There’s nothing quite like walking into a home filled with the tantalizing aroma of tender beef braising in savory sauce. My adventures in the kitchen recently led me to an incredible discovery: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with Secret Spices. This comforting dish turns ordinary weeknights into gourmet experiences, inviting everyone to the table with its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Imagine savory soy sauce perfectly balanced with sweet brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creating a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy, but it also allows you to embrace the art of slow cooking, giving your busy schedule room to breathe while still delivering a dish that will have your loved ones clamoring for more. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests with minimal effort, this Mongolian beef is your ticket to culinary delight. Let’s dive into creating this sensational dish together!
Why choose Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
Simplicity: This recipe is designed for busy lives, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor.
Irresistible aroma: As it cooks, your home will be filled with a mouthwatering scent that beckons everyone to the dinner table.
Flavor explosion: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a beautifully balanced dish that is both sweet and savory.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it over fluffy rice, egg noodles, or even in crisp lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist.
Crowd pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Check out our other easy dinner ideas to keep your meal planning exciting!
Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Ingredients
For the Beef
• Flank Steak – This tender cut should be sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness; sirloin can be a great substitute.
For the Sauce
• Soy Sauce – A staple in Asian cuisine, it provides that essential salty umami flavor; opt for low-sodium if desired.
• Brown Sugar – Balances the salty soy sauce with its sweet undertones, contributing to the addictive flavor.
• Beef Broth – Adds depth to the sauce; using low-sodium or homemade broth can keep the dish lighter.
• Garlic – Freshly minced for a pungent aroma and layered flavor that enhances the sauce beautifully.
• Ginger – Grated for warmth and spice, this ingredient is key to achieving authentic taste.
For Thickening
• Cornstarch – This is essential for thickening the sauce to a luxurious texture; ensure to mix it into a slurry before adding.
• Water – Used in the slurry to activate the cornstarch and achieve that velvety sauce consistency.
For Garnish
• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – These not only add a pop of color but also a hint of crunch and flavor to finish this dish perfectly.
Now, you’re just a few steps away from indulging in this delectable Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!
How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
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Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness.
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Brown the Beef: Sear the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, doing this in batches. This step adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of your dish.
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Combine the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This savory sauce is the heart of your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!
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Slow Cook: Pour the sauce over the browned beef in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
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Thicken the Sauce: Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a luxurious sauce consistency.
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Serve: Garnish your delicious beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Optional: For an extra kick, drizzle with chili oil before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Feel free to make this dish your own with delightful twists and substitutions that suit your taste!
- Dairy-Free: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and omit any cream-based sides for a lighter dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery touch; spice lovers will appreciate this flavorful enhancement.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy during the last hour of cooking. This adds vibrancy and nutrition for a veggie lovers’ version.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option while retaining that signature flavor.
- Sweet & Tangy: Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar into the sauce; it adds an unexpected tang that beautifully complements the sweetness.
- Citrus Zest: Stir in some freshly grated orange or lime zest before serving to elevate the flavor profile with a zingy twist.
- Noodle Option: Serve the beef over soba noodles or rice noodles instead of traditional rice for a fun change in texture and taste.
- Mushroom Medley: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a rich umami layer that pairs well with the beef. They’ll absorb the sauce and enhance every bite!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
Create the perfect meal around this tender, flavor-packed beef dish to delight your loved ones.
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Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This aromatic rice serves as an excellent base, absorbing the savory sauce and complementing the beef beautifully.
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Egg Noodles: Their chewy texture adds an inviting contrast, soaking up the rich sauce and making every bite a delight.
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Steamed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds bright color and essential nutrients, providing a fresh balance to the hearty Mongolian beef.
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Sesame Green Beans: These lightly stir-fried beans with a hint of garlic and sesame provide crunch and a wonderful nutty flavor to the meal.
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Crisp Lettuce Wraps: Serve Mongolia beef in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb alternative that’s fun to eat and bursting with freshness.
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Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: This vibrant salad offers a tangy contrast to the sweet richness of the beef, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Chilled Sake or Pinot Noir: A glass of chilled sake or a light Pinot Noir beautifully complements the savory notes of Mongolian beef, elevating your meal.
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Chocolate Mousse: End on a sweet note with a rich chocolate mousse, creating a delightful finish after the savory dish.
Shaping a complete meal around your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef will make for an unforgettable dining experience that everyone will cherish!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring they are cooled completely before sealing to preserve flavor and texture.
Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also use the microwave, stirring every minute until heated through.
Wrap it Up: If you’re storing the beef for later, make sure it’s well-wrapped to keep the flavors intact. Enjoy the warmth of homemade Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef even on busy days!
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
• Brown for Flavor: Always sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is vital for deepening the flavor of your dish.
• Slice with Care: Remember to slice flank steak against the grain. This simple technique ensures every bite of your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is tender and delicious.
• Thick Sauce Secrets: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, don’t fret! A cornstarch slurry will rescue it, gently thickening the sauce to that perfect consistency.
• Ingredient Quality Matters: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. These ingredients really elevate your sauce and make a big difference in the final dish.
• Experiment with Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider tossing in some sliced bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Make Ahead Options
Prepare your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with Secret Spices effortlessly by prepping key components in advance, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can slice the flank steak and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Additionally, mix the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger—and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the beef and sauce in the slow cooker and follow the remaining cooking instructions. This approach not only maintains the dish’s quality but also ensures that you have a delicious homemade meal with minimal last-minute effort, perfect for any family gathering!
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flank steak?
Absolutely! Look for flank steak that has a bright red color and a good amount of marbling. The marbling indicates tenderness, which is essential for creating melt-in-your-mouth beef. Avoid cuts with dark spots or excessive fat on the outside.
How should I store leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s vital to let the beef cool completely before sealing; this way, it retains its texture and flavor. If you find you’re not going to eat it within that timeframe, consider freezing it!
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef? How?
Very! To freeze, place your cooled Mongolian beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to eliminate as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can remain in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
No worries! If your sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, create a cornstarch slurry. Mix about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This should give you that luscious sauce consistency you’re aiming for.
Is Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef safe for my pets?
Definitely keep your pets away from this dish! The soy sauce contains high levels of sodium, which is harmful to dogs and cats. Additionally, ingredients like garlic and onion are also toxic to pets. Always ensure leftovers are safely stored out of reach from our furry friends.
Can I substitute ingredients if I have allergies?
Of course! If you have a soy allergy, consider using tamari or a coconut aminos alternative for a similar flavor without the allergens. For those with a sugar concern, you can swap brown sugar with a sugar substitute, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the sweetness level. Just adjust to your taste!
Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with Secret Spices
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Sear the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, doing this in batches.
- Combine the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Slow Cook: Pour the sauce over the browned beef in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish the beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds and serve it over rice or noodles.