You know, sometimes you just crave that takeout taste without all the carbs weighing you down. That’s where this Easy Keto Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef swoops in like a knight in shining armor—okay, maybe not a knight, but definitely a dinner hero. Imagine tender beef with a sweet and savory glaze, simmering all day and filling your home with an aroma that’s basically a hug in a scent. I swear, even my picky eater of a dog gives me side-eye when this is cooking, like he’s considering going keto himself.
Steps
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain, making it easier by partially freezing the meat for about 30 to 45 minutes. Place the sliced beef at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, mix together sweeteners, water, tamari, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook the beef on low for 4 to 6 hours. Once done, remove some liquid from the slow cooker, whisk in glucomannan, then return it to the pot and stir to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish the cooked beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Flank steak (or top sirloin/skirt steak), thinly sliced
- Swerve Brown or granular sweetener with 1 teaspoon of molasses
- Allulose (optional)
- Tamari sauce
- Toasted sesame oil
- Fresh minced garlic (or 3/4 teaspoon granulated garlic)
- Ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- Red pepper flakes
- Glucomannan or xanthan gum (as a thickening agent)
- Green onion (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt (to taste)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1668 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 142.8 g | Fat: 101.6 g | Fiber: 1.6 g | Sugar: N/A | Sodium: N/A | Cholesterol: N/A
FAQ
- Is Mongolian Beef typically high in carbohydrates?
- Traditional Mongolian Beef can have between 15 to 25 grams of carbs per serving. However, this Keto Mongolian Beef version contains only 2 grams of carbs per serving, making it a much lower-carb alternative.
- What flavor profile does Mongolian Beef have?
- Mongolian Beef is known for its sweet and slightly spicy taste. You can adjust the level of heat to your preference by varying the amount of red pepper flakes used.
- Does Mongolian Beef contain sugar?
- While popular versions like the one from PF Chang’s are high in sugar, this keto recipe eliminates added sugars while maintaining the delicious taste of the original dish.
- Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish using an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Instructions are provided for both methods, ensuring you can enjoy this meal even without a slow cooker.
- What kind of meat is best for Keto Mongolian Beef?
- Flank steak is recommended due to its ease of slicing thinly, but you can also use top sirloin or skirt steak for this recipe.
Tips
- Slice the Beef When Semi-Frozen: For easier and more precise slicing, partially freeze the beef for 30 to 45 minutes. This will help you achieve thin, even slices against the grain.
- Thicken the Sauce Properly: After the beef is cooked, remove some liquid from the slow cooker and mix it with glucomannan before returning it to the pot. This ensures the sauce thickens evenly without clumping.
- Adjust Spiciness to Taste: The dish is slightly spicy, but you can customize the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Use Tamari for Rich Flavor: Opt for tamari instead of coconut aminos or soy sauce for a richer umami flavor and fewer carbs, while keeping the dish gluten-free.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the beef slowly to achieve tenderness.
- Instant Pot: If you prefer an alternative to the slow cooker method.
- Large Skillet: Needed if you opt for the stovetop method instead of slow cooking.
- Glucomannan or Xanthan Gum: Used as a thickening agent, it might not be a common household item.
- Glass Measuring Cup: Useful for mixing and measuring ingredients like the sauce ingredients.
