Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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🍲 Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Servings: 4–6 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 4–5 hours (Low)

Description

Unlike the crispy, flash-fried version found in restaurants, this slow-cooked adaptation focuses on a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cornstarch coating creates a velvety “velveted” texture on the beef while naturally thickening the sauce as it simmers.

Ingredients

  • Beef: 1.5 lbs Flank steak (cut into thin strips against the grain)

  • Coating: 1/4 cup Cornstarch

  • Aromatics: 1 tbsp minced Garlic, 1 tsp minced fresh Ginger

  • Liquid Gold: 1/2 cup Soy sauce (low sodium preferred), 1/2 cup Water, 2/3 cup Brown sugar

  • Vegetables: 2 large Green onions (sliced into 1-inch pieces)

  • Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat), Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coat the Beef: Place the sliced steak and cornstarch in a large bag or bowl. Shake until every piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

  2. The Sauce: In your slow cooker, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.

  3. Combine: Add the beef to the slow cooker and stir to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.

  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours (or High for 2–3 hours).

  5. Finish: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the green onions.

  6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over steamed white rice or broccoli.

Tips & Notes

  • The Secret Cut: Always slice against the grain. Look for the lines in the meat and cut perpendicular to them; this ensures the beef breaks apart easily when eaten.

  • Don’t Overcook: Flank steak is lean. If you leave it on “High” for too long, it can become stringy rather than tender.

  • Health Swap: Use Coconut Aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium, soy-free alternative.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Calorie Protein Net Carbs Fat Sodium
385 kcal 28g 32g 14g 980mg

Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Essential for muscle repair and satiety.

  • Zinc & Iron: Beef provides a significant boost to the immune system and oxygen transport in the blood.

  • Ginger & Garlic: Both contain anti-inflammatory properties and support digestive health.

Q&A

Q: Can I use a different cut of meat?

A: Yes! Flank is traditional, but Skirt steak or even Top Sirloin works well. Avoid “Stew Meat” as it requires much longer to break down.

Q: Why is my sauce too thin?

A: If the sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the pot 20 minutes before finishing.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?

A: Absolutely. You can prep all ingredients (except the water) in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before dumping into the slow cooker.

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