How Long To Cook Flank Steak In Slow Cooker

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of slow cooking! There’s something truly special about the way slow cookers transform tough cuts of meat into tender and flavorful dishes. And when it comes to flank steak, using a slow cooker can be a game-changer. In this article, we’ll dive into the art of cooking flank steak in a slow cooker, exploring the steps involved and offering tips for achieving the perfect result.

Flank steak is a versatile and flavorful cut of beef that is known for its long, lean fibers. While it can be tough if not cooked properly, the slow cooking method helps break down those fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Whether you’re preparing a hearty stew, a flavorful taco filling, or a juicy steak sandwich, slow cooking allows the flavors to develop, giving you a delectable and satisfying meal.

Before we jump into the cooking process, it’s important to choose the right flank steak for your slow cooker recipe. Look for a well-marbled steak with a vibrant red color. The marbling adds moisture and flavor to the meat, ensuring a delicious end result. Additionally, choose a steak that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness will allow for even cooking and ensure that the meat doesn’t dry out.

Now that you have your flank steak ready, let’s move on to preparing it for the slow cooker. Keep reading to discover the best techniques for seasoning and marinating your flank steak, as well as the ideal cooking times to achieve that perfectly tender outcome.

Choosing the Right Flank Steak

Choosing the right flank steak is crucial for a successful slow cooking experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your steak:

• Quality: Look for a flank steak that is fresh and of high quality. Opt for grass-fed beef, if possible, as it tends to have better flavor and texture.
• Color and Texture: A good flank steak should have a vibrant red color and firm texture. Avoid steaks that are discolored or have a slimy texture, as they may be past their prime.
• Thickness: Aim for a flank steak that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness allows for even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out or becoming overly tender.
• Marbling: Look for marbling, which refers to the small streaks of fat within the meat. Marbling adds flavor and moisture to the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end result.
• Grade: Consider the grade of the flank steak as well. Prime grade is the highest quality and is typically reserved for high-end cuts. Choice grade is a good balance between quality and affordability, while select grade is leaner but may require additional care to prevent it from becoming tough.

When choosing your flank steak, it’s important to consider the specific recipe or dish you plan to prepare. Some recipes may call for a more tender steak, while others benefit from a slightly leaner cut. Be sure to read the recipe instructions carefully and select a flank steak that suits your desired outcome.

Remember, while the slow cooking process will help tenderize the meat, starting with a quality flank steak will ensure the best possible flavor and texture. Take your time to select a steak that meets your preferences, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious slow-cooked meal.

Preparing the Flank Steak for Slow Cooking

Before you start cooking your flank steak in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare it to maximize flavor and tenderness. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Trimming: Begin by inspecting the flank steak for any excess fat or tough connective tissue. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim away these unwanted parts.
2. Tenderizing: Flank steak can benefit from tenderizing to further break down the muscle fibers and enhance its tenderness. You can use a meat tenderizer or a fork to gently pierce the surface of the meat on both sides. This process helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the steak and improves the overall texture.
3. Seasoning: Season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning helps bring out the natural flavors of the meat. If desired, you can also add additional spices or herbs to complement the flavors of your chosen recipe.
4. Marinating: While not necessary, marinating the flank steak can add an extra layer of flavor. Prepare a marinade of your choice using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lime juice, or herbs and spices. Place the seasoned flank steak in a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over it, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful end result.

By properly preparing the flank steak for slow cooking, you are setting the stage for a delicious and tender meal. The trimming and tenderizing processes ensure that the meat cooks evenly, while the seasoning and marinating steps add depth of flavor. With your flank steak ready, it’s time to turn to the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Seasoning and Marinades

Seasoning and marinating your flank steak can take its flavor profile to the next level. Here are some ideas and tips for infusing delicious flavors into your slow-cooked flank steak:

Dry Rubs: Dry rubs are a combination of spices and herbs that are applied directly to the surface of the flank steak. Create your own custom rub by combining ingredients such as paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar. Massage the rub into the meat, covering all sides, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker.

Wet Marinades: Wet marinades are a blend of liquid ingredients that help tenderize and flavor the flank steak. You can create marinades using ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, citrus juices, and herbs. Allow the flank steak to marinate in the mixture for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor absorption.

Asian-Inspired: For an Asian-inspired flavor profile, consider using soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. These ingredients will add a depth of umami flavor and a hint of sweetness to the meat.

Mexican-Inspired: If you’re in the mood for a Mexican-inspired flank steak, try using a combination of cumin, chili powder, paprika, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. This blend of spices and herbs will give your meat a bold and vibrant flavor.

Italian-Inspired: To infuse your flank steak with Italian flavors, use ingredients like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dried herbs such as oregano and basil, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This combination brings a touch of Mediterranean sophistication to your slow-cooked steak.

Whether you choose a dry rub or a wet marinade, be sure to coat the entire flank steak thoroughly and let it sit for enough time to allow the flavors to seep into the meat. The beauty of slow cooking is that it gives the seasonings and marinades ample time to work their magic, resulting in a delectable and tender flank steak.

Cooking Flank Steak in the Slow Cooker

Now that your flank steak is prepared and seasoned, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:

1. Preheat the slow cooker: Start by preheating your slow cooker on the low or high setting, depending on your desired cooking time. Most recipes recommend cooking flank steak on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours for optimal tenderness.
2. Add liquid: It’s important to add some liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the meat from drying out. This can be in the form of broth, wine, or even water. The liquid will create steam, keeping the meat moist during the cooking process.
3. Place the flank steak in the slow cooker: Carefully transfer the seasoned flank steak to the slow cooker, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. If needed, you can cut the steak into smaller pieces to fit more easily.
4. Cover and cook: Once the flank steak is in the slow cooker, cover it with the lid and let it cook according to your recipe’s instructions. As mentioned earlier, most recipes call for cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, but always follow the specific instructions provided in your recipe.
5. Avoid opening the lid: It may be tempting to check on the progress of your flank steak, but try to resist the urge to open the lid too frequently. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and extends the cooking time.

