Olivia Carter
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook flank steak? Look no further! In this article, we will share with you the best recipe for slow cooker flank steak. This mouthwatering dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Flank steak is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that is perfect for slow cooking. It’s lean and packed with protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Slow cooking the steak allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Our recipe starts by marinating the steak in a delicious blend of spices, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination adds a savory and umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural richness of the flank steak. After marinating, the steak is slow cooked for several hours, allowing it to become tender and juicy.
Why Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a popular choice for slow cooker recipes due to its delicious flavor and tender texture. This cut of beef comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow, and it is known for its long and lean shape. Because the flank muscle is constantly in use, the meat develops a rich flavor and a unique texture that is perfect for slow cooking.
Not only is flank steak tasty, but it is also a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be marinated and grilled for fajitas, sliced thin for stir-fries, or slow cooked for a delicious and tender meal. Its versatility allows home cooks to get creative and experiment with different flavors and cooking methods, making it a popular choice for those looking to create a memorable and delicious meal.
One of the reasons why flank steak is a great choice for slow cooking is its tenderness. When cooked slowly in a slow cooker, the connective tissues in the meat break down, resulting in a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This makes it an ideal choice for dishes like beef stew or pot roast, where you want the meat to be incredibly tender and packed with flavor.
Another benefit of using flank steak in a slow cooker is its ability to absorb flavors. The slow cooking process allows the meat to soak up the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish, resulting in a delicious and well-seasoned meal. Whether you’re using spices, herbs, or marinades, flank steak has the ability to take on these flavors and deliver a mouthwatering taste experience.
Choosing the Right Flank Steak
An important aspect of preparing a delicious slow cooker flank steak is selecting the right cut of meat. Flank steak is a flavorful and versatile cut, known for its long and flat shape. Before heading to the grocery store, it’s helpful to have a few key points in mind to ensure you choose the best flank steak for your recipe.
1. Look for marbling: In order to achieve a tender and juicy flank steak, look for a cut with visible marbling. Marbling refers to the thin streaks of fat that run through the muscle. This fat helps to add flavor and moisture to the steak during the slow cooking process.
2. Consider thickness: Flank steaks come in different thicknesses, and selecting the right thickness is crucial for optimal tenderness. A thicker cut will take longer to cook, while a thinner cut may become tough and chewy if cooked for too long. Aim for a flank steak that is around 1 inch thick for the perfect balance of tenderness and even cooking.
3. Inspect color and texture: When choosing a flank steak, examine its color and texture. The meat should have a bright red color, indicating its freshness. The texture should be firm to the touch with a slight resistance when pressed, indicating a good quality cut.
4. Consider the source: It’s always a good idea to consider the source of your meat and opt for organic or grass-fed flank steak, if possible. These cuts tend to have a more pronounced flavor and can be a healthier choice, as they are usually free from hormones and antibiotics.
5. Ask the butcher: If you’re unsure about which flank steak to choose, don’t hesitate to ask the butcher for assistance. They can provide recommendations based on your recipe and preferences, ensuring that you select the best flank steak for your slow cooker recipe.
- Look for marbling
- Consider thickness
- Inspect color and texture
- Consider the source
- Ask the butcher for assistance
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
Marinating a flank steak before slow cooking is a key step to achieving maximum flavor in your dish. The marinade helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a simple process that requires a bit of planning ahead, but the results are well worth it.
When marinating a flank steak, it’s important to choose the right ingredients to create a flavorful marinade. A combination of acidic and savory ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic can help to break down the tough fibers of the meat and enhance its natural flavors. You can also add herbs, spices, and other seasonings to customize the marinade to your taste.
After preparing the marinade, it’s time to let the flank steak soak up all those delicious flavors. Place the steak and the marinade in a resealable plastic bag or a glass container, making sure that the meat is fully submerged in the marinade. This will ensure even distribution of the flavors throughout the steak.
Marinating times can vary depending on the recipe, but generally, the longer you marinate the steak, the more flavorful it will be. Aim to marinate the flank steak for at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight if possible. This will give the marinade enough time to penetrate the meat and work its magic.
When you’re ready to cook the flank steak, remove it from the marinade and discard any excess. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Slow cook the flank steak according to your recipe, allowing it to cook low and slow to further tenderize the meat and develop the flavors.
Once the flank steak is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will help to ensure a tender and juicy texture. Serve the sliced flank steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delicious results of your marinating efforts.
Slow Cooker vs. Other Cooking Methods
When it comes to cooking, there are various methods to choose from. One popular option is using a slow cooker. This method involves cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period of time, allowing for tender and flavorful results. However, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a slow cooker compared to other cooking methods.
One advantage of using a slow cooker is the convenience it offers. Once you have prepared the ingredients and set the desired cooking time, you can leave the slow cooker unattended. This makes it particularly helpful for individuals with busy schedules or those who prefer to prepare meals in advance. In addition, slow cookers are known for their ability to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making them a great option for dishes like pot roasts or stews.
