Olivia Carter
If you’re looking to make a delicious and tender flank steak, you may be wondering if you can accomplish this in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are known for their convenience and ability to turn tough cuts of meat into succulent dishes. However, flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut that requires a different cooking method to achieve the best results.
While you technically can cook flank steak in a slow cooker, it may not be the best option. Flank steak is a thin and long cut of beef that cooks quickly. When cooked for too long in a slow cooker, it can become tough and chewy. However, there are ways to make flank steak in a slow cooker and still achieve a tender and flavorful result.
One method is to marinate the flank steak before cooking it in the slow cooker. A marinade can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. You can use a mixture of ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to create a flavorful marinade. Simply place the flank steak and marinade in a zip-top bag and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Then, you can transfer the marinated steak to the slow cooker and cook it on low for a shorter amount of time to prevent it from becoming tough.
How to Cook Flank Steak in a Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a delicious and tender way to cook flank steak, using a slow cooker is a great option. Flank steak can be a tough cut of meat, but when slow cooked, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook flank steak in a slow cooker.
Preparation
1. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:
- 2 pounds of flank steak
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cooking
1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and dried thyme. Pour the mixture over the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
3. Place the seasoned flank steak on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The flank steak should be cooked to medium-rare to medium for the best results.
5. Once the cooking time is up, remove the flank steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the meat to reabsorb the juices.
6. Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help ensure tenderness.
7. Serve the sliced flank steak with the onions and garlic from the slow cooker, and spoon some of the cooking liquid over the top for added flavor.
8. Enjoy your delicious and tender slow-cooked flank steak!
Using a slow cooker is a simple and convenient way to cook flank steak. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly tender. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with a flavorful and tender flank steak!
Benefits of Cooking Flank Steak in a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to tenderize and flavorize tough cuts of meat like flank steak. Here are some benefits of cooking flank steak in a slow cooker:
1. Tenderizes the Meat
Flank steak is a lean and tough cut of meat. By cooking it in a slow cooker, the low and slow cooking process helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy end product.
2. Enhances Flavor
When cooking flank steak in a slow cooker, you can infuse it with various flavors by adding spices, herbs, and other ingredients to the cooking liquid. The meat will slowly absorb these flavors, enhancing its taste and making it more delicious.
3. Convenient and Time-Saving
Cooking flank steak in a slow cooker is a convenient and time-saving cooking method. Once you have prepared the ingredients and set the cooking time, you can leave the slow cooker unattended and do other tasks. It eliminates the need for constant monitoring and stirring, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
4. Versatile Cooking Method
A slow cooker can be used to cook flank steak in various ways. You can cook it with vegetables, in a flavorful sauce, or even use it as a base for other dishes like tacos, sandwiches, or casseroles. The slow cooker allows for endless possibilities and experimentation with different recipes.
5. Economical Choice
Flank steak is often more affordable compared to other cuts of meat, making it a budget-friendly option. By using a slow cooker to cook flank steak, you can transform this inexpensive cut into a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family can enjoy.
If you want to enjoy a tender and flavorful flank steak without spending too much time and effort in the kitchen, using a slow cooker is an excellent option. Give it a try and reap the benefits of this versatile cooking method!
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Flank Steak in a Slow Cooker
Flank steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your flank steak is tender and delicious every time.
Selecting the Right Flank Steak
When choosing a flank steak for your slow cooker, look for one that is well-marbled with thin, white streaks of fat. This marbling will help keep the steak moist as it cooks. Additionally, be sure to select a flank steak that is uniform in thickness, as this will help ensure even cooking.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
Before cooking your flank steak, consider marinating it for a few hours or overnight. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it further. Create a marinade using your favorite ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Place the flank steak and marinade in a resealable plastic bag and let it sit in the refrigerator, turning occasionally, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Searing for a Golden Crust
To add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your flank steak, consider searing it in a hot skillet or grill pan before transferring it to the slow cooker. Searing the meat will create a golden crust that will enhance the overall taste and appearance of the final dish.
Note: Searing is not necessary, but it can elevate the flavor profile of the flank steak.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
When it comes to cooking flank steak in a slow cooker, less is more. Set your slow cooker on low heat and cook the steak for about 6-8 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Avoid overcooking the steak, as this can result in a dry and tough texture.
Tip: If you prefer your flank steak to be more well-done, consider adding an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
After the cooking time is up, remove the flank steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will help ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew.
Now that you have these tips and tricks in your culinary arsenal, you can confidently cook flank steak in a slow cooker and enjoy a delicious meal every time!
Delicious Recipes for Slow Cooked Flank Steak
Are you looking for mouthwatering recipes to make with your slow cooker? Look no further than these delicious slow cooked flank steak recipes. Flank steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender when slow cooked. Whether you want to make a savory stew or a flavorful stir fry, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
1. Slow Cooked Flank Steak Stew
This hearty stew combines tender slow cooked flank steak with vegetables and aromatic herbs and spices. The result is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. Simply brown the flank steak in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with onions, carrots, potatoes, and your choice of herbs and spices. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
2. Slow Cooked Flank Steak Stir Fry
If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, try making a slow cooked flank steak stir fry. This recipe combines marinated flank steak with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce. To make the marinade, mix together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil. Pour the marinade over the flank steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight. After marinating, cook the flank steak in the slow cooker on low for 4 hours. Then, add your choice of vegetables and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a delicious and healthy meal.
With these recipes, you can enjoy the rich flavor and tender texture of flank steak with the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you prefer a hearty stew or a lighter stir fry, these recipes are sure to become family favorites. So dust off your slow cooker and get ready to create some delicious meals with flank steak!
FAQ
Can you cook flank steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook flank steak in a slow cooker. Flank steak is a lean cut of beef that can become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow in a slow cooker.
How do you cook flank steak in a slow cooker?
To cook flank steak in a slow cooker, you can follow these steps: 1. Season the flank steak with your preferred spices and seasonings. 2. Preheat the slow cooker on the low setting. 3. Place the seasoned flank steak in the slow cooker. 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the steak is tender. 5. Remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest before slicing and serving.
What are some tips for cooking flank steak in a slow cooker?
Here are some tips for cooking flank steak in a slow cooker: 1. Make sure to season the flank steak well before cooking to enhance the flavor. 2. You can sear the flank steak in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker to add a nice crust. 3. For added flavor, you can add onions, garlic, or your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker along with the steak. 4. Cook the flank steak on the low setting for a longer time to ensure it becomes tender. 5. Let the cooked steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
How long does it take to cook flank steak in a slow cooker?
Flank steak generally takes about 6-8 hours to cook in a slow cooker on the low setting. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak, as well as the specific slow cooker being used. It’s important to check the tenderness of the steak by inserting a fork or knife to see if it easily goes through the meat.
