Beef Skirt in Slow Cooker: A Tender and Flavorful Feast
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook beef skirt? Look no further than your slow cooker! This method yields incredibly tender and flavorful meat, perfect for serving with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a salad.
What is Beef Skirt?
Beef skirt is a flavorful cut of meat that comes from the diaphragm of the cow. It's known for its rich, beefy flavor and its marbling, which adds to its tenderness. While it can be a bit tough when cooked quickly, slow cooking is the perfect way to break down the fibers and create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5-2 pounds beef skirt steak, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meat: Pat the beef skirt dry with paper towels. If desired, score the meat by making shallow cuts across the grain to help it cook evenly.
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Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef skirt for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step helps to seal in the juices.
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Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
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Shred and Serve: Use two forks to shred the beef in the slow cooker. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- Marinating: For extra flavor, marinate the beef skirt in a mixture of your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Liquid Adjustment: If the slow cooker seems too dry, add a little water or broth to keep things moist.
- Serve it Up: Enjoy your slow cooker beef skirt with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or tortillas.
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, add other vegetables like peppers, or even try serving it as tacos or sandwiches.
With its ease of preparation and delicious results, beef skirt in the slow cooker is a surefire winner for any weeknight meal or weekend gathering.
