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Mongolian Beef Recipe Slow Cooker

Mongolian Beef Recipe Slow Cooker - Easy Family Meal

Before diving into the slow-cooker magic of Mongolian Beef, let's talk about what you might want to serve alongside this delightful dish. Pair your slow-cooked beef with steamed jasmine rice. That fluffy rice soaks up all the savory sauce beautifully. Alternatively, you could opt for vegetable stir-fry for a colorful and healthy side, or even crispy egg rolls for some crunchy comfort. For a refreshing twist, a side of cucumber salad balances out the rich flavors of the beef.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar to add a touch of tanginess
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick of heat

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  1. Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This is essential, as slicing against the grain makes the beef more tender. Once sliced, toss it with cornstarch in a bowl. This step helps to create a slight crust when cooked, enhancing the texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In a skillet, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Don’t walk away—the aromas are intoxicating, and you don’t want to burn them.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and rice vinegar. You want to dissolve the sugar completely. This sweet, tangy mixture is key to the dish’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
  1. In the slow cooker, combine the beef with the sautéed garlic and ginger. Pour the sauce over the beef, ensuring everything is well-coated. Throw in the chopped green onions, stirring lightly.
Step 5: Slow Cook
  1. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours. If your day is busier, set it up for high heat for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally if you can; it helps mix the flavors.
Step 6: Serve!
  1. After cooking, check for tenderness. The beef should flake easily with a fork. Serve it hot, garnished with extra green onions.

Notes

  • Cut Against the Grain: This is vital for tender meat.
  • Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It adds texture and body.
  • Consider Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To control saltiness, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
  • Tweak the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the brown sugar based on your preference.
  • Leftover Love: This dish tastes even better the next day, as flavors meld beautifully.