As the flank steak slow cooks, the low and slow heat allows the meat’s collagen to break down, resulting in tender and flavorful slices. The slow cooker also helps to infuse the flavors of the seasoning and marinade throughout the meat, making for a mouthwatering dish.

Once the cooking time is up, you’re ready to check for doneness and proceed with the next steps to ensure your flank steak is perfectly cooked to your liking.

Checking for Doneness

Checking for doneness is an essential step in cooking flank steak in the slow cooker. Although the low and slow cooking method ensures tenderness, it’s important to make sure the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few methods to check for doneness:

• Visual Inspection: Carefully lift the lid of the slow cooker and visually assess the flank steak. Look for signs of doneness, such as a change in color from pink to brown and a shrinkage in size. The meat should also be easily separated with a fork or tongs.
• Temperature Check: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the flank steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should reach around 130°F (54°C), while medium should be around 140°F (60°C). Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly as the meat rests.
• Texture Test: Gently poke the flank steak with a fork or tongs. It should feel tender and easily yield to the pressure. If the meat still feels firm or tough, it may need more time in the slow cooker.

Remember that the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the flank steak and the specific slow cooker you’re using. It’s always better to check for doneness rather than relying solely on the recommended cooking time in the recipe.

If the flank steak is not yet cooked to your liking, return it to the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. However, be careful not to overcook the meat, as flank steak can become chewy and dry if cooked for too long.

Once the flank steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to let it rest before slicing and serving.

Resting and Slicing the Flank Steak

Resting the flank steak after cooking is a crucial step to ensure that the meat remains juicy and flavorful. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and tender final result. Here’s how to properly rest and slice your slow-cooked flank steak:

1. Remove from the slow cooker: Carefully remove the cooked flank steak from the slow cooker using tongs or a meat fork. Place it on a cutting board or a plate.
2. Cover with foil: Loosely cover the flank steak with aluminum foil. This helps to retain heat and allows the meat to continue cooking in its own residual heat.
3. Let it rest: Allow the flank steak to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
4. Slicing: Once the flank steak has rested, it’s time to slice it against the grain. This is crucial for achieving the most tender and easy-to-chew pieces of meat. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them. This will result in shorter fibers, making each bite more tender.

For thinner slices, cut the flank steak at a slight angle. This will create wider, thinner slices that are perfect for sandwiches or wraps. For thicker slices, cut straight across the grain for more substantial pieces of steak.

As you slice the flank steak, you’ll notice the beautiful color and the tenderness that slow cooking has imparted. Each piece should be juicy, flavorful, and easy to chew. Arrange the slices on a serving platter, and it’s time to dig in!

Remember that flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness. If cooked thoroughly in the slow cooker, it should already be tender and flavorful, requiring minimal additional cooking.

Now that you have perfectly cooked and sliced flank steak, it’s time to explore some delicious serving suggestions.

For a tender flank steak in the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add some liquid (like beef broth or soy sauce) to keep it moist.

Serving Suggestions

Slow-cooked flank steak can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creations:

Steak Tacos or Fajitas:

Grab some soft tortillas and fill them with the thinly sliced flank steak. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Steak Sandwiches:

Layer the sliced flank steak onto a toasted roll or baguette. Add some caramelized onions, melted cheese, and your favorite condiments, such as mayo or horseradish sauce. Serve with a side of crispy fries or a garden salad.

Salads:

Slice the flank steak thinly and use it as a protein to top your favorite salad. Add some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Stir-Fries or Rice Bowls:

Saute the flank steak slices with some colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Toss with a flavorful sauce, such as teriyaki or soy-ginger, and serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a quick and healthy dinner.

Beef Wraps:

Wrap the sliced flank steak in large lettuce leaves or tortillas along with your favorite fillings. Add some crunchy veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of your preferred dressing or sauce for a light and satisfying meal.

With these serving suggestions, you can turn your slow-cooked flank steak into a variety of mouthwatering dishes that will impress your family and friends. Get creative and enjoy the tender and flavorful results of your slow cooking expertise!

Conclusion

Slow cooking flank steak is a wonderful way to transform this flavorful cut of beef into a tender and delicious meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve fantastic results right in your own kitchen.

We started by highlighting the importance of choosing the right flank steak, considering factors such as quality, marbling, and thickness. Preparing the flank steak for slow cooking involved trimming, tenderizing, and seasoning it to enhance its flavor and tenderness.

We explored different seasoning options, including dry rubs and wet marinades, that infuse the flank steak with a depth of flavors. The slow cooker then takes over, cooking the steak over low heat for several hours, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Checking for doneness is crucial. Visual inspection, temperature checks, and texture tests all help ensure that the flank steak is cooked to perfection. Resting the cooked steak before slicing allows the flavors to settle and results in a more tender and juicy end product.

Finally, we offered various serving suggestions to make the most of your slow-cooked flank steak, from tacos and sandwiches to salads and stir-fries. The versatility of this cut allows you to create a wide range of delicious and satisfying meals.

So, whether you’re craving a flavor-packed steak fajita or a refreshing steak salad, slow cooking flank steak is a fantastic option. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Enjoy the tender and succulent results of your slow cooking journey, and savor every bite of your perfectly cooked flank steak!