Slow cooking is a culinary technique that involves cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period. In the realm of the carnivore diet, slow cookers offer a convenient way to transform simple ingredients into rich, deeply flavorful dishes. This method stands out for its unique approach to transforming simple ingredients into rich, deeply flavorful dishes. Unlike other cooking methods that require constant attention, slow cooking is a ‘set-and-forget’ process.
The Allure of Slow Cooking for Carnivores
Slow cookers are great for flavor enhancement. The long cooking times allow for better marrying of flavors, making every meal amazing. From hearty stews and tender roasts to soups and casseroles, you can make an array of recipes in your slow cooker. Slow cooking is a method that works well for various types of meat, turning even the toughest cuts into tender, flavorful dishes.
Effortless Cooking
The best thing about using a crockpot is how easy it is. You can prep your ingredients, add them to the cooker, set the temperature, and let time do the rest.
Versatility in the Kitchen
From hearty stews and tender roasts to soups and casseroles, you can make an array of recipes in your slow cooker.
Best Meat Cuts for Slow Cooking on a Carnivore Diet
Slow cooking is a method that works well for various types of meat, turning even the toughest cuts into tender, flavorful dishes. Here’s a breakdown of the best meat cuts to consider for your carnivore slow cooker creations:
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Beef Cuts
Chuck roast, brisket, short ribs, and oxtail are excellent for slow cooking. These cuts typically have a robust flavor and a hearty texture.
Pork Cuts
Pork shoulder, ribs, and pork butt are ideal for the slow cooker. Pork’s natural richness and fat content make it perfect for slow cooking.
Lamb Cuts
Lamb shanks, shoulder, and leg are best suited for slow cooking. Lamb has a more unique flavor compared to beef and pork.
Chicken Cuts
Thighs and drumsticks are the best choices for slow cooking. They remain moist and flavorful even after hours of cooking. Chicken, especially the darker cuts, adapts well to slow cooking.
Game Meats
Venison, rabbit, and bison are excellent game meats for slow cooking. Game meats have a more intense flavor profile.
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Essential Slow Cooking Techniques and Tips
Slow cooking is an art that combines simplicity with a touch of culinary know-how. Here are a few essential techniques and tips, so you can ensure the best results every time you use your slow cooker:
Browning Meat
For certain recipes, especially those involving beef or pork, consider browning the meat in a pan, or if your slow cooker model has a sear setting, before adding it to the slow cooker.
Layering Ingredients
Place ingredients that take longer to cook, like root vegetables, at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Temperature Settings
Cooking on ‘low’ is ideal for most slow cooker recipes, especially for tougher cuts of meat. The ‘high’ setting cooks food faster, usually at about 300°F.
Adjusting Times
Be mindful that cooking times can vary based on the model and age of your slow cooker.
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Lid Placement
Keep the lid on your slow cooker throughout the cooking process.
Slow Cooker Carnivore Beef Stew Recipe
Slow cook carnivore beef stew in a crockpot for a few hours until the meat is tender and ready to eat! You’ll love the savory combination of beef shank simmered in bone broth with stew meat and salt. Carnivore recipes with bone broth are warm and comforting once the weather turns cold. Slow cooker recipes take minimal prep work and attention because they practically cook themselves!
Ingredients:
- Beef shank
- Chuck roast
- Salt
- Tallow
- Bone broth
Instructions:
- Cube the roast by cutting it into 1-inch square chunks. Place all the cubes in a bowl. Season with 1 tsp salt.
- Season both sides of the beef shank with the remaining 1 tsp.
- Heat a heavy bottom skillet or cast iron pan over high heat. Add 1 tbsp tallow and sear the shanks, then sear all the cubed roast. Continue working in batches until all the meat cooks. Add more fat as needed. Use tongs to flip the meat and transfer it to the slow cooker once done.
- Since we are working with eight total pounds of meat, I find this recipe is best for a 10-12 quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller size, scale the recipe accordingly. For example, 2 pounds of beef shank and 2 pounds of stew meat will fit comfortably in a 4-6 quart crockpot.
- I prefer cooking on low for a minimum of 8 hours. Since the pot is full, the meat takes a while before cooking completely. Cooking overnight for up to 12 hours will produce softer, more tender meat. The difference is between fork-tender and fall-of-the-fork tender. Both are good.
