This Easy Crock Pot Mongolian Beef is a tasty dish that combines tender beef with a delicious sweet and savory sauce. Just set it and forget it!
You’ll love how effortless it is to make! I enjoy serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Perfect for busy days when comfort food is a must! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Both of these cuts work well for this recipe. Flank steak is more traditional, but you can use skirt steak or even chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to slice against the grain for tenderness!
Soy Sauce: I recommend using low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still getting that great flavor. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a fantastic substitute!
Brown Sugar: This gives the sauce a rich sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, you can use coconut sugar or even honey, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Vegetable Oil: It’s great for sautéing the green onion. You can use canola or even sesame oil for a nuttier flavor, which complements Mongolian cuisine well!
Green Onions: They add flavor and crunch! If you don’t have green onions, chives or even chopped regular onions can work, but the flavor will be different.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Tender?
To achieve tender beef in this dish, follow these simple guidelines:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This is the key to a tender texture.
- Cook it low and slow. The longer cooking time at a lower temperature makes the beef fall-apart tender.
- Don’t rush the thickening process! Adding the cornstarch slurry gives it that nice, glossy finish, but it’s important to let it cook for the full 20 minutes.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll end up with perfectly tender Mongolian beef every time!
Easy Crock Pot Mongolian Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water (for slurry)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will require about 15 minutes for preparation, and cooking time will be around 5-6 hours on low (2-3 hours on high) in the crock pot. Just a bit of patience and you’ll have a superb meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of water, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a delicious sauce.
2. Add the Beef:
Place the thinly sliced beef into your crock pot, then pour the prepared sauce mixture over it. Toss the beef gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook the Beef:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and cooked through. The slow cooking will make it melt in your mouth!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
About 20 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the crock pot and stir gently to combine. Continue cooking on high for the last 20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
5. Sauté the Onions:
While the sauce thickens, heat the vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the white parts of the green onions for 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant and slightly softened.
6. Final Touches:
Add the sautéed onions back into the crock pot, stirring in the green parts of the onions as well. This adds freshness and flavor to your dish.
7. Serve:
Now, it’s time to enjoy! Serve your Mongolian beef hot over a bed of steaming white rice. Dig in and enjoy the flavors!
This dish is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with delicious flavors. Perfect for any family dinner or gathering! Enjoy your cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are popular choices, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or even boneless skinless chicken thighs for a different twist. Just ensure the meat is thinly sliced for tender results.
How Do I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you can increase the red pepper flakes in the recipe or add chopped fresh chilies. A splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce can also kick up the spice level nicely!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the beef and sauce a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pour it into the crock pot and cook as mentioned. It also tastes even better the next day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to the sauce to keep it from getting too thick.