Despite these benefits, slow cookers also have some limitations. For example, they may not be suitable for certain types of food that require high heat or a crispy texture. Baking or broiling, for instance, are better suited for achieving a browned and crisp exterior. Additionally, slow cookers may not be ideal for quickly cooking meals or for dishes that require precise temperature control.
In comparison to other cooking methods, slow cookers are a convenient and reliable option for preparing meals that require long, slow cooking times. However, it is important to consider the type of dish you are preparing and whether a slow cooker is the best cooking method for achieving the desired results.
Slow Cooker Flank Steak Recipe Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious, tender, and flavorful flank steak in the slow cooker, it’s essential to choose the right ingredients. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
- Flank steak: Start with a high-quality flank steak for the best results. This cut of beef is known for its lean and fibrous texture, making it perfect for slow cooking.
- Marinade: Create a flavorful marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. The marinade will help tenderize the steak and infuse it with delicious flavors.
- Vegetables: To add extra flavor and texture to your slow cooker flank steak, include sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These vegetables will not only enhance the taste of the dish but also complement the meat perfectly.
- Beef broth: The addition of beef broth to the slow cooker will keep the flank steak moist and juicy throughout the cooking process. It will also contribute to the overall richness of the dish.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it a luscious consistency, mix some cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker towards the end.
- Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of your slow cooker flank steak with seasonings like salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. These seasonings will elevate the taste of the dish and make it even more delightful.
By using these carefully chosen ingredients, you can create a slow cooker flank steak that is tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. The combination of the marinated steak, aromatic vegetables, and savory seasonings will result in a truly satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Flank Steak Recipe
Flank steak is a delicious and affordable cut of beef that can be turned into a mouthwatering meal with the help of a slow cooker. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for creating a tender and flavorful flank steak using your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by seasoning the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Place the seasoned flank steak in a slow cooker and pour the marinade over it.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the steak on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time will result in a more tender steak.
- Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside to rest.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining marinade and stir to combine.
- Cook the sauce on high for an additional 15 minutes, or until it thickens.
- While the sauce is thickening, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve the sliced flank steak with the thickened sauce drizzled over the top.
This step-by-step slow cooker flank steak recipe will result in a tender and flavorful meal that your family and friends will love. The slow cooker allows the steak to cook low and slow, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Serve the sliced steak over rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving and Enjoying your Slow Cooker Flank Steak
Now that your slow cooker flank steak is tender and packed with flavor, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few serving suggestions and tips to make the most of your meal:
- Slicing: Before serving, let the flank steak rest for about 10 minutes to retain its juices. Then, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the steak against the grain. This will ensure that each bite is tender and easy to chew.
- Serving options: There are various ways to enjoy your slow cooker flank steak. You can serve it as the main course alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Alternatively, you can use the sliced steak to make flavorful tacos, fajitas, or sandwiches.
- Accompaniments: Consider serving your flank steak with delicious accompaniments such as chimichurri sauce, garlic butter, or a tangy barbecue sauce. These condiments will enhance the flavor of the steak and add an extra layer of complexity to your meal.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The slow-cooked flank steak will continue to develop its flavors and can be enjoyed as a cold steak salad or used in sandwiches for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.
Overall, the slow cooker flank steak is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Whether you serve it as the main course or incorporate it into other recipes, this tender and juicy steak is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, fire up your slow cooker, follow the recipe, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade flank steak.
10 Best Flank Steak Recipe Slow Cooker
Adolph's Original Meat Tenderizer Marinade
Features
| Part Number | 00234552 |
| Model | 00234552 |
| Color | Yellow |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 1 Ounce (Pack of 24) |
| Publication Date | 2013-02-14T00:00:01Z |
Salutem Vita Flank Steak - 3.5 lbs
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| Size | Medium |
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| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 2.25 pound |
Hamilton Beach 10 Quart Slow Cooker
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| Part Number | 33195 |
| Model | 33195 |
| Warranty | One(1) Year Warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 10 Quarts |
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
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| Part Number | IP-DUO60 |
| Model | DUO 60 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer warranty |
| Color | 0 |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 6 Quarts |
| Language | English |
Bare Bones Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth
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| Size | 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 8) |
FAQ
How long should I cook flank steak in a slow cooker?
For a tender and juicy flank steak, it is recommended to cook it in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low heat. This will give the meat enough time to become tender and allow the flavors to develop.
What are some recommended seasonings for slow cooker flank steak?
There are many delicious seasonings that you can use for slow cooker flank steak. Some popular options include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
How can I serve and enjoy my slow cooker flank steak?
There are several ways to serve and enjoy slow cooker flank steak. You can thinly slice the cooked steak and serve it as the main protein in tacos or fajitas. You can also shred the meat and use it in sandwiches or wraps. Another option is to serve the flank steak over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Don’t forget to spoon some of the delicious cooking juices from the slow cooker over the meat for added flavor!
Conclusion
In conclusion, serving and enjoying your slow cooker flank steak is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. The slow cooking process allows the steak to become tender and juicy, while the added seasonings and vegetables infuse it with even more flavor. Whether you choose to serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or on a sandwich, the slow cooker flank steak is sure to be a hit at any meal. So dust off your slow cooker and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
