Using a slow cooker to cook steak can be a convenient and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and juicy, resulting in a mouthwatering dish. But how long should you cook steak in a slow cooker on high heat? Let’s find out!
When using a slow cooker, it’s important to consider the thickness of the steak. Thicker cuts of steak, like ribeye or sirloin, will require more time to cook compared to thinner cuts, like flank or skirt steak. A general guideline for cooking steak in a slow cooker on high heat is 4 to 6 hours for a 1-inch thick steak. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the specific cut and your desired level of doneness.
For a rare to medium-rare steak: Cook the steak on high heat for 4 to 5 hours. This will result in a juicy and tender steak with a pink center and a slightly seared exterior.
For a medium to medium-well steak: Cook the steak on high heat for 5 to 6 hours. This will result in a steak with a slightly pink center and a well-done exterior.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a rare steak, the temperature should be around 125°F (52°C), for medium-rare it should be around 135°F (57°C), and for medium it should be around 145°F (63°C).
By following these guidelines and regularly checking the internal temperature, you can ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. Enjoy!
How Long to Cook Steak in Slow Cooker on High
Cooking steak in a slow cooker can be a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a tender and flavorful dish. While the slow cooker is typically used for braising tougher cuts of meat, it can also be used to cook steak. The low and slow cooking method helps to break down the connective tissues in the steak, resulting in a moist and tender final product.
Choosing the Right Cut
When cooking steak in a slow cooker, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Opt for cuts that are typically used for braising, such as chuck steak, round steak, or blade steak. These cuts have more marbling and connective tissue, which makes them well-suited for slow cooking. Leaner cuts, such as filet mignon or sirloin, may become dry and tough when cooked in a slow cooker.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for steak in a slow cooker on high can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your personal preference for doneness. As a general guideline, cooking steak on high in a slow cooker for about 4-6 hours should result in a medium-rare to medium doneness. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can cook it for an additional hour or two.
Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on the model and size of the slow cooker, so it’s always a good idea to check the steak for doneness using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should reach around 130°F (54°C), while a medium steak should reach around 140°F (60°C).
Preparing the Steak
Prior to cooking the steak in the slow cooker, you can enhance its flavor by searing it on the stovetop. Heat a skillet over high heat and add some oil. Sear the steak for a couple of minutes on each side until it develops a brown crust. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds color and flavor to the final dish.
You can also season the steak with your favorite spices and herbs before placing it in the slow cooker. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.
Once the steak is seared and seasoned, transfer it to the slow cooker and add any desired vegetables or liquids, such as onions, carrots, beef broth, or Worcestershire sauce. Cook the steak on high for the recommended cooking time, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
After the steak is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Cooking steak in a slow cooker on high can be a convenient and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. With the right cut, cooking time, and preparation, you can achieve a tender and flavorful steak that will please your taste buds.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
When it comes to cooking steak in a slow cooker on high, choosing the right cut is crucial for achieving the desired tenderness and flavor. Here are some popular cuts of steak that work well in a slow cooker:
Chuck steak: This cut comes from the shoulder of the cow and is known for its rich, beefy flavor. It’s well-suited for slow cooking because the connective tissues break down, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
Brisket: This cut is typically used for barbecue and slow cooking. It comes from the lower chest of the cow and has a high amount of collagen, which melts during the slow cooking process, making the meat incredibly tender.
Rump steak: This cut comes from the backside of the cow and is known for its lean and firm texture. It can be quite tough if not cooked properly, but slow cooking helps to break down the tough fibers and results in a tender steak.
Short ribs: These are small, meaty cuts that come from the rib section of the cow. They have a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. The long cooking time helps to render the fat and tenderize the meat.
While these cuts work well in a slow cooker, it’s important to keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak. It’s always a good idea to check for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure a perfectly cooked steak.
