Marianne Martinez
Skirt steak is a flavourful cut of beef that is typically cut from the plate of a cow, a boneless cut that is found under the ribs. This cut of meat is known for its flavour and can be cooked in a crockpot for a delicious, tender meal. Skirt steak can be cooked slowly in a crockpot for a minimum of 4 hours, or for up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness. This slow-cooked method is perfect for busy days and can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to rice and noodles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of cooking | Very easy |
| Taste | Tender, savory, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth |
| Preparation time | Minimal |
| Cook time | 4-8 hours |
| Temperature | Low |
| Serving suggestions | Rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, tortillas, grilled bread |
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What You'll Learn
Crock-Pot Skirt Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Skirt steak is a cut of beef known for its flavour rather than its tenderness. However, when cooked slowly in a crock pot, it becomes incredibly tender. This recipe for Crock-Pot Skirt Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a simple and affordable dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner but also flavourful enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients
This recipe requires only four simple ingredients: beef skirt steak, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and sliced mushrooms.
Preparation
To prepare, cut the beef skirt steak into bite-sized pieces and place them in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Layer the sliced mushrooms on top of the steak. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and the onion soup mix until there is no dry soup mix left. Pour this mixture over the mushrooms and steak.
Cooking
Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the steak is very tender. The longer and slower the cooking, the more tender the steak will be.
Serving
Once cooked, carefully transfer the steak from the slow cooker to a cutting board and slice it against the grain. Serve as is, or over cooked white or brown rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Variations and Tips
For a classic fajita-inspired twist, add colourful bell peppers and onions. For a refreshing springtime variation, pair the steak with sautéed peas and fresh mint. For a sweeter dish, replace the Worcestershire sauce with BBQ sauce. To add a smoky flavour, sprinkle smoked paprika over the steak. For a nutritious option, pair the steak with carrots and potatoes. Finally, for a rich and delicious taste, marinate the steak in red wine before cooking.
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Slow-cooked skirt steak with onions
This mouthwatering slow-cooked skirt steak with onions is a delicious and fuss-free meal that delivers exceptional flavor and tenderness. It's perfect for busy days or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Skirt steak
- Garlic powder or minced garlic
- Cumin
- Salt
- Italian seasonings
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Onions
- Water
Optional ingredients for serving
- Gluten-free tortillas
- Your favorite toppings
- Rice
- Noodles
- Mashed potatoes
Instructions
In a large storage bag, mix the skirt steak, garlic powder or minced garlic, cumin, salt, Italian seasonings, black pepper, and onion powder. Seal the bag and marinate the steak in the refrigerator overnight. Thinly slice the onions. You can use a spiralizer for uniform slices. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Lay the marinated skirt steak on top of the onions and add 1/2 cup of water. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until the steak is very tender. Remove the steak from the slow cooker and shred or pull it apart using two forks. Serve the shredded steak on a platter with the cooked onions. Optionally, serve with gluten-free tortillas and your favorite toppings for a delicious steak taco.
Tips
- For a classic fajita-inspired twist, add colorful bell peppers.
- For a refreshing spring-inspired dish, pair the steak with sautéed peas and fresh mint.
- For a sweeter taste, replace the Worcestershire sauce with BBQ sauce.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika over the steak for a smoky flavor.
- For a nutritious meal, pair the steak with carrots and potatoes.
- Marinate the steak in red wine for a rich and delicious taste.
- Cut the skirt steak into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and to prevent any parts from becoming overcooked or tough.
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Best temperature and timing
The best temperature and timing for cooking skirt steak in the crock pot depend on the level of tenderness you desire and whether you're using an Instant Pot or a slow cooker.
If you're seeking exceptionally tender steak, it's best to cook it on LOW heat for an extended period. Most sources recommend slow cooking skirt steak for 8 hours on LOW heat. However, if you're short on time, you can cook it for 4 hours on HIGH, but the meat may not be as tender.
