Marianne Martinez
Slow-cooking flank steak in a crock pot is a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy a tender cut of beef. The key to tenderizing flank steak is to marinate it before cooking. You can cook the flank steak in the crock pot on a low setting for 6-8 hours or on a high setting for 3-4 hours. You can serve the flank steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice, and pour mushroom gravy over the whole plate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, lime juice, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, olive oil, ranch mix, paprika, cayenne, coconut sugar, liquid smoke, molasses, French onion dip mix |
| Cooking Time | 3-8 hours depending on the setting and size of the steak |
| Cooking Setting | Low or High |
| Temperature | 145°F (63°C) |
| Serving Suggestions | Tacos, sandwiches, steak & potatoes, mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, nachos, quesadillas, mac and cheese, cauliflower rice, avocado, bed of greens, grilled tri-coloured peppers and onions |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the steak
One option for the marinade is a mixture of balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the flank steak in the slow cooker, coat it with the marinade, and flip it once before cooking.
Another option is to make a spice rub. Mix 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 sprinkle on the remaining spice mixture, rubbing it in with your fingers. Add olive oil to the crock pot, place the flank steak inside, and cover.
You can also try a savoury-sweet Asian-inspired marinade by combining soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Place the flank steak in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it.
If you're short on time, a simple mixture of salt and pepper can also work well. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper and place it in the slow cooker. Add carrots, onions, thyme, and a bay leaf. Pour in water and cook until tender.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for slow-cooking flank steak in a Crock Pot depend on the desired level of doneness and the size of the steak. It's important to note that unlike other cooking methods, a chewy slow-cooked steak indicates that it is undercooked rather than overcooked.
For a well-done steak, it is recommended to cook the flank steak on a low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This extended cooking time at a lower temperature ensures that the steak is thoroughly cooked while maintaining its tenderness. If you prefer a medium-rare steak, you can reduce the cooking time by an hour and then check for doneness. If the steak is not cooked to your liking, you can continue cooking in 30-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
The size of the flank steak also plays a role in determining the cooking time. For a thicker cut of flank steak, a longer cooking time is recommended, ranging from 6 to 8 hours on low heat. This allows the heat to penetrate the meat evenly and break down the tough fibers, resulting in a tender steak. On the other hand, a thinner cut of flank steak, such as skirt steak, will cook more quickly and may only require 3 to 4 hours on high heat or 4 to 5 hours on low heat.
It is worth mentioning that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of steaks cooked simultaneously in the Crock Pot. When cooking multiple steaks, it is advisable to start with the prescribed cooking time and then adjust accordingly. If the steak is not as tender as desired, increase the cooking time in 30-minute increments until the desired tenderness is achieved.
To ensure food safety, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the flank steak. The steak should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to be considered safe for consumption.
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Resting the steak
Once the steak is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the steak is juicy and tender. Depending on the size of your steak, you should let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. If you are cooking a larger steak, you may need to let it rest for a little longer, up to 15 minutes.
During the resting period, it is important to keep the steak covered to retain moisture and keep it warm. You can loosely tent it with foil or place it under a warming lamp if you have one. If you are cooking multiple steaks, you can hold them in a warm oven until they are ready to be served.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with it. For example, mashed potatoes or rice are great accompaniments to a slow-cooked flank steak. You can also use this time to make a quick pan sauce if desired.
Finally, once the resting time is complete, you can slice the steak against the grain into strips or shred it with a fork. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew. Then, simply serve the steak with your chosen sides and enjoy!
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Cutting the steak
When it comes to cutting the steak, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to let the steak rest for a few minutes after removing it from the crockpot. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy steak.
Once the steak has rested, it's important to cut it against the grain. This means cutting across the grain at a slight angle, rather than parallel to it. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew and ensuring a more tender bite.
The thickness of the slices is also important. For flank steak, it is generally recommended to slice it into thin strips. This not only makes it easier to eat but also helps to ensure that the steak is cooked evenly throughout.
Depending on your preference, you can choose to shred the steak instead of cutting it into slices. Shredding the steak can be a great option if you're using it for dishes like tacos, sandwiches, or salads. It adds a more textured bite and allows the flavors of the spices and sauces to really shine.
Lastly, it's important to use a sharp knife when cutting the steak. A dull knife can make it more difficult to achieve clean cuts and may lead to the steak shredding unintentionally. A sharp, well-maintained knife will make the cutting process smoother and help you achieve the desired thickness and consistency for your slices.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked flank steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Tacos, Fajitas, and Quesadillas
Create delicious tacos by shredding the flank steak and serving it in soft or hard taco shells with lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and other fixings. You can also use the steak in fajitas or quesadillas for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Sandwiches and Buns
Flank steak sandwiches are a classic option. Try serving the steak on a bun with your favorite toppings and condiments. You can also add it to a quesadilla for a heartier option.
Rice Bowls
For a rice bowl, serve the flank steak on a bed of cauliflower rice or white/brown rice. Top it with grilled vegetables like tri-colored bell peppers and onions, and add a dollop of guacamole for a creamy touch.
Noodles and Pasta
Slow-cooked flank steak goes well with noodles and pasta dishes. Try serving it over fettuccine noodles with a Mexican cheese sauce, or follow an Asian-inspired recipe by cooking the steak with soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Serve it over rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Mashed Potatoes and Mac and Cheese
For a comforting meal, serve the flank steak with mashed potatoes and pour mushroom gravy over the entire plate. You can also try it with mac and cheese for a indulgent treat.
Salads and Greens
For a lighter option, serve the flank steak on a bed of greens with your favorite vegetables. Add some avocado or guacamole for a creamy touch, or top it with grilled vegetables for a heartier salad.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can get creative with your favorite ingredients and combinations. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and serving options to find your perfect flank steak meal!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook the flank steak for about 6 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.
It is recommended to cut the flank steak against the grain, which shortens the fibres and makes the steak easier to chew.
Allow the steak to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, slowly warm the steak in a pan with a splash of liquid. If using a microwave, use 50% power and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
It is possible to cook two flank steaks in the crock pot at the same time. The cooking time may need to be adjusted, adding 30-minute increments until the desired tenderness is achieved.
