Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Name: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs flank steak, sliced against the grain; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Highlighted under: International Taste Journey

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rich flavors of this Asian-inspired meal.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2025-12-02T20:14:03.158Z

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with a sweet and savory sauce that is perfect over rice or noodles. When you need a comforting meal without the fuss, this recipe is your go-to!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Tender beef that practically falls apart in your mouth
Rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with rice
Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup

      

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Busy weeknights can often leave little time for cooking, but this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is here to save the day. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you tackle your evening tasks. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender and infused with all the savory flavors of the marinade, making it an ideal choice for those hectic days.

Moreover, this dish allows you to spend more time with your family or relax after a long day. Once the cooking is complete, all you need to do is prepare some rice or noodles, and dinner is ready to serve. It's a meal that not only satisfies hunger but also brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Rich and Flavorful Sauce

One of the standout features of this Mongolian beef recipe is its rich and savory sauce. Combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors. This sauce is what elevates the dish, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.

As the dish cooks, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a sauce that clings to the tender beef. Whether you serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or stir it into noodles, the sauce ensures that every component of your meal is bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the beauties of this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe is its versatility. While it features flank steak, you can easily swap in other cuts of beef or even chicken if you prefer. Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes, catering to your family's taste preferences.

Additionally, feel free to enhance the dish with your favorite vegetables. Adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas not only provides nutritional benefits but also adds a delightful crunch and color to your meal. This recipe can easily become a go-to for experimenting with different ingredients while still delivering that beloved Mongolian flavor.

Ingredients

For the Beef

2 lbs flank steak, sliced against the grain
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker for a delicious meal!

Instructions

Prepare the Beef

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the sliced flank steak and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

Transfer to Slow Cooker

Transfer the marinated beef and sauce into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the beef is tender.

Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, and let it cook for the remaining time.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Mongolian beef over rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.

Enjoy your hearty meal!

Tips for Perfect Results

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, it's essential to slice the flank steak against the grain. This technique helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in tender bites that melt in your mouth. Don't skip the marinating step, as it allows the beef to absorb all the delicious flavors before cooking.

Another tip is to avoid overcrowding your slow cooker. If you're making a larger batch, consider cooking in two separate batches to maintain even cooking. Lastly, be patient; allowing the beef to cook on low for the full six hours will yield the most tender results.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, the classic choice is over a steaming bowl of rice. The fluffy grains soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a comforting meal that's hard to resist. Alternatively, try it with noodles for a delightful twist, or serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Don’t forget to garnish your dish with sliced green onions before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Pair your meal with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a well-rounded dinner.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is always a plus), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors of the Mongolian beef continue to develop as it sits, making the leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to let the dish cool before sealing it up to maintain its quality.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can easily reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. This meal is just as satisfying the second time around, making it a perfect option for meal prep!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use sirloin or round steak as alternatives, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze Mongolian beef?

Yes, you can freeze it after cooking. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.