For those using an Instant Pot, you have the option to set it to "slow cook" for a similar result as a traditional slow cooker. Alternatively, you can pressure cook the steak in about 45 minutes, offering a quicker option without sacrificing tenderness.
It's worth noting that the size of the steak pieces can also impact the cooking time. Smaller, bite-sized pieces will cook more evenly and quickly, preventing overcooking or toughness.
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How to serve skirt steak
Skirt steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
Slicing and Presentation
Skirt steak is typically sliced across the grain or perpendicular to it, resulting in smaller pieces that are easier to chew and prevent the meat from becoming chewy or tough. While slicing flank steak widthwise is common due to its lengthwise fibres, skirt steak fibres run widthwise. Thus, it is recommended to cut the length of the skirt steak into smaller pieces and then slice those pieces across into shorter slices.
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
Skirt steak can be served with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas:
- Rice: Jasmine rice or cooked white or brown rice.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or rice noodles.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or a light potato salad.
- Vegetables: Sautéed peas and fresh mint, colourful bell peppers, onions, broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms.
Marinades and Sauces
Skirt steak pairs well with various marinades and sauces:
- Marinades: A balsamic vinegar-based marinade with brown sugar, pomegranate molasses, honey, mustard, olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, soy sauce, scallions, ginger, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, or a combination of soy sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Sauces and Seasonings: Chimichurri (an Argentinian herb sauce), pesto, salsa verde, flavoured butter, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or smoked paprika.
Dish Ideas
Skirt steak is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes:
- Sandwiches: A popular street food sandwich in Mexico and Venezuela, known as a pepito, features seared skirt steak with tomato, avocado, crema, and hot sauce.
- Stir-Fry: Combine seared onions, mushrooms, and skirt steak with cream, parsley, and noodles for a stir-fry dish.
- Fajitas, Tacos, and Salads: Skirt steak is commonly used in sliced-steak dishes like fajitas, tacos, and salads.
- Goulash: Swap out stew beef for skirt steak in this traditional Hungarian dish, seasoned with paprika and served over noodles.
These are just a few suggestions on how to serve skirt steak, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy this delicious dish!
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Skirt steak vs flank steak
Skirt steak and flank steak are both delicious, economical cuts that are popular in home and restaurant dishes. They are also both from the group known as "flat steaks" and have a deep, beefy flavour. However, there are some differences between the two.
Skirt steak is a long, thin, ribbon-like cut that comes from the plate (belly) section just below the rib of the cow. It has a loose grain that resembles a pleated skirt, hence its name. It has more fat, making it taste richer and juicier than flank steak. It also has more connective tissue. A full skirt steak weighs from 1 to 2 pounds and is about 1/2 inch thick.
Flank steak, on the other hand, is a flat, oval steak cut from the flank area located just behind the plate and in front of the rear legs of the cow. It weighs from 1 to 2 pounds and is typically about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. It is famous for its meaty flavour but lacks marbling (interior fat veins), making it tougher than some other cuts. It is also easier to find in stores.
In terms of cooking, skirt steak is best cooked to at least medium-rare but no more than medium. Flank steak should be cooked to no more than medium-rare. Marinades penetrate skirt steak's rough surface more quickly, while flank steak benefits from a slightly longer marinade of up to 24 hours. When slicing, flank steak should be sliced across its narrow end, while skirt steak should first be cut into shorter pieces with the grain, then turned 90 degrees and sliced across the grain.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook skirt steak in a crock pot for 6 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. However, for the tenderest meat possible, some recommend cooking on low heat for 8 hours.
It is recommended to cut the skirt steak into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also marinate the steak in red wine or a mixture of garlic powder or minced garlic, cumin, salt, Italian seasonings, black pepper, and onion powder.
Crock pot skirt steak can be served with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or as-is. For a fajita-inspired twist, you can add bell peppers and onions. For a refreshing spring-inspired dish, pair the steak with sauteed peas and fresh mint.
