Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary beef into a mouthwatering masterpiece, where tender meat meets sweet and savory flavors in a single pot. This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with Pineapple isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that brings the exotic tastes of Asian cuisine right into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Instructions
- Slice flank steak into thin strips against the grain, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Pat meat dry with paper towels to ensure better searing and sauce absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the marinade base. Ensure sugar is completely dissolved.
- Place sliced steak in a large bowl and sprinkle cornstarch over the meat. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly, which will help thicken the sauce and create a slightly crispy texture.
- Transfer coated meat to slow cooker and pour the prepared marinade over the steak. Gently stir to ensure all meat pieces are coated.
- Add fresh pineapple chunks evenly across the top of the meat mixture. Do not stir at this point to maintain the meat's coating.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir the mixture to distribute pineapple and sauce evenly.
- Once cooking is complete, garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. The beef should be tender and coated in a rich, slightly sweet sauce.
Tips
- Always slice your flank steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
- Pat the meat dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve a better texture and sauce absorption.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Don't stir the meat immediately after adding the marinade to preserve the cornstarch coating.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or rice vinegar to the marinade.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid reduction.
- Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
