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Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Dinner

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A forgiving and effortless slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe that delivers tender, flavorful beef with a balanced sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
  • Optional: splash of rice vinegar or hoisin sauce

Instructions

  1. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into roughly 1/4-inch strips. Tip: Freeze the steak for 20 minutes beforehand to firm it up for easier slicing.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  3. Place the beef strips in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over evenly. Stir gently to coat the meat without shredding it.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender but not falling apart.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
  6. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, turn heat to high, and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Freeze the flank steak for 20 minutes before slicing to make thin slicing easier. Add cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken the sauce without making it gummy. Use low heat for better flavor and tenderness. Optional additions include red pepper flakes for heat, sesame seeds for garnish, and vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for crunch. Swap soy sauce for tamari to make gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Mongolian beef, flank steak, easy dinner, weeknight meal, tender beef, sweet and savory sauce, crockpot recipe