Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender, flavorful flank steak wafting through your kitchen after a long day. With our Slow Cooker Flank Steak recipe, you can turn this dream into a reality! This American classic is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also yields melt-in-your-mouth results that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish combines a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a surefire hit at your dinner table. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into how you can create this culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the flank steak by patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better marinade absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and black pepper to create a marinade with balanced sweet and savory flavors.
- Place the flank steak in the slow cooker, then carefully pour the marinade mixture over the meat, ensuring it's evenly coated on all sides.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting, allowing the steak to cook slowly for 6 hours, which will help break down the tough muscle fibers and create a tender result.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips to maximize tenderness and serve with the remaining cooking liquid as a sauce.
- Optional: For a more caramelized exterior, briefly sear the cooked steak in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before slicing.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Better Absorption: Start by patting the flank steak dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively, ensuring maximum flavor.
- Marinade Magic: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade not only infuses the steak with flavor but also helps tenderize it during the slow cooking process.
- Even Coating: When placing the flank steak in the slow cooker, make sure to pour the marinade evenly over the meat. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and let the steak cook for 6 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down tough muscle fibers, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
- Rest for Perfection: After cooking, let the steak rest for 10 minutes on a cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice more flavorful.
- Slice Against the Grain: To maximize tenderness, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This technique helps to break up the muscle fibers, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Optional Sear for Extra Flavor: For an extra touch, consider searing the cooked steak in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side before slicing. This adds a delicious caramelized crust that enhances the overall flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
