My mom got me a crock pot for my birthday and I'm using it for the first time today! The recipe I am using says to cook on low for 4-6 hours...but that seems like a big time difference. Should I split the difference and set it for 5? WWYD?
-
What type of recipe is it? Is it something thats in water/broth or?
-
Depends how much time you have. If you have 6hours then do 6. If not then 4.
-
@jetsa: beef tips and gravy...so it's in broth
-
@lawbee11: 6hrs then if you have the time.
-
@locavore_mama: Ok thanks!
-
@lawbee11: yea, so I personally think just stick it in and turn it on. When you get home it'll be done, it'll be cooked thoroughly at 4 hours and more tender at 6+
-
I would do six hours. The longer it cooks the more tender the meat should be.
-
Six hours. In almost 10 years with my husband, one thing that's stuck with me is long cooking time in the crockpot. Longer is better. I don't think that I've ever cooked anything on high since knowing him. We do chilis for 8 hours minimum in the crockpot.
-
I always kind of do 4 on high and 6 on low. the longer you cook it, the lower the temp, the shorter you cook it the higher the temp? I could have that all wrong, but that's what I do.
-
The time range really just means that after 4 hours, the meat would be up to temperature and safe to eat. But if you let it continue to cook for longer, the connective tissues will render and the meat will be much more tender. The more you use your crock pot, the better you'll get at knowing how long to cook things.
-
@kiddosc: Thanks! That totally makes sense.
-
I learned something new today!
But what about meat drying out? I feel like that's my problem with crockpot cooking. Or should I just stop doing chicken breasts?
-
@jedeve: when I do chicken breast I always include a can of chicken broth and it never dries out, and I have it on for 8-9 hours!
-
If you want it more tender, cook it for longer.
-
@jedeve: Try more liquid! But, also, dark meat is usually less dry. I run into the same problem, too -- I love chicken breasts!
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
15 comments