Conquering the Crock Pot: How to Turn That London Broil into Dinnertime Bliss (Without Crying)
Let's face it, friends, London broil can be a bit, well, meh. It's often a lean cut, and if you cook it wrong, you're left with a hockey puck instead of a delicious dinner. But fear not, because your trusty crock pot is here to save the day! With this slow cooker method, you can transform that tough piece of meat into a tender, flavorful masterpiece that practically begs to be devoured.
Step 1: Befriending Your London Broil (and Maybe Searing it a Little)
First things first, take that London broil out of the fridge and pat it dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, and a good sear is like putting on your best friend's favorite movie - it sets the mood for a delicious evening.
Optional Searing: If you're feeling fancy (or just have a few minutes to spare), heat a pan with some oil over medium-high heat and sear the London broil on both sides for a minute or two. This adds a nice caramelized crust, but trust me, it's not mandatory.
Step 2: The Crock Pot Whisperer's Shopping List
Here's where the magic happens. You'll need:
- The London Broil: The star of the show, obviously.
- Liquid Love: Beef broth, red wine, or even just water will work. Choose your fighter!
- Flavor Brigade: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce - your taste bud's best friends. Don't be shy!
- Aromatic Allies: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are lovely additions, but dried herbs work too.
- Optional Veggies: Baby potatoes, carrots, or onions can all snuggle up with the London broil and cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker's steamy embrace.
Step 3: The Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Especially When Cooking Meat)
Throw that seasoned London broil in your crock pot. Pour your chosen liquid over it, making sure it comes about halfway up the meat. Now, unleash the Flavor Brigade and Aromatic Allies - sprinkle them generously over the top.
Here's the Key: Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. This low and slow method allows the tough fibers in the London broil to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Bonus Tip: If you're short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-6 hours, but trust me, low and slow is the way to go for ultimate tenderness.
Step 4: The Grand Finale (and Making Gravy, if You're Feeling Fancy)
Once the cook time is up, take a peek at your masterpiece. The London broil should be fork-tender and practically begging to be sliced. Remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 minutes while you whip up an optional gravy (because who doesn't love a good gravy boat ride?).
Gravy, Oh Gravy: Strain the juices from the crock pot into a saucepan. You can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water) or whisk in some flour for a more rustic approach.
Carving, Serving, and Devouring Your Crock Pot London Broil Glory
Thinly slice that London broil against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple crusty bread will all be perfect companions. Now, take a bite and savor the tender, flavorful meat. You've conquered the crock pot, my friend, and dinnertime just got a whole lot more delicious.
FAQ:
- How to know when my London broil is done? It should be fork-tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the London broil? Absolutely! Just add them in the last few hours of cooking so they don't get mushy.
- What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce? No worries! You can substitute soy sauce or a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Can I use a different cut of meat in the crock pot? Sure! Lean cuts like flank steak or skirt steak will work well with this method. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.
- Help! My gravy is too thin! Don't panic! Just add a little more cornstarch slurry or flour until it reaches your desired consistency.
