cooking time on low heat will yield the most tender beef. However, if you’re in a hurry, the high heat option is still effective.
Variations:
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add a kick of heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce into the sauce mixture before cooking.
- Vegetable Additions: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking.
- Ginger-Lemon Twist: For a slightly different flavor profile, add a splash of fresh lemon juice and extra ginger for a zesty twist.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings the taste of your favorite takeout right into your home. With minimal prep work and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is perfect for any day of the week. The tender slices of beef, enveloped in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, make for an irresistible meal that the whole family will love. Whether served over rice or paired with vegetables, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation
