Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a bit of freshness to the finished dish, consider garnishing with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

These additions provide a bright, crisp contrast to the savory, umami-rich flavors of the beef and soy sauce glaze. If you enjoy a slight kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of ginger to the slow cooker at the beginning.

When serving, pair this Mongolian beef with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the excess sauce. For a more complete meal, consider serving alongside steamed broccoli, bok choy, or stir-fried snap peas.

The simplicity of the beef allows it to pair well with a wide variety of sides, making it a versatile option for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where you want to focus on hosting rather than cooking.

Variations

• Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker before starting to introduce a pleasant heat that cuts through the savory soy sauce.
• Ginger-Infused Beef: Incorporate one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger along with the minced garlic for an aromatic, zesty profile that complements the deep umami notes of the dark soy sauce perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Ensure the beef is cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety and quality. Properly stored, the dish will remain flavorful for up to three days. When ready to eat again, ensure it is heated thoroughly until piping hot throughout.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the ingredients and assemble them in the slow cooker bowl, then keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours before turning it on to cook. Alternatively, cook the entire dish in advance, allow it to cool completely, and store it for a quick meal later in the week.

Serving ideas

Serve the Mongolian beef hot, ideally spooned generously over a bed of freshly steamed white rice. The rice provides a neutral base that complements the saltiness of the soy sauce and the savory garlic notes of the beef.

Ensure each serving includes a good portion of the thickened sauce, as this is where the majority of the flavor is concentrated. You may want to serve extra sauce on the side for those who prefer a more intense flavor profile.

For a more complete meal, arrange the beef alongside a selection of lightly steamed green vegetables. The vibrant color of the vegetables adds visual appeal to the plate, while their crisp texture balances the tenderness of the slow-cooked meat.

Whether serving to family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a casual dinner, this dish is best enjoyed immediately after the resting period to ensure the optimal temperature and texture for the beef.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup dark soy sauce

Instructions

1. Place the thinly sliced flank steak into the bowl of the slow cooker. Ensure the meat is spread out slightly to allow even cooking during the process.
2. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the beef, then add the minced garlic and pour the dark soy sauce over the top. Gently toss the ingredients inside the slow cooker to coat the meat evenly. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the beef is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the beef to rest in the slow cooker for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute through the meat, resulting in a more tender texture.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.