Making Crockpot Mongolian Beef is a great way to enjoy a flavorful dish with minimal effort. This comforting recipe takes tender slices of flank steak and combines them with a savory sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
2 pounds flank steak, sliced against the grain into thin strips
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced ginger (fresh or ground)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
Begin by slicing the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure tender bites after cooking.
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced flank steak in batches, searing until browned on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot. Then add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to ensure the beef is well-coated in the sauce.
Close the lid of the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry. This will help thicken the sauce. Re-cover and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Just before serving, garnish the dish with chopped green onions.
Serve the Mongolian beef hot over cooked rice, allowing diners to soak in the delicious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Mongolian Beef
One of the best things about Crockpot Mongolian Beef is its simple preparation and incredible taste. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a rich, sweet, and savory glaze that coats each piece of beef. Moreover, using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Additionally, this dish is highly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference. If you love a little heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, or if you prefer something milder, use less. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
Nutritional Benefits
While Crockpot Mongolian Beef is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to consider its nutritional aspects. Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, providing high-quality protein that helps build and repair tissues in the body. It’s also rich in iron, which supports blood health, and zinc, which is essential for the immune system.
Additionally, garlic and ginger add not only flavor but also health benefits. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger is great for digestion. The use of soy sauce, in moderation, adds umami flavor and contains beneficial nutrients, though it’s important to keep in mind the sodium content.
What to Serve With Crockpot Mongolian Beef
To create a well-rounded meal, serve your Crockpot Mongolian Beef over steamed rice. White rice is a traditional choice, but brown rice or jasmine rice can add a nutty flavor and additional fiber. For an extra crunch, consider adding some fresh vegetables on the side, such as steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad.
If you want to incorporate some greens, stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad also make great options to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
How to Store Crockpot Mongolian Beef
Leftovers of Crockpot Mongolian Beef can be stored in several ways. Allow the beef to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef. Make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Skip Searing the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot helps to build flavor. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful dish.
Be Mindful of Cooking Time: Overcooking can make the beef tough. Keep an eye on it and check for tenderness according to the time specified in the recipe.
Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce doesn’t thicken to your liking after adding the cornstarch slurry, try cooking it a bit longer with the lid off to evaporate some liquid.
Variations
You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste. Consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the crockpot to make it a more well-rounded meal. You could also take a different flavor route by adding hoisin sauce for a more complex flavor or using a different cut of meat like sirloin or ribeye.
For a lighter version, you can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu. Just be mindful that the cooking times may vary.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Then, simply add it to the crockpot the next day.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce. If you prefer, you can skip it or use a different thickening agent like flour or arrowroot powder.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, try using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free while keeping the flavors intact.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, warm them on the stovetop over low heat or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help keep the sauce from drying out.
Crockpot Mongolian Beef is an easy, tasty dish that is sure to please anyone at the table. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe is a true winner. Enjoy the flavor explosion while savoring the simplicity of each step!