Tiffany Haney
Cooking flank steak in a crock pot is a convenient way to prepare a delicious and tender steak. It is a simple process that involves seasoning and slow cooking the steak for several hours. This method yields juicy results and is perfect for busy cooks who want a hands-off approach to preparing a tasty meal. The versatility of this cooking style allows for various serving options, making it a family favourite for sandwiches, tacos, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of cooking | Very easy to make |
| Taste | Delicious, tender |
| Use cases | Tacos, sandwiches, steak & potatoes, savory bowls, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, etc. |
| Ingredients | Brown sugar, chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, olive oil, flank steak |
| Crock pot size | 5-6 quarts |
| Marinating | Not required but recommended for best results |
| Cooking time | 3-4 hours on high, 4-8 hours on low |
| Cutting | Slice against the grain to make it easier to chew |
| Storing | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for flank steak in a crock pot vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific crock pot being used. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for cooking flank steak in a crock pot.
Firstly, it is important to note that flank steak should be cooked on a low heat setting for a longer period of time rather than a high heat setting for a shorter period. This is because flank steak is a leaner cut of meat with less fat and connective tissue, and slower cooking at a lower temperature helps to break down these tissues and tenderize the meat. Cooking flank steak at a high temperature for an extended period of time can result in dry and stringy meat.
Most sources recommend cooking flank steak in a crock pot on a low heat setting for around 6 hours. This longer cooking time at a lower temperature helps to break down the tough muscle fibers in the meat, resulting in a more tender steak. It is important to note that the crock pot should not have any additional liquid added, as this can affect the cooking process and the final texture of the meat.
However, some sources suggest that cooking flank steak on a high heat setting in a crock pot for 3 to 4 hours can also yield tender results. This shorter cooking time at a higher temperature can be suitable if you are short on time or prefer a slightly less tender steak. It is important to note that the specific cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the flank steak, with larger or thicker cuts requiring a longer cooking time.
Once the flank steak is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This helps to retain the juices and prevents the meat from drying out. Slicing the steak against the grain, or opposite to the direction of the muscle fibers, also helps to shorten the long, tough meat fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew.
In summary, the optimal cooking time and temperature for flank steak in a crock pot is 6 hours on a low heat setting. However, cooking it on a high heat setting for 3 to 4 hours can also work, depending on your preferences and the specific crock pot being used. Allowing the steak to rest and slicing it against the grain are important additional steps to ensure a tender and juicy final product.
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Marinating and seasoning
One popular method is to create a dry rub with spices such as brown sugar, chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. The spice rub is then generously applied to the steak, ensuring that it coats the entire surface. This technique allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and creates a delicious crust during cooking.
Another option is to prepare a wet marinade. A simple marinade can be made by mixing balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. The steak is then placed in this mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, and left to marinate for several hours or even overnight. This process helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour.
Additionally, some recipes suggest browning the steak in a skillet with oil before transferring it to the crock pot. This step adds flavour and creates a seared exterior that helps lock in juices during slow cooking.
When it comes to seasoning, flank steak pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Simple seasonings like salt and pepper are often used, but other options include thyme, bay leaf, and garlic. These seasonings enhance the natural flavour of the meat and can be added directly to the crock pot during cooking.
The versatility of flank steak allows for experimentation with different marinades and seasonings to find your preferred combination. Whether you opt for a dry rub, a wet marinade, or a combination of both, the crock pot is an excellent choice for slow-cooking flank steak to juicy perfection.
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Cutting and serving
Once your flank steak is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to help it retain its juices.
The key to cutting flank steak is to slice it thinly and against the grain, which means cutting opposite to the muscle fibres. This shortens the long, tough meat fibres, making the meat more tender and easier to chew. You can use a sharp knife to cut the steak into strips, or shred it with two forks.
Now your flank steak is ready to serve! You can serve it plain, or with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or in tacos, fajitas, sandwiches, or on a bed of arugula. You can also spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the steak, and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Crockpot preparation
Yes, you can cook flank steak in a crock pot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, decide on your marinade or seasoning. A simple combination of salt and pepper can work, or you can try a mixture of brown sugar, chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. You could also add olive oil to the crockpot and rub it around until the inside is coated.
Next, place the flank steak in the crockpot. If using a marinade, pour the mixture over the steak and flip it once or twice to ensure the steak is coated. If using a seasoning, rub the mixture onto the steak, ensuring it is fully coated.
Now, cover the crockpot and set the desired temperature and time. The cooking time will depend on your preference for doneness, but most recipes recommend cooking flank steak in a crockpot for around 3-4 hours on high or 4-8 hours on low.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the steak from the crockpot and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. It is recommended to slice the steak against the grain, which will shorten the long, tough meat fibres and make the steak easier to chew.
Your crockpot flank steak is now ready to serve! It can be served in various ways, such as on a bun, in a quesadilla, over mashed potatoes, on top of mac and cheese, or as nachos. Enjoy!
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Sides and accompaniments
There are numerous side dishes and accompaniments that go well with a flank steak cooked in a crock pot. Here are some ideas:
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a popular choice to serve with flank steak. For extra flavour, you can pour some of the juices from the crockpot over the potatoes. You can also top it with mushroom gravy.
Rice
White rice, cauliflower rice, or brown rice are all great options to serve with the flank steak.
Vegetables
Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potato cubes, or a green salad, can be a healthy side dish to the steak.
Noodles
Egg noodles are a good option to serve with the flank steak.
Nachos, quesadillas, or tacos
You can use the flank steak as a filling for nachos, quesadillas, or tacos. You can also add other toppings like lettuce, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
Sandwiches
Shredded flank steak can be used as a sandwich filling. You can also add barbecue sauce to the steak before serving it in sandwiches.
Other options
Some other options include serving the flank steak with mac and cheese, a baked potato, or even on its own.
There are many ways to customise these side dishes and accompaniments to your liking, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 3-4 hours on a high setting or 4-8 hours on a low setting.
It is best to cut flank steak against the grain, which shortens the long, tough meat fibres and makes the steak easier to chew.
Flank steak can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, in sandwiches, tacos, fajitas, or even on its own.
