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Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef -Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef -Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil; 1/2 cup cold water; 1/3 cup dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup sliced green onions; 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic; 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1/4 cup potato starch; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Kathleen Looney August 7, 2025

Servings: 5 Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into this tantalizing recipe, let’s chat about what to serve alongside this slow-cooked delight. Although Mongolian beef is a star in its own right, it deserves great company.

Picture steaming white rice, soaking up those savory flavors. Or how about a fresh side of sautéed bok choy?

It adds a crisp, green touch that complements the dish beautifully. You could even go for a simple cucumber salad drizzled with sesame oil to balance the richness of the beef.

Now, with those delightful pairings in mind, let’s embark on a culinary journey through my easy slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

Life gets busy. Between juggling work, family commitments, and personal time, finding a good balance can be a challenge.

This is precisely why I fell in love with this recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and requires minimal effort. Just a handful of ingredients, a slow cooker, and you’re golden.

Imagine coming home after a long day. The aroma of tender, savory beef wrapped in a blanket of mouthwatering sauce greets you at the door.

You didn’t have to sweat over the stove. Instead, the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. Who wouldn’t want that? This easy slow cooker Mongolian beef tastes incredible and is a time-saver.

The Ingredients I Used in This Recipe

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1/2 cup cold water
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sliced green onions (cut into 1/2-inch segments)
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1/4 cup potato starch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Let’s break down how to whip up this delightful dish.

Step 1: Slice the Beef

Start by thinly slicing your flank steak. Always slice against the grain—this helps keep the meat tender. If your steak is not already tender, it’s a shame to ruin it by cutting it the wrong way. A little patience here pays off big in the end!

Step 2: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Take that trusty slow cooker and place your beef in it. Layer it nicely at the bottom.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together your dark sesame oil, cold water, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is combined well. This sauce will be the flavor superstar of your dish!

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Pour the sauce over the beef in your slow cooker. Trust the process, and don’t forget to mix things gently, ensuring all the beef is coated with that irresistible sauce.

Step 5: Cook It Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 4 to 6 hours. When you walk into the kitchen, the aroma will be hard to resist. If you can, try to resist peeking too often; let the heat build!

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Once the time is up, mix the potato starch in a small bowl with a couple of tablespoons of the sauce from the slow cooker to create a slurry.

Stir this back into the slow cooker. It’ll thicken the sauce and have it clinging to the beef in a glorious way.

Step 7: Add the Green Onions

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the sliced green onions. This not only adds a pop of color but also freshness to the dish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop that delicious Mongolian beef over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your preferred veggie. Savor those flavors!

How to make Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Recipe Notes

Flank Steak: This particular cut is delicious but occurs to be somewhat lean. Make sure to cut it thin for the best results.
Dark Brown Sugar: It provides that deep sweetness. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low sodium if you’re watching your salt intake. The balance is key.
Ginger: Fresh ginger significantly impacts flavor. You could use ground ginger in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
Potato Starch: Perfect for thickening. If you’re out, cornstarch works too.
Garnishes: Consider adding sesame seeds as a garnish to elevate the presentation and add a touch of crunch.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap flank steak for mushrooms or tofu. Both absorb flavors well.
Spicy Twist: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for an added kick.
Sweet and Sour Style: Mix in pineapple chunks or bell peppers to create a sweet and sour profile.
Use Different Proteins: Chicken or pork works just as well. Make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Add Veggies: Throw in snap peas or carrots for extra crunch towards the end of the cooking time.
Sauce Options: Try adding hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Easy slow cooker mongolian beef recipe nutrition facts

Conclusion

There you have it—easy slow cooker Mongolian beef. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this dish shines on every occasion. It’s effortless, delicious, and packed with flavor.

Plus, who doesn’t love coming home to a home-cooked meal ready to devour? Give this a try and elevate your dinner routine. Remember, food is meant to be enjoyed, so relax and indulge in those beautiful flavors.

Happy cooking!

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