Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a flavorful, healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This slow cooker skirt steak recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy, delivers amazing results, and is packed with flavor. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking without the fuss! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, delivering a delicious dish every time.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended): For maximum flavor, start by searing the skirt steak. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a delicious depth of flavor.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the seared steak (or unseared if skipping the searing step) to your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic around the steak.
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Flavor Infusion: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is incredibly tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness. Shred the steak with two forks and serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top.
Cooking Tips for the Best Skirt Steak:
- Choosing your Steak: Opt for a skirt steak that’s relatively thin and even in thickness for even cooking.
- Don't Overcook: Skirt steak is naturally lean, so overcooking will result in a tough texture. Follow the cooking times closely.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the steak to rest before slicing is essential for retaining its juices and achieving maximum tenderness.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with the sauce! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a brighter flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Skirt Steak: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- BBQ Skirt Steak: Replace the soy sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This slow cooker skirt steak recipe is a fantastic example of a quick dinner idea that's also healthy and delicious. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover the joy of effortless, flavorful homemade meals! It’s a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Happy cooking!