Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
An absolute classic dish with fork-tender meat that just melts in the mouth. This slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe is a simple, easy and effortless way to get dinner on the table especially on busy days. Tender pieces of meat are cooked in the slow cooker with a sweet ginger based soy sauce creating a delicious gravy. Have it with steamed rice, noodle or some crusty bread.
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I am a big fan of slow cooking but I have never owned a slow cooker; until recently. Well, I use to do all the slow cooking on the stove top. The only difference really is that on the stove top you have to keep an eye so your meat and gravy ain’t sticking to the bottom but in a slow cooker you can forget about it for hours and nothing can go wrong. I do like that security – don’t you?
Honestly, the credit for me getting the slow cooker goes to my blogger friend Arlene Braun Mobley of Flour on my Face. She is the queen of slow cooker recipes and I have been drooling over them for a long time now like this Easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak And every time I told her I want to make this – she’d say – Veena you must get a slow cooker/Crockpot – it will make your life easier. If you love slow cooker recipes – I highly recommend you visit her blog soon after you’ve seen this delicious recipe of course.
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Busy cake days
Guess what? It does – especially on days when I’m so busy with my cake orders. For example, the other day I had to leave for cake delivery and I know I’d be late. Usually, we’d have to get take out or eat sandwiches. But I threw a few things into the slow cooker – set it on low and left..! When I came home the house was filled with the aroma of slow-cooked Teriyaki Chicken. By the time the kids got home from school, I made a nice bowl of hot rice and taken pictures for my blog to share the recipe with you. So yes, Arlene was right it does make my life a lot easier.
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About this slow cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe (Save/Pin)
A very simple and easy recipe that’s also very versatile and adaptable. You probably have eaten Mongolian beef from some Chinese take away which usually is made with a similar sauce but cooked with strips of flank steak in a wok to make a quick stir fry.
This recipe takes that same sauce to the next level of comfort food. Here we season the beef and cook it in a slow cooker with the same sweet ginger based soy sauce and cook it long and slow until the meat is fork tender. The result is pure comfort food.
Serve it with a bowl of steam rice or noodles. My kids love a bowl of rice with this very much. I love bread so I usually keep some crusty bread like a baguette on hand when I make this dish.
Here I have used the slow cooker but for years I have made this recipe on the stove-top cooking on low for long hours or in a pressure cooker for 10 minutes when I need a quick urgent meal.
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Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)
- Beef – slow cooking works best with sirloin, chuck roast or flank steak kinda cuts. These can endure long slow cooking without drying out. If you ask the butcher he usually will be able to help you with what he has best available for you.
- Sweet Paprika – if you can handle the heat.. try hot paprika and take this to a whole new level. Hot paprika does go so well with the sweetness this recipe has in it. But my kids are small so I don’t use as much hot paprika. I use more sweet or smoked paprika with a dash of hot paprika. I have made spicy Mongolian beef and it is to die for and all it takes is switching that sweet paprika to a hot paprika. Works like magic.
- Stock – I usually always have chicken stock on hand but water works just as well. You can use chicken, vegetable or beef stock whatever is on hand.
- Brown Sugar – The light brown sugar works best for this recipe. Do not use the dark brown – the molasses might be a bit more intense in flavor. The soy sauce combines well with brown sugar giving a deep unique flavor with the beef juices.
- Dried herbs – this is optional. Personally, I do like adding some kind of herbs to my meat dishes I think it adds so much more. But again you can omit or switch to personalize it to your favorite herb.
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Recipe – Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe or Soy Ginger Beef (Save/Pin)
Tools
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Slow Cooker Recipe, Slow cooker Beef Recipes,
Ingredients
- Beef – 1.5 lbs. / 600 to 700 grams – (sirloin / chuck roast / flank steak)
- Canola oil – 2 tbsp
- Flour or cornstarch – 3 tbsp
- Sweet paprika – 1 tbsp
- Onion – 1 small (about 1/2 cup) chopped
- Garlic – 1 tbsp minced or grated
- Ginger – 1 tbsp (1/2 inch) grated or minced
Sauce/Marinade
- Stock (beef /chicken/veg) or water – 250 ml (1 cup)
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp.
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup (100 grams)
- Soy sauce – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Dried herbs (optional) 1/2 tsp dried parsley +1/2 tsp dried thyme.
Method
Season the beef cubes
- Cut beef into large bite-size pieces
- Place in a bowl or zip lock bag (for easy clean up)
- In a small bowl – combine salt, pepper, paprika, and flour.
