London Broil in a Crock Pot: From Sidekick to Superhero (of Flavor)
Let's face it, grilling can be a bit of a gamble. You spend ages prepping the perfect London broil, only to have it turn into a hockey puck under the watchful eye (or should we say, fiery gaze) of your grill. But fear not, weary grill masters and mistresses, for there's a hero in your kitchen arsenal: the mighty crock pot!
Why Crock Your London Broil?
- Flavortown, Population: You: The slow and steady heat of the crock pot coaxes out amazing depth of flavor in your London broil. Think of it as a flavor bath that leaves your meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- From Zero to Hero (of Relaxation): Ditch the grill master duties! The crock pot does all the work while you chill (or get that much-needed pedicure). Just toss in your ingredients, set it, and forget it.
The Great Sear Debate: To Sear or Not to Sear?
This is a question that has divided crock pot enthusiasts for generations (okay, maybe not generations, but definitely afternoons). Here's the lowdown:
- Team Sear: A quick sear on the stovetop adds a nice caramelized crust to your London broil. Bonus points for fancy grill marks!
- Team No Sear: Who needs the extra step? The crock pot works its magic regardless.
The verdict? It's entirely up to you! Feeling fancy? Go for the sear. Short on time? Skip it!
Crock Pot London Broil: The Recipe Rundown
There are a million and one ways to crock your London broil, but here's a basic recipe to get you started:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb London broil
- Your favorite marinade (Italian dressing, soy sauce and ginger, the options are endless!)
- Beef broth
- Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions - the crock pot veggie crew!)
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder - you get the idea!)
- Instructions:
- Marinate your London broil for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
- (Optional) Sear the meat (see above for the Great Sear Debate).
- Throw everything in your crock pot and give it a good stir.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Shred or carve your London broil and serve with the veggies and a delicious gravy made from the crock pot juices (you're welcome!).
Pro Tip: Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving (unless you enjoy a surprise game of "find the leaf" in your dinner).
FAQ: Crock Pot London Broil Edition
- How to Thicken the Crock Pot Gravy? Make a cornstarch slurry (mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water) and whisk it into the gravy towards the end of cooking. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- How to Make the Meat Extra Shreddable? Use two forks to shred the meat after it's cooked. The slow cooker magic will make it fall apart beautifully.
- How to Add Vegetables to the Crock Pot? Add tougher veggies like potatoes and carrots at the beginning of cooking. Throw in softer veggies like broccoli or peas towards the end to prevent them from getting mushy.
- How to Leftover London Broil? Shred leftover London broil and use it for sandwiches, tacos, or even a delicious London broil hash the next morning.
- How to Clean Up After Crock Pot London Broil? The beauty of the crock pot? Easy cleanup! Just toss the liner (if you're using one) and wipe down the pot with soapy water.
So ditch the grill and embrace the crock pot for your next London broil adventure. You won't regret it (and your taste buds will thank you!).
