Welcome to our easy flank steak crock pot recipe! If you love tender, juicy steak but can’t spare the time to grill, this is for you. With just a few steps, you can get great results with your crock pot.
Here, we’ll show you how to cook a delicious flank steak in your crock pot. Forget about hard, tasteless steak. Get ready for a steak that melts in your mouth.
Just follow our simple guide to make a tender, juicy flank steak. It’s sure to wow your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy meal at home.
So, let’s begin and discover how to make a fantastic flank steak with your crock pot!
What You’ll Need for Flank Steak Crock Pot
Before you start this delicious flank steak crock pot recipe, make sure to gather all your ingredients. Each one is vital for making your dish tasty and tender. Here’s the list of what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of flank steak
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional if you like a little heat)
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Have these ingredients ready before you start. They help make the steak flavorful and tender. With these, you’re all set to make a dish that will wow everyone.
Preparing the Flank Steak
Before you start cooking the flank steak in your crock pot, make sure to prepare the meat right. This ensures it’s both tasty and tender. Follow these tips for the best outcome:
1. Marinating the Flank Steak: A good marinade boosts the steak’s flavor. Mix up a marinade with olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and herbs. Put the steak in a plastic bag, add the marinade, and let it sit in the fridge. It should marinate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.
2. Seasoning the Flank Steak: After marinating, take the steak out of the bag and dry it off. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. This step adds extra flavor to the meat.
3. Tenderizing the Flank Steak: Flank steak can be tough, so tenderizing is key. Use a tenderizer tool or a meat mallet to gently pound the steak. This makes the meat tender by breaking down the fibers.
4. Letting the Flank Steak Rest: Once it’s marinated, seasoned, and tenderized, let the steak sit at room temp for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
With the flank steak ready, you can now pick the best crock pot to cook it.
Choosing the Right Crock Pot
Choosing the perfect crock pot is key to making great flank steak. The best one ensures your steak is tender and tasty. Here’s how to pick the right crock pot for your steak:
- Size Matters: Think about how much steak you’ll cook. A bigger crock pot is best for more food or leftovers.
- Quality and Durability: Choose a crock pot that’s made to last. Look for ones made of strong stainless steel or ceramic.
- Adjustable Temperature Settings: A crock pot with various temperature settings gives you more control. This makes sure your steak cooks just right.
- Timer and Keep Warm Function: Features like a timer and keep warm setting are useful. They let you decide how long to cook and keep food warm for serving.
Picking a crock pot with these features helps make cooking flank steak easy. A good crock pot leads to delicious results and a fun cooking experience.
Setting Up the Crock Pot
You’ve got all your ingredients ready and your flank steak prepared. Now, let’s set up your crock pot to cook. It’s important to get the setup right. This ensures your steak cooks well. Here are the easy steps to get your crock pot ready:
- Put the crock pot on a stable, heat-resistant spot like your kitchen counter. Make sure it’s near a plug for easy access.
- Take the lid off the crock pot and put it aside. You’ll need this later.
- It’s key to preheat your crock pot before putting in the steak. This makes sure cooking starts smoothly. Set your crock pot’s temperature to the recommended level for flank steak.
- Some crock pots have special settings for meat. If yours does, pick the setting for beef or steak.
- If there are no preset options, choose a low or medium heat setting. These are great for slow cooking and will make your steak tender.
- After setting the temperature, put the lid on to keep the heat inside.
- Now your crock pot is all set up and ready for the steak.
Getting your crock pot setup right is key to cooking your flank steak well. Correct temperature and preheating help in cooking the steak without it getting dry or tough. With your crock pot ready, we can now start cooking the flank steak to perfection!
Cooking the Flank Steak in the Crock Pot
Ready to cook your flank steak to perfection in the crock pot? Just follow these simple steps. You’ll get a tender and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Step 1: Place the Flank Steak in the Crock Pot
Start by placing the steak in the crock pot. Make sure it’s evenly placed. This helps it cook right and soak up the seasoning well.
Step 2: Set the Temperature and Cooking Time
Check your crock pot’s manual for the best temperature settings. Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours will make it tender and juicy. If you’re in a rush, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Make your flank steak even tastier by adding herbs, spices, onions, and garlic. Try different combinations to find your favorite flavor.
Step 4: Avoid Overcooking
Don’t cook the steak too long, or it’ll get dry and tough. Keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer to check it. Aim for an internal temp of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once it’s done, take the steak out of the crock pot and let it sit for a bit. This step makes sure your steak stays juicy and full of flavor.
You now know how to cook a delicious flank steak in a crock pot. Serve it to your family or friends for a meal they won’t forget. The slow cooking makes the steak tender and tasty every time.
Serving and Presentation Tips
After making your tasty flank steak in the crock pot, spice up the meal with great serving tips. These easy tips will make your food look and taste fantastic. Your family and friends will be amazed.