Preparing the Steak for Slow Cooking
Before using your slow cooker to cook steak, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure it turns out tender and flavorful. Follow these steps to get your steak ready for slow cooking:
1. Start by choosing a high-quality cut of steak, such as ribeye or sirloin. Look for steaks that are well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
2. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will help the meat cook more evenly.
3. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the steak overnight if you prefer a more intense flavor.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a nice crust forms.
5. Transfer the seared steak to the slow cooker, along with any juices from the skillet. Add any additional ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or vegetables, depending on your recipe.
6. Set the slow cooker to the desired cooking time. Cooking steak on high will usually take 2-4 hours, while cooking on low may take 4-6 hours.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your steak is perfectly cooked and full of delicious flavor. Enjoy!
Setting the Temperature on High
When using a slow cooker to cook steak, setting the temperature is an important factor in achieving the desired results. Many slow cookers have two temperature settings: high and low. In this article, we will focus on cooking steak on the high setting.
Benefits of Using the High Setting
Cooking steak on high allows for faster cooking times and helps to achieve a delicious sear on the outside of the steak. The high heat helps to lock in the flavors and juices of the steak, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Recommended Cooking Times
The cooking time for steak in a slow cooker on high can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, a 1-inch thick steak cooked on high will take approximately 3-4 hours for medium-rare, 4-5 hours for medium, and 5-6 hours for well-done.
It is important to note that these times are just estimates and may vary depending on your specific slow cooker. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
Tips for Cooking Steak on High
- Preheat the slow cooker on high before adding the steak to ensure even cooking.
- Season the steak with your preferred spices and herbs before placing it in the slow cooker.
- If possible, sear the steak in a hot skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker. This will help to enhance the flavor and texture of the steak.
- Arrange the steak in a single layer in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Consider adding some liquid, such as beef broth or red wine, to the slow cooker to help keep the steak moist and add additional flavor.
- Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker too frequently, as this will cause a loss of heat and increase the cooking time.
By following these tips and setting the temperature on high, you can enjoy a deliciously cooked steak in your slow cooker.
Timing for Rare, Medium, and Well-Done Steak
When cooking steak in a slow cooker on high, it’s important to consider the desired level of doneness. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and personal preference for rare, medium, or well-done steak.
Rare Steak
For a rare steak, it is recommended to cook it for about 2-3 hours in the slow cooker on high. This will result in a tender and juicy steak with a pink center.
Medium Steak
If you prefer your steak to be cooked to medium, you should leave it in the slow cooker on high for around 4-5 hours. This will give you a steak that is slightly pink in the center and fully cooked throughout, but still tender.
Well-Done Steak
Those who prefer their steak to be well-done should cook it in the slow cooker on high for approximately 6-7 hours. This will result in a fully cooked steak with no pinkness in the center.
Remember, these times are just estimates and may vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak has reached your desired level of doneness.
Now that you know the timing for rare, medium, and well-done steak in a slow cooker on high, you can confidently cook your steak to perfection!
Q&A
How long should I cook steak in a slow cooker on high?
The cooking time for steak in a slow cooker on high usually ranges from 4 to 6 hours. It depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
Can I cook steak in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours?
It is not recommended to cook steak in a slow cooker on high for only 2 hours. The meat might not have enough time to become tender and reach the desired level of doneness.
What is the maximum time I can cook steak in a slow cooker on high?
The maximum cooking time for steak in a slow cooker on high is usually around 8 hours. Cooking it for longer than that can result in overcooked and dry meat.
How long should I cook a thick steak in a slow cooker on high?
If you have a thick steak, it is recommended to cook it in a slow cooker on high for about 6 to 8 hours. This will ensure that the meat become tender and juicy.
Is it possible to cook steak in a slow cooker on high for just 3 hours?
Cooking steak in a slow cooker on high for only 3 hours might not be enough time for the meat to become tender. It is best to cook it for a longer period of time to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
Can I cook a steak in a slow cooker on high?
Yes, you can cook a steak in a slow cooker on high. However, it is not recommended as it may result in overcooking and a less desirable texture.