Are you looking for a leaner and more affordable alternative to the traditional chuck beef stew?
Look no further than flank steak!
This underrated cut of beef is not only lower in fat, but also more tender and flavorful when cooked properly.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using flank steak for beef stew and provide some delicious recipes to try out.
So, can you use flank steak for beef stew?
Absolutely!
Let’s dive in and find out why.
Can I Use Flank Steak For Beef Stew?
As mentioned above, flank steak is a great option for beef stew. It’s a leaner cut of beef, providing about 8-9 grams of fat per 4oz serving, compared to the 22g of fat in chuck steak. Flank steak is also more easily broken down when sliced or cubed, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
While traditional beef stew recipes call for chuck or other tougher cuts of beef that require long braising times to become tender, flank steak can be pan sautéed and quickly cooked to create a flavorful gravy. This means you can have a delicious and nutritious beef stew in less time than traditional recipes.
Why Flank Steak Is A Great Choice For Beef Stew
Flank steak is a great choice for beef stew for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a leaner cut of beef, making it a healthier option. This is because it contains less fat than other cuts of beef, such as chuck steak. Secondly, flank steak is much more easily broken down when sliced or cubed, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy texture. This makes it a great option for stews that require shorter cooking times.
Another reason flank steak is a great choice for beef stew is because it takes on marinades very well. This means you can add additional flavor to your stew by marinating the flank steak beforehand. Additionally, high heat and quick cooking is the best way to cook flank steak, which means you can have a delicious and nutritious beef stew in less time than traditional recipes.
How To Prepare Flank Steak For Beef Stew
To prepare flank steak for beef stew, start by patting the meat dry with paper towels and sprinkling it with salt and pepper. Then, heat a heavy, ovenproof pot over medium-high heat and add a generous drizzle of oil. Cook the meat in batches, without crowding the pan, until it’s browned well on all sides. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pot and add diced onions and celery (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and starting to loosen the browned bits in the bottom of the pan.
Next, add minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot and cook for another minute. Add vinegar and cook for another minute. Then, add chicken broth or beef stock along with red wine. Cover the pot and simmer for about 2 1/2 hours until the meat is very tender.
Finally, add diced potatoes, carrots, parsnips, or any other vegetables you prefer to the pot. Stir to coat everything well and return to the oven for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender. If you’re adding peas, stir them in for the last 5 minutes.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare flank steak for beef stew that’s both delicious and nutritious. Remember to choose lean cuts of beef like flank steak to reduce fat content while still enjoying all the flavors of a comforting beef stew.
Tips For Cooking Flank Steak In Beef Stew
When using flank steak in beef stew, there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best results:
1. Brown the meat first: Before adding the flank steak to the stew, it’s important to brown it on all sides in a hot pan. This helps to develop a rich, caramelized flavor and seals in the juices.
2. Cut against the grain: Flank steak has long muscle fibers that can make it tough if not sliced correctly. To ensure tender meat, always cut against the grain, which means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fiber.
3. Use low heat: While flank steak cooks faster than other cuts of beef, it’s still important to use low heat when making beef stew. This allows the meat to slowly break down and become tender, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Add vegetables and seasonings: To enhance the flavor of your beef stew, be sure to add plenty of vegetables and seasonings. Carrots, onions, garlic, and celery are classic additions, while herbs like thyme and bay leaves add depth and complexity.
5. Consider using a slow cooker: If you have a busy schedule or want to save time in the kitchen, consider using a slow cooker to make your flank steak beef stew. Simply brown the meat and vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying beef stew using flank steak as your protein of choice.
Delicious Flank Steak Beef Stew Recipes To Try At Home
Here are some delicious and easy-to-make flank steak beef stew recipes that you can try at home:
1. Flank Steak Stew with Japanese Sweet Potatoes: This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something hearty and comforting. The stew is loaded with lean flank steak, Japanese sweet potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and celery. It’s a sweet and savory stew that hits all the right flavor notes and will surely warm you up on any cold day.
2. Lean and Mean Beef Stew: This easy beef stew recipe is made with thinly sliced flank steak instead of beef stew meat or a beef roast. The flank steak is browned in a soup pot and then seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Onions, carrots, and celery are added along with reduced-sodium beef broth. The stew simmers for about 45 minutes before the potatoes are added.
3. Slow Cooker Flank Steak Stew with Guinness: This recipe is perfect for those who want to set it and forget it. The flank steak is cut into large 1″ pieces and browned in a large skillet before being added to the slow cooker. Bacon, onion, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms are added to the slow cooker along with a mixture of Guinness, tomato paste, and beef broth. The stew cooks on high heat for at least 6 hours or low heat for 8 hours.
All of these recipes use flank steak as the main protein source and result in a delicious and nutritious beef stew that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and comforting. Give them a try at home and enjoy!
Other Cuts Of Beef To Consider For Stew Making
While chuck steak is the most common and popular cut of beef used for stewing, there are other cuts that can also work well. One such cut is bone-in short rib, which is a highly marbled and flavorful cut that can add depth and richness to your stew. Oxtail is another option that can impart a unique flavor and texture to your dish, thanks to its high gelatin content. Fatty brisket or “second cut” is also a good choice, as it has a good amount of marbling and connective tissue that can contribute to a juicy and tender stew.
Bohemian or bottom sirloin flap is another cut that can work well in stews. It comes from the bottom sirloin section of the cow and has a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, making it flavorful and tender when cooked slowly in liquid. Cross-cut shanks are also an option, although they may be harder to find at your local grocery store.
When choosing a cut of beef for stewing, it’s important to consider the balance between connective tissue and fat. While too much fat can result in greasy stew, too little fat can lead to dry and tough meat. The ideal cut should have enough connective tissue to break down during long cooking times, while also having some marbling to keep the meat moist and flavorful.