Olivia Carter
Are you craving a juicy and tender hanger steak, but don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen? Look no further than your trusty slow cooker! This underrated kitchen appliance can effortlessly transform a tough cut of meat into a succulent and flavorful masterpiece.
Slow cooking allows the hanger steak to tenderize and develop deep, rich flavors. As the meat simmers low and slow, it absorbs the savory marinade, ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for an easy yet impressive recipe, this guide will show you exactly how to achieve culinary perfection with your slow cooker.
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, it’s important to understand the unique qualities of hanger steak. This cut, also known as butcher’s steak or onglet, is prized for its intense beefy flavor and tender texture. It has a loose grain and benefits from slow cooking methods that allow it to break down and become more tender. The slow cooker is the perfect tool for achieving this, as it gently cooks the steak over a long period of time, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Preparing The Hanger Steak
Before cooking the hanger steak in a slow cooker, it is important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
Trim the excess fat: Hanger steak typically has a thick layer of fat on one side. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim any excess fat from the steak. Be sure to leave a thin layer of fat intact, as this will add flavor and juiciness to the meat.
Season the steak: Generously season both sides of the hanger steak with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for added flavor.
Tenderize the steak: Hanger steak can be quite tough, so tenderizing it before cooking will help to break down the muscle fibers and make it more tender. Use a meat mallet or a fork to pierce the steak all over, creating small holes. This will allow the marinade and seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Marinate the steak: While marinating is optional, it can greatly enhance the flavor of the hanger steak. Prepare a marinade of your choice using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and crushed garlic. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
Remove the steak from the marinade: Before cooking, remove the hanger steak from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off. This will prevent the steak from becoming too wet and steaming instead of browning.
Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to pat the steak dry. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure a nice sear when cooking the steak.
By properly preparing the hanger steak before cooking, you can ensure a delicious and tender end result when using a slow cooker.
Cleaning And Trimming
Before cooking the hanger steak in a slow cooker, it is important to clean and trim the meat properly. This will help to remove any excess fat or tough connective tissue, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Start by rinsing the hanger steak under cold water to remove any debris or dirt. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear when cooking.
Next, take a sharp knife and trim any excess fat from the steak. While some fat is necessary to add flavor and moisture, it’s important not to leave too much as it can lead to a greasy texture. Trim off any silver skin or tough connective tissue as well.
Once the steak is cleaned and trimmed, it’s ready to be seasoned and cooked in the slow cooker. Follow the recipe instructions for the best results.
Marinating The Hanger Steak
Marinating the hanger steak is an important step to infuse the meat with delicious flavors and ensure it stays juicy and tender while slow cooking. Here is a simple marinade recipe that will take your hanger steak to the next level:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and black pepper.
Step 2: Place the hanger steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Tip:
For even better results, massage the marinade into the steak before sealing it. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively.
Once the hanger steak has marinated, you can proceed with slow cooking it to perfection. The marinade will not only add depth of flavor to the meat but also help to tenderize it, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Choosing The Marinade
Marinating the hanger steak is an essential step to enhance its flavor and tenderness. The right marinade can make all the difference, so it’s important to choose one that complements the natural taste of the steak.
When selecting a marinade for hanger steak, consider the following factors:
- Flavor profile: Choose a marinade that matches your desired taste. You can opt for sweet, spicy, tangy, or even a combination of flavors. Some popular options include teriyaki, chimichurri, honey mustard, or Asian-inspired marinades.
- Tenderizing ingredients: Look for ingredients that help to tenderize the meat, such as citrus juices (lemon, lime, or orange), vinegar, wine, or even pineapple juice. These acids break down the proteins in the steak, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture.
- Aromatics and herbs: Add herbs and aromatics to infuse the steak with additional flavors. Some common choices are garlic, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, or ginger.
- Oil or fat: Include an oil or fat component in the marinade to help moisturize the meat and prevent it from drying out during the cooking process. Olive oil, sesame oil, or melted butter work well.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season the marinade with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the steak.
Experiment with different marinades to find your favorite. You can try pre-made marinades from the store or create your own by combining various ingredients. Remember to marinate the hanger steak for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
Once you have chosen your marinade, you are ready to move on to the next steps of cooking the hanger steak in a slow cooker.
Cooking The Hanger Steak
Once you’ve prepared the hanger steak, it’s time to cook it in a slow cooker. This method will ensure that the steak becomes tender and juicy, making it a delicious option for any meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Before cooking the hanger steak, make sure your slow cooker is clean and ready to use. Place the slow cooker liner inside the pot for easy cleanup afterwards.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Season the hanger steak with your desired spices and herbs. Rub them into the meat to enhance the flavor. You can use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a simple yet tasty seasoning.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
In a hot skillet, sear the hanger steak on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This will help to lock in the juices and create a nice crust on the outside of the steak.
Step 4: Place in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared hanger steak to the slow cooker. Make sure it fits comfortably and isn’t overcrowded. Arrange any additional ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or vegetables, around the steak for added flavor.
Step 5: Cook on Low Heat
Cover the slow cooker and cook the hanger steak on low heat for about 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the meat to become tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the hanger steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Now that you’ve successfully cooked the hanger steak in a slow cooker, you can enjoy it in a variety of ways. Serve it as the main course with your favorite side dishes, or slice it thin and use it in sandwiches or salads. However you choose to enjoy it, you’re sure to love the delicious and tender results.
Slow Cooker Method
The slow cooker method is a great way to cook hanger steak because it allows the meat to become tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds hanger steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the hanger steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak on each side for about 2 minutes, or until browned.
- Transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour it over the steak in the slow cooker.
- Add the bay leaves to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the steak against the grain and serve with the cooked onions and garlic.
You can also strain the cooking liquid and reduce it on the stovetop to make a delicious gravy to serve with the steak. Enjoy!
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360 | 44g | 18g | 3g |
Questions and answers
Is it possible to cook hanger steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is possible to cook hanger steak in a slow cooker. While traditionally cooked on a grill or stovetop, using a slow cooker can result in a tender and flavorful hanger steak.
What temperature should I cook hanger steak in a slow cooker?
The best temperature to cook hanger steak in a slow cooker is on low heat, which is typically around 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (95 to 120 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to cook hanger steak in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for hanger steak in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the steak and desired level of doneness. However, a general guideline is to cook it on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
