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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a tender, flavorful dish featuring thinly sliced beef cooked slowly in a rich, sweet-savory sauce. Effortless and family-friendly, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights and pairs excellently with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Protein

  • 1.5 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for less sweetness)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth

Thickening and Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)

Garnish

  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Optional: sesame seeds, thinly sliced red chili peppers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips against the grain for tenderness. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef strips for 1-2 minutes per side until browned to lock in juices and flavor.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water or beef broth. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely, forming the flavorful savory sauce.
  3. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours until beef is tender and flavorful.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: About 15 minutes before cooking ends, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency that coats the beef.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish for freshness and color. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred side.

Notes

  • Do not skip searing the beef to maximize flavor and prevent blandness.
  • Slice beef thinly to ensure faster cooking and tenderness.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger to elevate the sauce flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness by varying the brown sugar amount according to taste.
  • Add cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid an overly thick sauce.
  • For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
  • Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version.
  • Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, Mongolian Beef, Easy Beef Recipe, Slow Cooker Dinner, Gluten Free Asian Recipes