Tender Slow Cooker Flank Steak Recipe

Imagine coming home to the heavenly aroma of a tender slow cooker flank steak, ready to melt in your mouth after a long day. With this flank steak recipe, you’re skipping the time-consuming prep and jumping straight to the savory payoff.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to transform a simple flank steak into a delectable meal with minimal effort. Learn everything from preparing the meat with a flavorful rub to setting the right cooking times for optimal tenderness. We’ll also explore side dishes and seasoning adjustments to elevate your dish even further.

So, stick around to discover how your slow cooker can make gourmet dinners simple. Let’s dive into the techniques that will make your slow cooker flank steak a standout dish at any meal.

Why Slow Cooking Makes the Best Flank Steak

Slow cooking transforms the naturally tough flank steak into a tender, flavorful delight. This method is perfect for tougher cuts of meat, as the low and slow process allows the heat to gently break down the fibers, making them incredibly tender.

Here are some slow cooking techniques that work wonders for flank steak:

Method	Temperature	Time	Tenderness Level	Flavor Intensity
Crockpot Cooking	Low (200-300°F)	5-8 hours	Falls apart tender	Deeply infused
Oven Braising	Low (275-350°F)	3-5 hours	Very tender	Heavily infused
Stovetop Simmering	Medium (simmer)	2-3 hours	Moderately tender	Lightly infused

Now, aren’t you ready to see what all the fuss is about? Remember, 5-star quality is just a slow cook away—with a little patience and the right spice rub, you’re set to impress at your next dinner.

Related Article: Learn the best way to cook your flank steak by checking out our comprehensive guides on flank steak crock pot, how to cook flank steak in the oven, and air fryer flank steak.

Choosing the Right Cut: Flank Steak Versatility and Flavor

You’ve probably heard that flank steak is like the Swiss Army knife of beef cuts, versatile enough for a classic steak dinner or zesty tacos. But what happens when this popular cut plays hard to get at your local market?

No worries, because the world of beef is rich with flank steak alternatives ready to jump into your slow cooker and dazzle your taste buds. Here’s a guide to help you decide which cut will be the guest of honor in your next slow cooker symphony:

Cut of Beef	Characteristics	Suitability for Slow Cooking	Ideal Dishes
Flank Steak	Lean, fibrous, absorbs flavors well	Excellent, becomes tender over long cook times	Tacos, Fajitas, Stir-fry
Hanger Steak	Rich flavor, slightly grainy texture	Great, remains juicy with slow cooking	Steak Sandwiches, Salads, Bowls
Flat-Iron Steak	Well-marbled, tender, and flavorful	Fantastic, slow cooking enhances its tenderness	Roast-style dishes, Potatoes, Vegetables

Slow Cooker Flank Steak Recipe: Ingredients Breakdown

Cooking flank steak in a slow cooker transforms a tough cut into a tender meal. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that will make your slow cooker flank steak delicious and memorable:

• Olive Oil: Provides a fatty foundation for the other flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuses the dish with a subtle smokiness.
• Mild Chili Powder: Adds a warm, spicy flavor without being overpowering.
• Ground Cumin: An earthy tone that roots your recipe with depth and complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for adding a robust garlic aroma.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dish slightly, helping to balance the spices and tenderize the steak.
• Kosher Salt: A subtler salt that enhances and balances the cavalcade of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Considerations

If you need to tweak the recipe to fit dietary restrictions, here are some smart substitutions:

Original Ingredient	Substitute	Benefits
Brown Sugar	Honey or Maple Syrup	Natural sweetness without refined sugars
Soy Sauce (for marinade)	Tamari	Gluten-free option for depth of flavor
Olive Oil	Avocado or Coconut Oil	A twist in taste, plus the perks of heart-healthy fats

Mixing the Perfect Spice Rub for Your Slow Cooker Flank Steak

Unlock the full potential of your slow cooker flank steak with a homemade spice rub that’s guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need for a transformative spice rub:

• Brown sugar
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt

Take these ingredients and blend them together in a bowl, mixing them until you have a uniform blend. Generously apply this rub to your flank steak, coating every inch thoroughly to ensure every bite is as flavorful as the last.

Setting Up Your Slow Cooker for Success

Perfecting a flank steak in a slow cooker begins long before you turn on the heat. Preparation is key, and starting with the right setup can make all the difference in achieving tender, flavorful results.

Here’s how to prepare your slow cooker for cooking flank steak:

1. Prep with Olive Oil: Start by lightly coating the bottom of your slow cooker with olive oil. This simple step prevents sticking and adds a subtle flavor boost to your meat.
2. Season and Place the Steak: After applying a generous amount of your spice rub to the flank steak, place it carefully in the slow cooker. Make sure the steak is evenly coated with the rub and positioned flat to ensure even cooking.
3. Cooking Time and Temperature Settings: For the best texture and flavor, you have two options:
   • High Temperature: Cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. This setting will cook the steak more quickly but still yield tender results.
   • Low Temperature: If you’re not in a rush, cooking on low for 6-8 hours will allow the flavors to develop more deeply and the meat to become especially tender.

These steps will ensure that your slow cooker flank steak is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Remember, the slow cooker is a tool of convenience and flavor, making it ideal for this type of meal where the meat becomes better as it cooks longer, absorbing all the rich flavors of the spices.

Side Dishes that Complement Flank Steak

Pairing with flank steak can turn a simple meal into a symphony of taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp garden salad or a side that sticks to your ribs, the right accompaniments elevate your savory slow cooker steak to extraordinary heights.

Think of side dishes for steak as the cast that supports the star of the show. They should enhance, not overpower, and the following slow cooker steak accompaniments are more than up to the task:

Side Dish	Type	Description
Garlic Mashed Potatoes	Comfort	Creamy and rich, infused with roasted garlic; a classic that never fails to please.
Grilled Asparagus	Healthy & Quick	Lightly charred, keeping a delightful crunch; the smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with steak.
Rosemary Roasted Carrots	Sweet & Savory	Caramelized edges and a touch of herbaceousness offer a pleasant contrast in textures.
Blue Cheese Wedge Salad	Cool & Crisp	A chilled, crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce, drizzled with blue cheese dressing and bacon crumbles.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey with the slow cooker flank steak, remember that this dish is more than just a meal; it’s a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the deep, rich flavors that develop through slow cooking.

Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress. Embrace the ease and full flavors of slow cooking, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Here’s to many delightful dinners with your new favorite recipe!

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FAQ

How long do I cook flank steak in a slow cooker for optimal tenderness?

Aim for about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Remember, all slow cookers are different, so the first cook may be a bit of a spicy experiment!

Is it necessary to add liquid to the meat when cooking in a slow cooker?

Nope, you can ditch the broth. Your flank steak will release its own juices, creating a personal pool to swim in as it slow cooks to perfection.

How do I prevent my flank steak from becoming tough and chewy?

After cooking, slice that beauty against the grain in addition to monitoring the temperature of the flank steak and the cooking time.

How can I store and reheat my leftover slow cooker flank steak to maintain quality?

Pop it in the fridge for a quick nap of 3-4 days, or freeze it for a 2-3 month slumber. Just remember to reheat gently – think of it as waking up the steak with a tender kiss.

Can I make this dish low-carb or gluten-free?

You bet! Ditch the sugar for a less carb-loaded rub, swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free twist, and feel free to play with other substitutions to suit your dietary soliloquy.

What are some creative ways to serve leftover flank steak?

Get crafty! Whip up some sassy steak sandwiches, slide that steak into a breakfast scramble, or make it the star of tacos with a hit of guac. Leftovers? More like the sequel that’s sometimes better than the original!