Ella Walter
Slow cooking marinated steak is a convenient way to prepare a tasty meal, especially for those with busy lives. Marinating the steak beforehand helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavour. The process can be done in two ways: either by placing the steak in an airtight container with the marinade and letting it sit in the refrigerator for 2-12 hours, or by adding the marinated steak directly into the slow cooker. The latter method is more suitable for those short on time, but it is important to note that the marinade should be diluted with broth or water to prevent the flavours from becoming too concentrated. Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches a safe internal temperature during cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade ingredients | Olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, basil, garlic powder, parsley, white pepper, minced garlic, hot pepper sauce |
| Marinating time | 2-12 hours, depending on acidity of marinade |
| Refrigeration | Yes |
| Marinade reuse | Yes, but only after boiling the liquid |
| Cooking time | 7-10 hours |
| Cooking temperature | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating a steak before cooking it in a crock pot helps tenderize the meat and adds flavour. The longer you leave the steak to marinate, the more tender it will be. You can marinate it for a few hours or overnight. If you're short on time, you can add the marinade directly to the crock pot, but this will not have the same tenderizing effect.
To make the marinade, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Basil
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- White pepper
- Minced garlic
- Hot pepper sauce (optional)
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until thoroughly combined, which should take around 30 seconds. You can also add black garlic for an extra layer of smokiness and sweetness. Once the marinade is ready, place the steak in an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag, and pour the marinade over it. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Leave the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
If you plan to marinate the steak overnight, you can place the sealed bag in the freezer, but remember to take it out the night before you plan to cook. When you're ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and shake off the excess. It's important to note that you should not reuse the marinade straight from the bag as the bacteria from the raw meat could make you sick. However, you can make it safe to eat by boiling the liquid for several minutes, resulting in a thick sauce that will complement your steak nicely.
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Marinating time
The length of marinating time depends on the acidity of the marinade. A highly acidic marinade will require less time, around 2-8 hours, whereas a less acidic marinade can be left for up to 12 hours.
If you are short on time, you can still achieve delicious results by adding the marinade directly to the crock pot with the steak. This method allows the flavours to infuse during the extended cooking time, and the slow cooker's low temperature will kill any harmful bacteria.
For those who plan ahead, freezing the steak in its marinade is an option. Place the steak and marinade in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Take the steak out of the freezer the night before you plan to cook it, and it will be ready to pop into the crock pot the next day.
The marinating time for steak is flexible, and you can adjust it according to your schedule and the flavours you want to achieve.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for marinated steak in a crock pot depends on various factors, including the type and size of the steak, the acidity of the marinade, and the desired level of doneness.
It is recommended that you marinate the steak for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator before cooking it in the crock pot. This allows the steak to absorb the flavours of the marinade. If you are short on time, you can add the marinade directly to the crock pot along with the steak, but marinating beforehand will result in a more flavourful steak.
When cooking the marinated steak in the crock pot, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the marinade is properly diluted, as crock pots do not allow for much evaporation. You can add some broth or water to the marinade to prevent the flavours from becoming too concentrated. Secondly, the cooking time will depend on the type and size of the steak. Larger cuts of steak will take longer to cook than smaller ones. As a reference, larger cuts of beef or pork typically take around 8-10 hours to cook in a crock pot on low heat. However, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak reaches a safe internal temperature before consuming it.
Additionally, if you are cooking other ingredients with the steak in the crock pot, such as vegetables, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Vegetables may become too soft if cooked for too long, so it is important to keep an eye on them and adjust the timing as needed.
In terms of temperature, it is recommended to cook the marinated steak on low heat in the crock pot. This allows the steak to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome. Cooking on high heat for a shorter period of time may not allow the steak to reach the desired level of doneness and may affect the texture and taste.
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Cooking methods
Firstly, prepare your marinade. A good marinade for steak includes olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, basil, garlic powder, parsley, white pepper, minced garlic, and hot pepper sauce. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until thoroughly combined, which should take around 30 seconds.
Next, place your steak in an airtight container, such as a large freezer bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is coated on all sides, then remove any excess air from the bag, seal, and place in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
When you are ready to cook your steak, there are several methods you can use. You can either cook it in a crockpot/slow cooker, or on a grill.
If using a crockpot/slow cooker, simply add the steak and marinade to the pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours. It is recommended to dilute the marinade with water or broth to prevent the flavors from becoming too intense. You can also add vegetables to the pot, but be aware that these may become too soft if cooked for too long.
If you prefer to use a grill, remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade and cook the steaks to your desired level of doneness. This method will give your steak a crisp exterior, which cannot be achieved using a crockpot/slow cooker.
You can also combine the two methods by partially cooking the steak in a crockpot/slow cooker, then finishing it on the grill. This will give you the benefit of tender meat with a flavorful marinade, as well as a nice sear on the outside.
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Serving suggestions
While some people prefer to cook steak on a grill to achieve a crisp exterior, cooking steak in a crockpot is a great way to make the meat tender. You can cut the steak into cubes and cook it with vegetables, such as onions, celery, and carrots, or potatoes, sweet potatoes, and baby corn. You can also add beef or chicken broth/stock, or water to the crockpot.
For seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and/or sage are good options. A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the flavor. If you want to add a marinade to your steak before placing it in the crockpot, a simple recipe includes soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, basil, parsley, and pepper. You can also add hot sauce and garlic if you wish.
Once you have cooked your marinated steak in the crockpot, you can serve it with rice, egg noodles, or chow mein.
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Frequently asked questions
Marinating your steak for a few hours or even overnight can help infuse the meat with flavour. If you're short on time, you can add the marinade directly to the crock pot/slow cooker, but this is best left for 7-8 hours to cook.
A good marinade needs oil to keep the meat moist. You can use olive oil for this. You'll also need sauces like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice for acidity and brightness. You can add hot sauce for heat, and some garlic for an extra layer of smokiness and sweetness.
Place all the ingredients, including the steak, in a large freezer bag. Mix the ingredients well, coating the steak on all sides. Remove the air from the bag, seal, and lay flat to freeze. On the day of cooking, follow the instructions for your chosen recipe.
