Slow Cooker Braised Steak & Onion | Recipeera (2024)

FAQs

Why is my braising steak tough in a slow cooker? ›

That connective tissue is a protein called collagen. If you overcook meat, it becomes dry and tough. Often people using a slow cooker and don't check when the food is actually done. If a recipe says cook for 8 hours on low, people may not check the food for 8 hours.

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Slow cooking is a gentle method of releasing aromatic flavours from meat, fish, seafood and vegetables. Braising, a form of slow cooking, involves cooking meat on a bed of vegetables (a mirepoix) with a small amount of liquid in a covered pan, for a couple hours on a low heat.

Your meat will be juicier and more tender

The longer cooking time and the low heat complement each other perfectly. As a result, even though the meat is cooked for far longer, it doesn't dry out because the temperature is low. As a result, this is the best way to retain all the natural juices of the meat.

“Beef may be tough in the slow cooker if you haven't added enough liquid, or haven't cooked it for long enough,” Kristen Carli, M.S., R.D., owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness, tells SELF. “For cuts of meat, the fattier cuts are often the ones that get juicy and tender.

Chuck & blade - this cut is often sold as braising steak, a little tenderer than stewing steak, and can be ideally used in casseroles, stews and for braising. Blade steak is also sometimes known as “flatiron steak”.

Tom Piper Braised Steak & Onions combines tasty beef pieces and onion into a convenient canned meal.

To keep meat tender yet safe during braising, you must maintain an important balance. Cooking temperatures must be high enough to kill microorganisms, yet not so high that the meat toughens. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the surrounding stock and keep it at a simmer of 180 F/82 C-190 °F/88 °C.

The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food. Be sure to reach for a good-quality, sturdy paper towel that can absorb moisture effectively without falling apart.

Try putting a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before replacing the lid. This absorbs the excess moisture, thickening the dish and deepening its flavours. The cloth can be replaced with a fresh one when needed, but usually one tea towel during the final couple of hours will do the trick.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

For best results, do not allow the braising liquid to boil; adjust your burner to the lowest setting (the liquid should be at a bare simmer), or braise in a slow oven set between 275°F (135°C) and 300°F (150°C).

Examples are Beef shoulder, Beef brisket, Pork Shank, Cheek meats Types and cuts of protien that are not well suited to braising are tender cuts, parts of anima that dont work alot. These are best suited for quick cooking because they are tender cuts, they contain alot of hard fat but not collagen.

Alternatively, you can put the overcooked meat into a slow cooker with a few cups of liquid. Make sure there is enough to cover it about halfway, but not enough to cover the liquid This is generally a great way to bring back steak from the brink of burning.

Cook low and slow (the longer, the better)

Braising steak is a tougher cut of meat, so it needs to cook low and slow to allow it to tenderize.

Typically, leaner cuts like the flank or skirt can be chewy if not prepared correctly. Cooking Method: Overcooking can cause the steak to lose its moisture, making it dry and chewy. Conversely, undercooking can make certain cuts feel tough. Aging Process: Steaks that are not properly aged can be less tender.

It's because you haven't let the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, make sure there's enough liquid and keep an eye on the dish.