If you crave a warm, flavorful dinner, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe. I promise this dish brings sweet and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can create a meal that impresses family and friends. Ready to dive into this delicious journey? Let’s cook up a delightful feast that everyone will enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Effortless Cooking: With the slow cooker doing the work, you can set it and forget it, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking method ensures that the flank steak becomes incredibly tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Customizable Heat: The option to add red pepper flakes allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking, catering to every palate.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
The main star of this dish is flank steak. I slice it thinly to help it cook evenly and absorb flavors well. The soy sauce gives a savory taste, while brown sugar adds sweetness. Hoisin sauce brings a unique flavor that ties everything together.
Fresh ginger and garlic add zest and warmth. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Cornstarch is key for thickening the sauce and giving the beef a nice texture. I use water to mix with the cornstarch, making a slurry.
Green onions are a great garnish. They add color and a fresh bite. Serve the beef over jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce, making each bite delicious.
Feel free to customize! You can add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch. Try different cuts of meat, too. Each choice will bring a new twist to this tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Beef
Begin by taking 2 pounds of flank steak and slice it thinly into strips. In a large bowl, add the sliced beef. Now, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the beef. Toss the beef well to coat every piece. This coating helps create a nice texture. When the beef cooks, the cornstarch thickens the sauce and keeps it smooth. A good texture makes every bite enjoyable.
Making the Sauce
In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce. Add in 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger and 4 minced garlic cloves. If you like spice, include 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. The sugar must dissolve fully to mix well with the other flavors. This sauce is what makes your Mongolian beef so tasty.
Slow Cooking the Beef
Now, it’s time to put everything in the slow cooker. Transfer the cornstarch-coated beef strips into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir it gently. Make sure each piece is coated in the sauce. Set your slow cooker on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef will become fork-tender during this time.
About 30 minutes before it's done, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix the remaining cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Cook for another 15 to 30 minutes on high. This step helps thicken the sauce, making it rich and delicious.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Texture
Browning beef before slow cooking is optional but can add depth. It creates a nice crust and flavor. However, if you skip this step, your beef will still turn out tender and tasty.
Allow the sauce to thicken for the best results. Adding a cornstarch slurry near the end helps it become rich and smooth. This makes each bite of beef coated in flavorful sauce.
Flavor Enhancements
To add spice, consider using red pepper flakes. They add warmth without overwhelming the dish. You can also try ginger for a fresh kick.
Adjust sweetness and saltiness to your liking. If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce. If it needs more sweetness, stir in a bit more brown sugar. This balance is key to a great flavor.
Presentation Tips
For garnishing, use finely chopped green onions. They add color and freshness. You can also drizzle sesame oil for extra taste. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a nice crunch.
Serve the Mongolian beef over jasmine rice. This rice soaks up the sauce well. You might also add steamed broccoli or snap peas. These sides make your meal complete and colorful.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use flank steak or sirloin, as they become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the beef strips in the sauce mixture for an hour before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste; less sugar will yield a more savory dish.
- Garnish Creatively: Beyond green onions, consider adding sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch the flank steak for other cuts. Sirloin or chuck work well too. They add great flavor and tenderness.
If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari tastes similar but is safe for gluten-free diets.
Healthier Modifications
To make this dish lighter, cut down on the brown sugar. You can use half the sugar and still enjoy great taste.
Adding vegetables boosts nutrition. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Toss them in during the last hour of cooking for a colorful plate.
International Twists
You can add other Asian flavors. Consider adding sesame oil or five-spice powder for depth.
For a fusion dish, mix in some taco seasoning. It gives a fun twist and adds a unique flavor profile. Serve with tortillas for an exciting meal!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the Mongolian beef cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer bag or container, but remove as much air as possible. The dish can stay frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Guidelines
When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the beef in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This helps keep the beef moist. On the stovetop, warm it gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. Avoid high heat to stop it from drying out. Enjoy your flavorful meal again!
FAQs
How do I know when the beef is cooked properly?
To check if your beef is done, look for these signs:
- The beef should be fork-tender.
- It should easily pull apart with a fork.
- The sauce should look thick and shiny.
These signs show that the slow cooker has done its job. The beef will be moist and full of flavor when cooked right.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can! This dish stores well in the fridge.
- You can keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are my favorites:
- Cooked jasmine rice is a classic choice.
- Steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch.
- Fried rice can add a fun twist.
- Noodles work great too for a hearty meal.
These sides will enhance the sweet and savory notes of the beef. Enjoy your meal!
This blog post walked you through making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. We covered main ingredients like flank steak and sauces. I shared easy steps for preparation and slow cooking. You also learned tips to enhance flavor and texture.
Remember, you can make this dish your own with substitutions. Feel free to try different spices or veggies. With the right storage and reheating methods, this meal can stay tasty for days. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress your family with this delicious meal!
