Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Welcome to a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for your Weight Watchers journey: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. This recipe combines tender beef with a savory sauce that’s sweet, salty, and packed with flavor, all while keeping it low in SmartPoints. Using a slow cooker not only enhances the flavors but also makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Servings: 6
SmartPoints: 6 per serving (on Blue and Purple plans; 7 on Green)

Ingredients

For this Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar (or a sugar substitute for lower points)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or cooking spray for a lighter option)

Garnish:

  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Slow cooker
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips. Cutting against the grain helps to ensure the beef is tender once cooked. Aim for strips about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar (or sugar substitute), rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)

  1. For added flavor, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced beef in batches for about 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
  2. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  1. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all the beef is coated in the sauce.
  2. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks. Stir again to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef

  1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender the beef will become.
  2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, give the beef a gentle stir to ensure even cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

  1. Once the cooking time is up, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a little more sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.
  2. Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Step 6: Garnish

  1. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and presentation.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 12g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Sugar: 7g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

  • SmartPoints: 6 (Blue and Purple plans); 7 (Green plan)

Tips and Variations

  1. Beef Alternatives: While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness, you can substitute with other cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. Just ensure to slice it thinly to maintain tenderness.
  2. Sugar Substitutes: If you prefer a lower-calorie option, use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol, adjusting the amount to taste.
  3. Vegetable Additions: Feel free to toss in some vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value.
  4. Serving Suggestions: Serve your Mongolian beef with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal. Cauliflower rice or konjac noodles are great low-carb options that pair well with this dish.
  5. Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Prepare a batch and divide it into individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Mongolian beef for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.

Conclusion

The Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a scrumptious, low-point dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a satisfying option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste. With just a few simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Try this recipe today and delight in the deliciousness while sticking to your Weight Watchers goals!