- Add flour mix to the beef bag and shake the bag to coat as evenly as possible.
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Sear the beef cubes
- Add 2 tbsp oil to a saute pan or skillet – bring to high heat
- Add the beef cubes and cook on high for 2 minutes – switch sides and cook another 2 minutes
- Remove beef and set aside – keep warm.
Saute onions
- To the same skillet – add a 1tbsp more oil
- Saute onions for a minute then
- Add the ginger and garlic – cook a minute more.
- Then add a few tablespoons of stock to help scrape the pan so you get all the caramelized bits stuck to the pan. (See video)
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Slow Cooker Recipe, Slow cooker Beef Recipes,
Prepare Sauce
- Add all sauce ingredients to a bowl or measuring cup
- Stir well to combine.
- Set aside.
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For slow cooker Mongolian Beef
- Into the slow cooker
- Add the seared beef cubes
- Followed by the cooked onion mixture
- Pour the sauce/marinade over.
- Give it a stir to make sure it’s all mixed well.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours ( or overnight) up to 10 hours.
- OR Cook on high for 3 hours then on low for 2 hours
- The beef should be soft, tender and juicy with a gorgeous brown gravy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Slow Cooker Recipe, Slow cooker Beef Recipes,
Stove-Top Mongolian Beef
- Sear beef cubes as we did above and set aside
- Saute onions, ginger garlic as we did above
- Scrape the caramelized bits using some stock as we did above
- Then, add the beef back to the pan.
- Pour the stock over – stir well.
- Add one extra cup of water to the pan – stir well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to an absolute simmer.
- Cook on low for 2 hours stirring every 20 minutes to make sure there is liquid in the pan.
- If necessary add 1/4 cup water at a time. The heat should be low or the liquid will evaporate quickly.
- Mine usually gets done in 2 hours but a little longer is ok too as long as the meat cooks to fork tender.
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Recipe, Mongolian Beef Slow Cooker Recipe, Slow cooker Beef Recipes,
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Ingredients
- 650 grams Beef Sirloin / chuck roast / flank steak
- 2 tbsp Canola oil
- 3 tbsp Flour or cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1 Onion about 1/2 cup chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic minced or grated
- 1 tbsp Ginger grated or minced
Sauce/Marinade
- 250 ml Stock beef /chicken/veg or water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 100 grams Brown sugar
- 120 ml Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Dried herbs optional, 1/2 tsp dried parsley +1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Season the beef cubes
- Cut beef into large bite-size pieces
- Place in a bowl or zip lock bag (for easy clean up)
- In a small bowl - combine salt, pepper, paprika, and flour.
- Add flour mix to the beef bag and shake the bag to coat as evenly as possible.
Sear the beef cubes
- Add 2 tbsp oil to a saute pan or skillet - bring to high heat
- Add the beef cubes and cook on high for 2 minutes - switch sides and cook another 2 minutes
- Remove beef and set aside - keep warm.
Saute onions
- To the same skillet - add a 1tbsp more oil
- Saute onions for a minute then
- Add the ginger and garlic - cook a minute more.
- Then add a few tablespoons of stock to help scrape the pan so you get all the caramelized bits stuck to the pan. (See video)
For slow cooker Mongolian Beef
- Into the slow cooker
- Add the seared beef cubes
- Followed by the cooked onion mixture
- Pour the sauce/marinade over.
- Give it a stir to make sure it's all mixed well.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours ( or overnight) up to 10 hours.
- OR Cook on high for 3 hours then on low for 2 hours
- The beef should be soft, tender and juicy with a gorgeous brown gravy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Stove-Top Mongolian Beef
- Sear beef cubes as we did above and set aside
- Saute onions, ginger garlic as we did above
- Scrape the caramelized bits using some stock as we did above
- Then, add the beef back to the pan.
- Pour the stock over - stir well.
- Add one extra cup of water to the pan - stir well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to an absolute simmer.
- Cook on low for 2 hours stirring every 20 minutes to make sure there is liquid in the pan.
- If necessary add 1/4 cup water at a time. The heat should be low or the liquid will evaporate quickly.
- Mine usually gets done in 2 hours but a little longer is ok too as long as the meat cooks to fork tender.
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Made this for dinner tonight – absolutely delicious. Family loved it “Mmmmmm” was the first thing I heard. I love recipes using my slow cooker, especially given it’s going into Winter here in New Zealand. Thanks for another great recipe.
