Mongolian Beef is a classic dish that delivers bold, savory flavors with just the right touch of sweetness. Perfectly tender beef, coated in a rich sauce made with garlic, ginger, and soy, makes this a meal that rivals any takeout. Best of all, this slow cooker recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Mongolian Beef
This recipe combines the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of slow-cooked beef with the irresistible flavors of Asian cuisine. The sweet and savory soy-based sauce clings to each piece of beef, making every bite deeply satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef
For the most flavorful and tender Mongolian Beef, keep these tips in mind as you prepare the dish:
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the flank steak against the grain ensures the beef stays tender after cooking.
- Coat Evenly with Cornstarch: Toss the beef thoroughly in cornstarch for a light coating. This not only helps thicken the sauce but also creates a silky texture.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: The bold flavors of fresh ginger and garlic shine in this dish and are worth the extra effort.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sweetener slightly.
Customizing Your Mongolian Beef
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Swap the Protein: Try chicken, pork, or tofu as an alternative to beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What to Serve with Mongolian Beef
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas to complement the flavors of Mongolian Beef:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect base to soak up the rich sauce.
- Fried Rice: Add an extra layer of flavor with a side of vegetable or egg fried rice.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or bok choy balances the richness of the dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: Trying to stay low carb? Serve this over a bed of warm cauliflower rice.
A Flavorful Dish You’ll Make Again and Again
Mongolian Beef is the kind of recipe that delivers every time—simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. With its tender beef, bold sauce, and customizable options, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner menu. Whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish will always hit the spot.
Mongolian Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 scallion
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- 1/3 cup low carb brown sweetener
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the flank steak by slicing it thinly against the grain, then cutting it into dices. Place the diced steak in a bowl.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until the steak pieces are evenly coated.
- Mince the garlic and ginger.
- In the slow cooker, layer the vegetable oil and the cornstarch-coated steak.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, brown sweetener, sesame oil, coconut aminos, and water to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Set the slow cooker to cook for 2.5 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. Stir the beef once it’s finished cooking to blend the flavors.
- While the beef cooks, slice the scallion into thin pieces.
- Once the Mongolian beef is ready, garnish it with the sliced scallions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
- Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of rice for a complete meal.