How to Cook Braised Steak in Slow Cooker: Delicious, Tender, and Effortless!
How to Cook Braised Steak in Slow Cooker?
To cook braised steak in a slow cooker, start by seasoning the braising steak with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
Optionally, sear the meat in a frying pan before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Add sliced onions, chopped garlic, tomato puree, bay leaves, dried thyme, and beef stock to the slow cooker.
Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
To thicken the sauce, use a cornstarch slurry or gravy granules.
Remember, searing the beef is optional.
Key Points:
- Season braising steak with salt, pepper, and mustard powder
- Optionally, sear the meat in a frying pan before transferring to slow cooker
- Add onions, garlic, tomato puree, bay leaves, thyme, and beef stock to slow cooker
- Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender
- Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months
- Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry or gravy granules (optional)
Did You Know?
1. The slow cooking process in a slow cooker can transform tough cuts of meat like braised steak into tender, flavorful masterpieces by breaking down collagen and connective tissues.
2. The term “braising” actually refers to the cooking method that involves searing the meat on a high heat source before simmering it in a liquid in a covered pot or slow cooker.
3. Did you know that slow cookers were initially designed and marketed as “bean cookers” before they gained popularity for their versatility in preparing a wide range of dishes, including braised steak?
4. When it comes to slow-cooked braised steak, the type of liquid you use can greatly impact the flavor. While common choices include beef broth or red wine, some chefs get creative by adding ingredients like coffee, cola, or even beer for extra depth.
5. Braised steak in a slow cooker can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences and flavors. From adding aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme, to infusing Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce and ginger, the possibilities are endless for creating unique and delicious braised steak recipes.
Seasoning And Searing The Braising Steak
Preparing a mouthwatering braised steak in a slow cooker requires careful attention to seasoning and searing the meat.
To begin, gather your ingredients:
- braising steak (also known as chuck roast, chuck steak, beef chuck, or braising beef)
- salt
- pepper
- mustard powder.
Season the braising steak generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of mustard powder. This combination will add depth and enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks. Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat by letting it sit for a few minutes.
After seasoning, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and sear the braising steak on all sides. Searing the meat helps to lock in the juices and develop a delicious crust, adding an irresistible caramelized flavor to the final dish. However, if you prefer a hassle-free approach, you can skip this step and proceed to the next section.
- Generously season the braising steak with salt, pepper, and mustard powder
- Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat by letting it sit for a few minutes
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and sear the braising steak on all sides to lock in the juices
Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Braised Steak
To create a tantalizing slow cooker braised steak, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (400g) of braising steak
- 2 cups (500ml) of beef stock
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of tomato puree
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Begin by slicing the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. These aromatic additions will infuse the meat with a delightful flavor.
In a slow cooker, combine the onion, garlic, tomato puree, bay leaves, dried thyme, beef stock, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir the ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.
After preparing the sauce, add the seared braising steak to the slow cooker. If you opted not to sear the meat, simply place it directly into the sauce. Make sure the steak is completely submerged in the flavorful mixture. This will ensure that every bite of the beef is tender and packed with savory goodness.
- Slice the onion
- Mince the garlic cloves
- Combine onion, garlic, tomato puree, bay leaves, dried thyme, beef stock, salt, pepper, and mustard powder in the slow cooker
- Stir the ingredients to ensure even distribution
- Add the seared braising steak to the slow cooker
- Submerge the steak in the flavorful mixture
“Every bite of the beef is tender and packed with savory goodness.”
Cooking Times And Yield Of The Recipe
Cooking your slow cooker braised steak to perfection requires patience and time. Set the slow cooker to high and allow the dish to cook for 4-6 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for the low heat setting and extend the cooking time to 6-8 hours. Both methods will result in tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
When the cooking time is complete, check the meat for tenderness. The braising steak should easily shred apart with a fork. This indicates that it is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
- This recipe yields 4 servings, providing ample portions for a family meal or the opportunity to savor leftovers throughout the week.
- Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Storage And Leftover Tips
If you have leftover slow cooker braised steak, proper storage is essential for preserving its taste and texture. Place any remaining portions in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
When reheating the braised steak, make sure to heat it thoroughly to maintain its savory qualities. You can use a microwave or a stovetop to gently warm the meat, allowing it to regain its tender consistency and delightful flavors.
Adding Thickening Agents To The Sauce
To give your slow cooker braised steak sauce a thicker and richer texture, you can incorporate a thickening agent such as cornstarch slurry or gravy granules.
For a cornstarch slurry, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time. Stir well and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can use gravy granules. Sprinkle the granules into the sauce and mix well until they dissolve completely. Allow the sauce to cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
Both methods will result in a sumptuous, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the tender braised steak.
- Incorporate a thickening agent such as cornstarch slurry or gravy granules
- Cornstarch slurry: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add to the sauce
- Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until desired thickness is reached
- Alternatively, use gravy granules and allow the sauce to cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
Optional Steps For Preparing The Beef
While not necessary, there are a couple of optional steps you can take to further enhance your slow cooker braised steak.
First, you can choose to slice off any excess fat from the braising steak before cooking. This can help reduce the overall fat content and create a leaner dish. However, keep in mind that leaving some fat on the meat can contribute to a richer flavor and moist texture.
Secondly, searing the beef in a hot frying pan before transferring it to the slow cooker can intensify the flavors. The caramelization that occurs during searing gives the meat a deliciously browned exterior and adds depth to the final dish. If you prefer simplicity, this step can be omitted, and the meat can be placed directly into the slow cooker.
In conclusion, cooking braised steak in a slow cooker is a simple yet sensational way to create a delectable and tender meal. By following these steps, you will be rewarded with a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on this culinary journey to savor the delightful taste of slow cooker braised steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you braise in a slow cooker?
To braise in a slow cooker, start by placing the braising steak in the slow cooker, along with some chopped garlic, sliced onion, and any other desired ingredients. Make sure to cover the slow cooker with a lid to trap the heat and moisture. Set the slow cooker to LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for approximately 4 hours. As the meat cooks, it will become incredibly tender and easily shred apart, resulting in a delicious braised dish.
Does a slow cooker braise meat?
Yes, a slow cooker is ideal for braising meat. The slow and gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and results in tender, succulent meat. The low heat setting of a slow cooker ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and slowly, allowing the collagen in tough cuts of meat to break down and become tender. So, whether it’s beef short ribs or any other cut of meat, a slow cooker can help achieve that perfect braised texture and flavor.
How long do you cook braising steak?
The cooking time for braising steak in the oven can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the cut and personal preference for tenderness. Generally, it is recommended to cook braising steak in the oven for approximately one-and-a-half to two hours. This allows enough time for the beef to become tender and ensures that it is cooked thoroughly. However, it is always best to check the meat regularly and use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
How do you cook a tough steak in a slow cooker?
To cook a tough steak in a slow cooker, start by searing it in a hot pan before transferring it to the cooker. This initial sear helps seal in the juices and flavors, creating a more succulent end result. Once in the slow cooker, add some broth or water to enhance steam production and prevent the steak from drying out. Keeping the lid tightly closed throughout the cooking process is crucial, as this traps the valuable steam that helps tenderize the tough cut of meat. By following these steps, you can transform a tough steak into a tender and delicious dish that will impress your taste buds.