How to Cook Beef Flank Steak in Crock Pot: A Flavorful and Effortless Delight
Cooking in a crock pot can be a lifesaver, especially on busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep, you can have a delicious, hearty meal ready by dinnertime. Beef flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut that’s perfect for slow cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a tender and savory beef flank steak in your crock pot.
Start with a flavorful marinade. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Add the flank steak to the marinade and make sure it’s fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
Sear the steak before slow cooking.
After marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. This step adds extra flavor and helps to seal in the juices during cooking.
Transfer steak to crock pot and add liquid.
Once the steak is seared, transfer it to the crock pot. Add beef broth or water to the pot, enough to cover the steak by about halfway. Add any remaining marinade to the pot as well.
Cook on low heat.
Cover the crock pot and cook the steak on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until it’s tender and falls apart easily. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak.
Remove steak and shred. Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding. Discard any excess fat and sinew, then shred the steak using two forks.
Make a flavorful sauce.
While the steak is resting, make a quick sauce in the crock pot. Add cornstarch to the juices in the pot and whisk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Season the sauce to taste with additional spices, if desired.
Serve and enjoy.
Serve the shredded beef flank steak with the sauce over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. Top with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, or salsa. Enjoy your tender and flavorful beef flank steak!
Beef Flank Steak: A Versatile and Affordable Cut
Beef flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut that’s perfect for grilling, roasting, or braising. It’s also one of the most affordable cuts of beef, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
Flank steak is a long, flat muscle that runs along the腹侧of the cow. It’s relatively thin and has a coarse grain, which can make it tough if not cooked properly. However, when cooked slowly or marinated, flank steak becomes tender and flavorful.
Marinating Flank Steak
Marinating flank steak is a great way to tenderize it and add flavor. A good marinade will typically contain an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar or citrus juice, as well as some herbs and spices. The acid in the marinade helps to break down the tough fibers in the steak, while the herbs and spices add flavor.
Cooking Flank Steak
Flank steak can be cooked in a variety of ways, but the most common methods are grilling, roasting, or braising. Grilling is a great option for a quick and easy meal, while roasting is ideal for a moreじっくりしたflank steak. Braising is a great way to cook flank steak if you want it to be extremely tender.
Serving Flank Steak
Flank steak is a versatile cut that can be served in a variety of ways. It’s often sliced thin and served as a steak, but it can also be shredded and used in dishes like tacos, burritos, or fajitas. Flank steak also pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings, so you can customize it to your liking.
Tips and Expert Advice for Cooking Flank Steak
Here are a few tips and expert advice for cooking flank steak:
- Always marinate flank steak before cooking. This will help to tenderize it and add flavor.
- Cook flank steak over high heat. This will help to seal in the juices and prevent the steak from becoming tough.
- Don’t overcook flank steak. It’s a relatively thin cut of meat, so it can easily become tough if overcooked.
- Slice flank steak thin against the grain. This will help to make the steak more tender.
- Serve flank steak with your favorite sauce or toppings. Some popular options include Chimichurri sauce, salsa, or horseradish sauce.
Expert Advice from a Chef
“Flank steak is a great cut of meat for grilling or roasting,” says Chef John Tesar, owner of Knife restaurant in Dallas. “It’s lean and flavorful, but it can be tough if not cooked properly. My advice is to marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, and cook it over high heat until it’s medium-rare. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.”