1. Slice it Right
Cut the flank steak against the grain before you serve it. This makes the meat tender and easy to eat. Slice it thin, about ¼ inch, to show off its natural taste and moisture.
2. Pair with Perfect Sides
Boost your steak with tasty sides. Try it with roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad. This mix of flavors and textures will make your meal even better.
3. Add Color with Garnishes
Brighten your dish with some garnishes. Use fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, for a splash of color. Or add chopped green onions or lemon juice for a zesty kick.
4. Sauce it Up
Enhance your flank steak with a delicious sauce. Choices like chimichurri, mushroom sauce, or red wine reduction are great. They add taste and moisture to your steak.
5. Enhance Presentation with Plating
Plating your dish is key for a great presentation. Use a simple, clean look to let the flavors stand out. Place the steak slices on a white plate, set the sides just right, and pour the sauce with style.
6. Share the Experience
Food is also about making memories with those you care about. Enjoy your flank steak together, making a cozy and fun setting. Sit down together, enjoy the meal, and make memories that last.
With these serving and presentation tips, your slow-cooked flank steak will be unforgettable. It’s perfect for any meal, casual or fancy. Your guests will love it.
Leftover Ideas and Storage Recommendations
Did you end up with leftovers after making flank steak in your crock pot? There’s no need to throw them away! You can turn your leftover flank steak into new, yummy meals. Let’s explore how to give your leftovers a delicious second life:
1. Flank Steak Tacos
Make tasty tacos with your leftover flank steak. First, warm up thin steak strips in a skillet with onions and peppers. Then, fill warm tortillas with the mix and add whatever toppings you like.
2. Flank Steak Salad
Give your salad an upgrade with leftover flank steak. Just toss steak slices with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and dressing. This makes a healthy and satisfying meal.
3. Flank Steak Sandwiches
Build a hearty sandwich with your leftover steak. Place sliced steak on a roll or your bread choice. Add cheese, lettuce, and your favorite sauces for a great lunch.
Storing leftover steak properly is key to keeping it fresh. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the steak cool down before you store it.
- Wrap it well in plastic or put it in a container that seals tightly.
- Put it in the fridge quickly to keep it fresh.
- Try to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your flank steak for days. Just make sure to heat it up well before eating.
These leftover ideas and tips help you enjoy your crock pot flank steak even more. Turn what’s left into exciting new meals, and nothing will go to waste. Be creative and savor every bite of your crock pot meal again.
Variations and Additional Recipe Options
Want to make your flank steak crock pot recipes even better? We’ve got plenty of different ideas for you. These will help you try new tastes, spices, and ways to cook. They’ll keep your meals exciting. Let’s get started!
1. Asian-inspired Teriyaki Flank Steak
Give your flank steak an Asian twist with teriyaki marinade. Mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a little brown sugar. This creates a marinade that’s both sweet and savory. Marinate the steak for 2 hours, or even overnight, for the best flavor. Then, cook it in your crock pot for a fantastic Asian-inspired meal. Your guests will love it.
2. Mexican-style Flank Steak Tacos
Make your crock pot flank steak into tasty tacos. Use cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a bit of lime juice for Mexican flavors. After cooking, shred the steak and put it in warm tortillas. Add toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cheese. These tacos will be a favorite at any party!
3. Mediterranean Herb-infused Flank Steak
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with this recipe. Use olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for the marinade. Marinate the steak for 4 hours to let the flavors blend. Then, cook it in your crock pot. This steak is great with a Greek salad or roasted veggies.
4. Spicy Cajun-flavored Flank Steak
If you like spicy food, try this Cajun-flavored steak. Season it well with Cajun spices, which include paprika and cayenne pepper. Let it sit in the fridge for an hour before cooking. This will let the spices sink in. Cook it in your crock pot for a juicy, spicy steak. Serve with coleslaw or grilled corn.
5. Tuscan-inspired Flank Steak with Roasted Vegetables
For Italian flavor, try this Tuscan-style steak. Marinate the steak with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. Marinate for 2 hours before cooking. Serve this tender steak with roasted veggies like peppers and zucchini. It’s a colorful, tasty meal.
These new recipes will improve your flank steak crock pot dishes. Try different tastes and ingredients to discover your favorites. Whether you prefer Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, spicy, or Tuscan flavors, there’s a recipe here for you. Enjoy your cooking!
Conclusion
In this article, we showed you a simple crock pot flank steak recipe. It’s easy to follow for a tasty meal. Cooking it slowly makes the steak tender and full of flavor.
Now, it’s your turn to make this yummy flank steak. It’s perfect for any meal, whether alone or with friends. Gather the ingredients and start cooking to enjoy this delicious dish.
Cooking is about trying new things and making it your own. Feel free to change up the flank steak recipe. Use different marinades and spices, or cook it your way for a special taste.