Conquering the Crock Pot: A Guide to London Broil Bliss (Without Setting Off the Smoke Alarm)
Let's face it, grilling can be a bit of a gamble. You spend ages prepping the perfect marinade, then end up with charring worthy of a meteor strike. But fear not, my fellow carnivores! There's a hero in your kitchen cupboard, a champion of convenience, and its name is the mighty crock pot.
Today, we're using this countertop knight to create a succulent London broil that's so tender, you could cut it with a butter knife (though a regular knife would probably be less messy). And the best part? You can practically cook it in your sleep.
The London Broil Lowdown
What is it?
London broil is a lean cut of beef, typically flank steak, that benefits from slow cooking methods like our trusty crock pot.
Why crock pot it?
Slow cooking allows the meat to braise in its juices, resulting in a fall-off-the-bone texture that would make even the toughest cowboy weep with joy (or maybe that's just the onions).
Gearing Up for Crock Pot Glory
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 pound London broil (This will feed a hungry family or a small army of gnomes. You decide.)
- Marinade of your choice: Here's where you can get creative! We'll provide a basic recipe below, but feel free to experiment with Italian dressing, soy sauce mixtures, or anything that tickles your taste buds.
- Optional Aromatics: Garlic, onion, carrots - throw in whatever veggies you have lying around for extra flavor.
- Beef broth: Just enough to cover the bottom of the crock pot.
Tools:
- Crock pot: Duh.
- Sharp knife: For trimming fat and slicing that glorious meat.
- Mixing bowl: For marinating magic.
The Marinade Tango
Here's a simple marinade recipe to get you started:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk it all together in your mixing bowl, then toss in the London broil. Cover it up and let it get to know the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, a few hours in the fridge.
Pro Tip: Don't skip the marinating! It makes a world of difference.
Crock Pot Coronation
Once your marinade masterpiece is complete, transfer the London broil (and any leftover marinade) to your crock pot. Add your aromatics (if using) and enough beef broth to just cover the bottom of the pot.
Here comes the important part: Set your crock pot to LOW and let it work its magic for 8-10 hours. OR, if you're short on time, crank it to HIGH for 5-6 hours.
Seriously important part: Resist the urge to peek! Every time you lift that lid, heat escapes, and we don't want a tough, dry London broil, do we?
The Grand Finale: Slicing and Serving
When the cook time is up, take a peek. The meat should be fork-tender and practically begging to be devoured. Transfer the London broil to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thin against the grain.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy (because, duh)
- Roasted vegetables
- A simple green salad
Now, dig in and savor your crock pot creation! You've conquered the London broil, and your taste buds will thank you.
FAQ: Crock Pot London Broil Edition
How to know when my London broil is done?
The best way to check for doneness is with a fork. If it shreds easily, you're good to go!
How can I thicken the crock pot juices for gravy?
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the crock pot juices while simmering on the stovetop until thickened.
How can I make this recipe fancier?
Get creative with your marinade! Try using red wine, balsamic vinegar, or a touch of brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
How can I use leftover London broil?
Shred the leftover meat and use it for tacos, sandwiches, or even omelets.
How can I clean my crock pot easily?
Fill the pot with