What is in a carnivore diet beef stew recipe?
We exclusively use animal food in this beef stew: beef shank, chuck roast, salt, tallow, and bone broth. By excluding all plant foods, this recipe is fiber-free, zero-carb, and 100% animal-based for those on a strict carnivore diet. There are no vegetables or herbs, but there is still a lot of flavor!
How to thicken beef stew?
Usually starches, like potatoes, or wheat flour thickens traditional stews. For us here, the recipe contains meat only, so we employ a long simmer time to reduce the liquid and thicken slightly. As a result, the final stew remains lightly “brothy” but has a concentrated liquid that’s super delicious!
Can you freeze crock pot carnivore meals like this one?
This easy stew recipe is ideal for meal prep and bulk cooking because we prepare a lot of meat all at once. Surely you will have leftovers, so it’s good to be prepared and know how to store them. I suggest letting the stew cool completely before pouring into freezer bags or airtight container. Then, lay freezer bags flat on the shelf until solid. Once the contents are frozen, it’s time to adjust them vertically and save a lot of space! When you’re ready to serve next, begin by thawing overnight in the refrigerator and then heat up on the stovetop before serving.
What to serve with a carnivore diet stew?
I find this recipe filling enough as is, but if you’re looking for more, consider adding butter to the broth and mixing it into the hot soup. Serving with a fried egg on top is also yummy! If you love bacon, crumble bacon bits on top or keep a few on the side and crunch on them as you eat.
Zero-Carb Carnivore Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe
Looking for a hearty, virtually carb-free dinner that practically cooks itself? Rich, flavorful, and incredibly simple, this slow cooker short ribs recipe is perfect whether you're new to keto, diving into carnivore, or just need a no-fuss dinner. This recipe focuses on the essentials: meat, salt, and slow heat.
Ingredients:
- Short Ribs
- Red wine (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil, butter, ghee, or tallow
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown the ribs in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, butter, ghee, or tallow.
- Add liquids (red wine and/or water) plus salt and pepper.
- Cover with lid, set your hob to the lowest heat setting and start your timer. You want to simmer very gently for 8 hours, watching the liquid from time to time and topping up with water if necessary.
- With my Ninja Multi Cooker, I select Sear/Sautée mode -High, to brown the meat. Then I switch to Slow Cooker mode -High, after adding all ingredients. After 6 hours, I flip them over, check the liquid level and continue to cook. That’s it.
Easy Carnivore Crock Pot Pork Recipe
Ingredients:
- Pork Shoulder
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder (Optional)
- Cayenne Pepper Flakes (Optional)
Instructions:
- Start by seasoning the pork shoulder thoroughly with sea salt and black pepper. If you're using optional ingredients like garlic powder or cayenne pepper flakes, sprinkle those on as well, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
- For best results, let the seasoned pork rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat cook more evenly and improves its final texture.
- Once it's rested, place the pork into your slow cooker. There's no need to add any liquid to the pork shoulder because it naturally contains enough fat to keep the meat moist as it cooks.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low.
- When the pork is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and drain off the excess liquid. Then transfer the pork to a baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
- Place it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the edges. Keep a close eye during this step since the pork can go from golden and crispy to burnt very quickly.
- Once the edges are nicely browned, remove it from the oven and serve hot.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three weeks.
Slow Cooker Maintenance
A well-maintained slow cooker is not just about cleaning it; it’s also key to making sure your appliance performs for years to come.
After Every Use
Always unplug the slow cooker and let it cool down. It’s important to let the pot cool as quick temperature changes can cause it to crack. Remove the pot and lid and wash them with warm, soapy water.
Occasional Deep Clean
Periodically, it’s important to deep clean your slow cooker. When it’s cool and not in use, wipe the exterior and the heating element with a damp cloth.
Safe Storage
Store your slow cooker in a dry place. Make sure the cord is coiled and not dangling, to avoid any potential damage or hazards.
Check the Cord
Regularly inspect the power cord for any signs of wear or damage.
Types of Slow Cookers
Basic Slow Cookers
These are simple “set-and-forget” models with a few temperature settings (low, high, and warm).
Programmable Slow Cookers
These come with digital timers and temperature controls, allowing more precise cooking.
Multi-Cookers
These are versatile appliances that combine slow cooking with other functions like pressure cooking, steaming, and sautéing.