Name: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced; ¼ cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; ½ cup water; ½ cup honey or brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish); Sesame seeds for garnish

Indulge in this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, a healthier version of the restaurant favorite. This dish combines tender strips of lean beef simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce with ginger, garlic, and soy. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a stress-free way to bring a restaurant-quality meal into your home. The slow cooker ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce. Using healthier ingredient swaps like reduced-sodium soy sauce and honey makes this dish better for you without sacrificing taste. Pair it with steamed broccoli or rice for a complete meal. The hands-off cooking method makes it perfect for busy days, leaving your kitchen smelling amazing all day long!

Ingredients Notes

Beef: Flank steak works best due to its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors, but sirloin or skirt steak can be substituted. Slice thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. For gluten-free, opt for tamari.
Sweetener: Honey gives a natural sweetness, but brown sugar can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
Cornstarch: Coating the beef in cornstarch thickens the sauce and helps achieve that velvety texture. Arrowroot powder works as a gluten-free alternative.
Vegetables: Adding sliced carrots or bell peppers gives the dish added color and nutrition.

Yield: Serves 4

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a flavorful, healthier twist on a classic, featuring tender beef in a savory-sweet sauce.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
½ cup water
½ cup honey or brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Toss the slices in cornstarch until evenly coated, shaking off excess. This step is key to achieving a tender and silky texture.
Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef slices in batches until lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.
Combine the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
Assemble in Slow Cooker: Layer the beef slices in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the top. Add half the sliced green onions, saving the rest for garnish.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the beef is tender and the sauce is infused with flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes or until desired consistency is achieved. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Serve the Mongolian beef over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and the remaining green onions. Add steamed broccoli or other vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

If short on time, skip searing the beef. It will still be flavorful thanks to the slow cooking process.
Doubling the recipe works perfectly for meal prep or serving larger groups.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 614Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 134mgSodium 1249mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 2gSugar 36gProtein 52g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Slicing the Beef: Partially freeze the steak for about 20 minutes to make slicing thin pieces easier.
Thickening Sauce: If the sauce seems thin after cooking, transfer it to a pot and simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens.
Prep Ahead: Prep all ingredients the night before for an effortless morning assembly in the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier base.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options: Swap beef for chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup or coconut sugar can replace honey.
Spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicier kick.
Vegetables: Toss in green beans, broccoli, or zucchini for added texture and nutrients.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked dish in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Meal Prep: Prepare the ingredients and freeze uncooked in a freezer bag for a ready-to-cook slow cooker meal.