[
Well now, let me tell you ‘bout this braised beef flank. It’s one of them good dishes that fills your belly up right. Back in my day, flank steak was cheap, you know, and we sure made the most of it. You see, this meat needs to be cooked low and slow, like how you’d simmer a pot of good soup on a chilly day.
You wanna braise that flank steak for a good 2 to 3 hours, at least. That’s how it gets tender, all the tough bits break down nice and easy. If you rush it, you’ll be chewing on leather, and nobody wants that!
Now, when it comes to cooking, flank steak is real handy. It’s lean, so there ain’t much waste. Just a good piece of meat that does the job. Folks at the store might call it ‘braising steak’ or sometimes ‘stewing steak,’ but don’t let that confuse you. You can use chuck, skirt, leg, or flank—any of them that need slow cooking will do just fine for this recipe.
What Kind of Beef Is Good for Braising?
For braised beef, you want a cut that’s a bit tougher. They soften up real nice after cooking. Chuck roast is one fine choice—easy to find and won’t break the bank. If you’re after something more all-purpose, flank’s your friend. You can grill it, broil it, or roast it, too. And let me tell you, it won’t cost you much!
Now, let’s get down to how you cook this good ol’ beef. First, you gotta season it well. I like to use salt and pepper, real simple. Then you heat up some oil in a big pot. When that oil’s hot enough, throw in the steak and get a good sear on both sides. You want it to be brown, not burnt—just enough to seal in them juices.
Once you got it nice and seared, take it outta the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, you wanna toss in some onions, carrots, and celery. Cook ‘em until they’re soft. That’s where the flavor comes from, folks! After that, you put the steak back in the pot.
Then comes the liquid part. You can use beef broth, red wine, or even a mix of both. Pour it in until the meat is just about covered. Don’t forget to scrape up all them tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. That’s gold right there!
Cover the pot, turn the heat down real low, and let it simmer away. The house will smell so good, you’ll have everyone drooling! Check on it now and then, maybe turn the meat over once or twice.
After a few hours, you’ll have meat so tender you can cut it with a fork. Serve it up with some mashed potatoes or over rice, and watch it disappear from the plate! You’ll have folks coming back for seconds, I guarantee it.
Why Braise Beef Flank?
This method of cooking is not just about taste; it’s about making the most outta every penny you spend on meat. Flank steak is budget-friendly, and with a bit of time, it turns into something special. It’s a way to feed a family without emptying your wallet, and trust me, that’s a skill worth having.
So there you go, that’s the lowdown on braised beef flank. It’s easy, it’s tasty, and it’ll warm your heart. Don’t be shy to give it a try!
Happy cooking!
]
Tags:[braised beef, flank steak, cooking, budget-friendly meals, slow cooking]