Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook beef flank steak? Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a perfectly tender and flavorful steak ready to enjoy. Whether you prefer a spicy rub or a savory sauce, there are endless possibilities for seasoning and serving this versatile cut of meat.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Beef Flank Steak In Crock Pot?
First, start by preparing your seasoning. You can use a pre-made seasoning mix or create your own by combining spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Rub the seasoning all over the flank steak, making sure to coat it evenly.
Next, place the seasoned steak in your crock pot and add any additional ingredients you want to cook with it, such as onions, mushrooms, or carrots. Pour in some beef broth or water to help keep the meat moist.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your steak and your crock pot’s settings, so be sure to check on it periodically.
Once the steak is fully cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will help ensure that each slice is tender and easy to chew.
Choosing The Right Flank Steak
When it comes to choosing the right flank steak for your crock pot recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for a steak that is well-marbled with fat. This will help keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
You’ll also want to consider the size of the steak. A larger steak will take longer to cook, so if you’re short on time, opt for a smaller cut.
Another factor to consider is the thickness of the steak. Thicker cuts will take longer to cook and may require more seasoning to ensure that the flavor penetrates all the way through.
Finally, pay attention to the color and texture of the meat. Look for a bright red color and firm, but not tough, texture. Avoid any steak that appears gray or has a slimy texture, as this may indicate that it is past its prime.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect flank steak for your crock pot recipe and ensure that it turns out tender, flavorful, and delicious every time.
Preparing Your Steak For The Crock Pot
Before you start cooking your beef flank steak in the crock pot, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure it comes out tender and flavorful. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Season the steak: You can use a pre-made seasoning mix or create your own by combining spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Rub the seasoning all over the flank steak, making sure to coat it evenly.
2. Sear the steak (optional): While not necessary, searing the steak before adding it to the crock pot can help enhance its flavor and texture. Heat up some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak on both sides until browned.
3. Add liquid: Pour in some beef broth or water to help keep the meat moist during cooking. You can also add other ingredients like onions, mushrooms, or carrots at this point.
4. Cook on low heat: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your steak and your crock pot’s settings, so be sure to check on it periodically.
5. Rest and slice: Once the steak is fully cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will help ensure that each slice is tender and easy to chew.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to make a delicious and tender beef flank steak in your crock pot with minimal effort.
Seasoning Options For Flank Steak
When it comes to seasoning your flank steak for the crock pot, there are many options to choose from. One option is to use a pre-made seasoning mix, which can be found at most grocery stores. These mixes often contain a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, making it easy to add flavor without having to measure out individual spices.
Alternatively, you can create your own seasoning blend by combining spices like paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This allows you to customize the flavor to your liking and adjust the spice level to your preference.
Another option is to marinate the steak before cooking it in the crock pot. A simple marinade can be made with ingredients like soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic. This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
No matter which seasoning option you choose, be sure to coat the steak evenly and let it sit for a few minutes before placing it in the crock pot. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and result in a more flavorful dish.
Cooking Your Flank Steak In The Crock Pot
Cooking your flank steak in the crock pot is a great way to achieve a perfectly tender and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Here are a few different methods you can try:
Method 1: Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Spice Rub
– In a medium sized bowl, whisk together brown sugar, chili powder, ranch mix, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
– Rub the spice rub into the steak to fully coat it.
– Pour olive oil into a greased crockpot, then top with seasoned steak.
– Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours.
– Remove steak from the crockpot and use a sharp knife to slice it into strips against the grain, then serve as desired.
Method 2: Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Mushroom Gravy
– Season the flank steak with salt and pepper and place into a slow cooker.
– Add carrots and onions; season with thyme and bay.
– Pour in water.
– Cook on High for 4 hours; turn the steak over and press down into the liquid.
– Continue cooking until a fork easily passes through the meat, about 4 hours more.
– Remove steak from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
– Serve with mushroom gravy.
Method 3: Slow Cooker Flank Steak Stir Fry
– Thinly slice flank steak into strips (be sure to slice against the grain).
– Place steak strips in a large bowl. Add cornstarch and toss to coat.
– Add thinly sliced carrots and bell peppers to the crockpot and add the steak.
– In a bowl, combine beef broth, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, tamari and hot sauce and stir to combine. Pour the sauce into the crockpot and stir to coat.
– Cook on low for 6 hours.
– Prior to serving, stir in a bag of cooked, steamed broccoli.
– Taste and adjust seasonings. You can add salt, add more hot sauce or even sprinkle with garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
– Serve over rice and top with green onions.
No matter which method you choose, cooking your flank steak in the crock pot is an easy way to create a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Just remember to check on it periodically to ensure that it doesn’t overcook or dry out.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Flank Steak
Now that your delicious flank steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! There are many ways to enjoy your slow-cooked flank steak, and here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Serve it with mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful flank steak. Simply spoon some of the cooking liquid over the steak and potatoes for added flavor.
2. Make tacos: Shred the flank steak and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
3. Add it to a salad: Slice the flank steak thinly and add it to a bed of mixed greens, along with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Make a sandwich: Slice the flank steak and pile it high on a crusty roll with some sautéed onions and peppers. Top with melted provolone cheese for a delicious Philly cheesesteak-inspired sandwich.
No matter how you choose to serve your flank steak, be sure to savor each bite and enjoy the delicious flavors that come from slow cooking this cut of meat in the crock pot.