Ah so happy to hear that Pene. I’m very excited that you are trying some of my recipes with such great success and loving it. Makes me so happy. We love this recipe too especially my Rhea. I love the slow cooker… on busy days.. Oh you have winter there we are now getting into summer so it’s getting hot!! Hotter..!
Slow cooked beef, one of my favorite dishes. Yours looks succulent. Goes well over white steamed rice. I like cutting some chilli into mine too.
Me too Leo. Love that little Chili but have to keep that out cause the kids are small.
I love pretty much anything that can be made easier by using a slow cooker. This looks delish!
I’m beginning to love my slow cooker too Kylee. Thanks
I love Mongolian Beef and usually order it when we go out. Now I don’t have to pay extra and get extra sodium in the process. I will definitely try this recipe in my crock pot and I am about to get an Instant Pot so I look forward to breaking it in with this one too!
Thank you so much Jennifer. Yes it’s so easy; I think you will love it.
this beef recipe looks hearty and delicious. The sauce the beef is in looks amazing. I want to hunker down and devour a bowl of this right now!
Thank you so much Megan
Slow cooker is one of the best inventions for busy household. Just having the ease of not having to stand next to the stove and let things cook up on its own keeps me from going to buy take outs for dinner. The dish looks gorgeous and I am sure that the beef would have tastes awesome.
Thank you Sandhya. You said it. I am not a big fan of ordering food in, not my kids either. So yeah this really is very helpful now. Thanks
That looks totally juicy and so easy to make. I love slow cooker recipes, especially on a busy day. The recipes turns out good everytime.
Thanks Molly. It so does…
I love anything in a slow cooker! Makes life so much easier. This recipe looks and sounds delicious!
So true Christine. Makes life so much easier. Thanks
Slow cooker is really great not only make good food but also saves the time. I like your mongolian beef as it looks juice and delicious.They looks great with that plate of rice.
Thank Swathi. Very true.. saves so much time for me.
Veena, this dish is gorgeous – my mouth is actually watering. LOL. I keep staring at the picture of the chunks of beef floating in that gorgeous sauce. Pinning this one for later!
Thank you so much Byron. I think you will love it.
It had to have been a woman who invented the slow cooker/ crock pot/ instant pot!! Whatever it’s called it was done by a woman with a family and not enough time. I really like the way the slow cooker makes beef so very tender and tasty. Your recipe sounds amazing. Just right for a busy family who craves a great meal.
I couldn’t agree with you more Marisa. It probably must have been a woman. Only we know how this really can be a huge time saver for us. Thanks.
I’m a cake maker too so know how important it is to have a dinner that can take care of itself whilst you’re frantic baking and decorating! Love the spices in this beef.
You said it Jo. My kids are use to hot meals so this is super easy and efficient for me.
What a wonderful recipe. I love mongolian beef but I never thought about cooking it in the slow cooker. Now I will be able to make it more often.
Thanks Kathy. I think anything that needs long slow cooking is a great candidate for the crockpot or slow cooker.
Wow, this looks amazing. The meat seems so soft and tender, literally melt in your mouth. Love the spices you used here. I bet this taste delicious. I must get me a slow cooker… asap 🙂
Ha Natalie – I said the same thing about 4 months ago before I got my slow cooker. Totally enjoying it and so worth the dollars I spent. For a working mom like me it’s a blessing lol. You will enjoy it.
I enjoy comfort dishes like this mongolian beef, Looks easy to make and the sauce must be very flavorful thanks for sharing all the details. .
Thank you Adriana. The sauce was very flavorful.
I’m glad you finally got a slow cooker too! I love using mine. This recipe sounds delicious! Mongolian Beef is a favorite of my husband’s so I will have to try this!
Thank you Amy. Yes I’m so glad I did finally get me a slow cooker.
I have a friend who will love this recipe. I’m sending her the link.
Thank you so much Amy. I hope she likes it
OK…totally love the sound of this recipe. I LOVE using my slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, feeding a crowd, or just if you want some time to yourself. Dinner cooks while you do something else. I call it the magician in the kitchen.
Aren’t we all magicians Gloria – sometimes by the end of the day I look back and wonder how I pulled it off lol – cake orders, meals, kids.. phew.. !
I’m a big fan of slow cooker meals. I just love that you can throw it all in and forget about it for hours. Not to mention how amazing it makes the house smell. This looks like a delicious combination of flavors in this dish!
So true Stephanie – I love just coming home to the aroma of good cooking food.
Veena I am so excited for you. a slow cooker is going to make your life so much easier! Thank you for such a sweet compliment!
Thank you Arlene. I love your blog and so happy I finally got the slow cooker.