**Simple Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef**
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, hassle-free meal that brings a taste of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your table, look no further than **Simple Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef**. This recipe combines tender beef with a rich, savory sauce that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with little effort.
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
**1. **Effortless Preparation* Simply throw all your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work. The result is a flavorful dish without the hassle of constant monitoring.
**2. **Savory and Sweet* The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a delectable sauce that coats the beef perfectly, delivering a balanced sweet and savory flavor profile.
**3. **Versatile* This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh vegetable stir-fry, making it a flexible choice for any meal.
### **Ingredients**
- **1 1/2 lbs Flank Steak or Sirloin,** thinly sliced against the grain
- **1/2 cup Soy Sauce**
- **1/2 cup Brown Sugar**
- **1/4 cup Water**
- **1 tablespoon Cornstarch**
- **2 Garlic Cloves,** minced
- **1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger,** minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- **1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes** (optional, for a bit of heat)
- **2 Green Onions,** sliced (for garnish)
- **1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds** (for garnish)
- **Cooked Rice or Noodles** (for serving)
### **Instructions**
**1. **Prepare the Beef*
- Start by thinly slicing your beef against the grain. This helps ensure that the meat remains tender after slow cooking.
**2. **Mix the Sauce*
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to taste.
**3. **Combine Ingredients*
- Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef, making sure all pieces are well-coated.
**4. **Cook*
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef will become tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.
**5. **Thicken the Sauce*
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, and let it cook uncovered for the remaining time.
**6. **Garnish and Serve*
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
### **Tips for Success**
- **Beef Selection* Flank steak or sirloin works best for this recipe due to their tender texture. Avoid tougher cuts that may not become as tender during slow cooking.
- **Adjust Sweetness* If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or adjust to taste.
- **Prep Ahead* This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
### **Conclusion**
**Simple Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef** offers a delightful taste of Asian cuisine with the convenience of slow cooking. Its savory and sweet sauce, combined with tender beef, makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With minimal prep and effortless cooking, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home with this easy and flavorful recipe!