Ella Walter
Cooking flank steak in a crock pot is a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy a lean cut of beef. It's an easy, convenient method that yields tender, juicy, and flavorful results. The key to achieving this lies in the marinade and slow cooking process, which breaks down the steak's fibers, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This versatile dish can be adapted for various cuisines, from Greek to Mexican, and is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a relaxed dinner with family and friends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, pineapple juice, sesame oil, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, olive oil, red pepper flakes, ginger |
| Marinating time | Overnight or at least 4 hours |
| Cooking time | 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low |
| Cut | Slice against the grain |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, rice, French fries, baked potato, tacos, sandwiches, steak & potatoes, savory bowls, salads |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the steak
There are many different ways to marinate a flank steak. One option is to use a combination of balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the flank steak in a slow cooker and coat it with this marinade, flipping it once before cooking. Another option is to use a spice rub made from brown sugar, chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle half of the spice rub on one side of the flank steak, pressing it in with your fingers so that the mixture coats the entire side. Turn the steak over and repeat on the other side. Add olive oil to the slow cooker, place the flank steak inside, and cover.
You can also try a teriyaki marinade by combining soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, pineapple juice, and red pepper flakes in a large zip-lock bag. Add the flank steak to the bag, ensuring that it is well-coated in the marinade. Leave the steak to marinate in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least four hours.
If you don't have time to marinate your steak overnight, you can try marinating it as it cooks in the slow cooker. However, for the best results, it is recommended to marinate the steak for a longer period of time to enhance the depth of flavour.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for flank steak in a crock pot varies depending on the desired level of tenderness and the specific crock pot being used. It is important to monitor the steak's progress and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
When cooking on a high setting, the steak should be cooked for 3-4 hours. This range ensures that those who prefer a slightly less tender steak can enjoy it after three hours, while those seeking a more tender steak can leave it for an additional hour. However, it is worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking flank steak on high for up to four and a half hours, indicating that there is a degree of flexibility in the cooking time.
On the other hand, cooking flank steak on a low setting typically takes 6-7 hours. This extended duration at a lower temperature allows the steak to become very tender. Some recipes even suggest cooking the steak on low for up to eight hours, depending on its size. This longer cooking time is ideal for busy individuals who can prepare the meal in advance and have it ready by the end of the day.
It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary when preparing multiple steaks in the same crock pot. While the cooking time may remain the same, it is advisable to monitor the tenderness of the steak and adjust accordingly. If the steak is not as tender as desired, it is recommended to increase the cooking time in 30-minute increments until the desired tenderness is achieved.
Additionally, the cooking time can be influenced by the marination process. Marinating the flank steak before cooking can enhance its flavour and tenderness. For optimal results, it is recommended to marinate the steak overnight or for at least four hours. This process allows the steak to absorb the flavours and tenderize, resulting in a more flavourful and tender outcome.
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Cutting the steak
Once your steak is cooked, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
When it comes to cutting flank steak, the direction of your cuts is important. You should always slice against the grain of the meat. This shortens the muscle fibres, making the steak easier to chew and giving it a more tender texture. If you want to shred the meat, slice the steak against the grain first, then shred it into smaller pieces.
The grain of the meat refers to the direction that the muscle fibres are running in. In a flank steak, these fibres are usually running lengthwise, so you should cut the steak into thin strips crosswise.
For a 2-2.5 pound steak, you'll want to slice the steak quite thinly. This will give you a yield of around 4 servings. If you want smaller pieces, you can break up the strips after slicing.
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Storing leftovers
When it comes to reheating your leftover flank steak, you have a few options. You can warm the steak slowly in a pan on the stove with a splash of liquid, or use a microwave on 50% power in 30-second bursts until warmed through. If you have frozen your leftovers, they will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge and then microwave, bake, or warm on the stove.
Leftover flank steak is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can use it to make sandwiches, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, or even eat it plain. Some people have also mentioned using the leftovers in eggs, which sounds delicious!
So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that will provide plenty of leftovers, crockpot flank steak is a perfect choice. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and leftovers!
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Side dishes
There are many side dishes that go well with crockpot flank steak. Here are some ideas:
Rice or Noodles
You can serve the flank steak over a bed of rice or noodles. This can be a great way to soak up any extra sauce or juices from the steak. For example, if you cook the flank steak with an Asian-inspired sauce of soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, rice or noodles would be a delicious complement.
Vegetables
Air fryer carrots or sweet potato cubes can be a great, healthy side dish to go with your flank steak. You could also try grilled tri-colored bell peppers and onions, or a simple side salad with greens, avocado, and grilled vegetables. If you're looking for something more indulgent, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy would be a tasty option.
Biscuits
Biscuits can be a nice, easy side dish to make to go with your flank steak. They can add a bit of crunch and texture to your meal.
Taco Shells
If you're in the mood for something a little more fun and messy, you can shred the flank steak and serve it in taco shells with avocado, guacamole, and fresh lime. This can be a great option if you're feeding a crowd, as people can assemble their own tacos to their liking.
Cauliflower Rice
For a lower-carb option, you can serve the flank steak over cauliflower rice. This can be a tasty, healthy alternative to traditional rice and can be a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook flank steak in a crock pot for 6 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.
Flank steak is ideal for crock pots due to its ability to absorb marinades, but skirt steak or flat-iron steak are also good alternatives.
Leftover flank steak should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Flank steak cooked in a crock pot can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or fries. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls.
The flank steak should be cooked until it is very tender. If it is still chewy, it needs to be cooked longer.
