A great summer meal to make is marinated skirt steak. It is so easy to prepare and the results are always delicious. In this blog post, we will discuss how to make this tasty dish. Skirt steak is a relatively thin cut of meat, which makes it perfect for marinating. The best part about skirt steak is that it is relatively affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
In this post I’ll go over how to make this easy and flavorful dish, how to prep it so that everything goes smoothly, and give you a few side ideas as well.
Skirt Steak vs Flank Steak
When it comes to skirt steak vs flank steak, there are a few key differences. Skirt steak is a thinner cut of meat, while flank steak is a bit thicker. Skirt steak also has more fat than flank steak. This makes skirt steak more flavorful and tender. However, it also means that skirt steak can be a bit tougher if not cooked properly.
How to Cook Skirt Steak
Now that we have discussed the key differences between skirt steak and flank steak, let’s talk about how to cook this tasty meat. The best way to cook skirt steak is to grill it. Grilling helps to lock in the flavor and juices, making for a delicious and juicy steak.
When cooking skirt steak, it is important to not overcook it. Skirt steak is best when cooked to medium rare or medium. Overcooking skirt steak will make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Medium rare should be around 135 degrees Fahrenheit, while medium should be around 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Recipe
Now that we know how to cook skirt steak, let’s talk about marinating it. Marinating skirt steak is a great way to add flavor and tenderness. There are a ton of different marinades out there, but this one is super easy to make and and uses ingredients you probably already have like soy sauce and olive oil.
To make this steak marinade, simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Then, place the skirt steak in the bowl and coat it with the marinade. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the steak. Let the steak marinate for overnight or up to 24 hours. The long time in the steak marinade will give the soy sauce and vinegar time to tenderize the meat.
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
- 1 1/2 lbs Skirt Steak
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a gallon zip top plastic bag
- Add steaks and marinate the steaks overnight, turning the steaks in the morning
- Let the steaks come up to room temperature
- Setup your grill for direct heat we are looking for a grill temperature of 400° F.
- Put steaks on direct heat for 1-2 minutes
- Flip the steaks keeping them on direct heat for 1-2 minutes
- Move the steaks to indirect heat until the reach the desired internal temperature (145 for medium). Cook time will vary depending on how you like your steak.
With such a long time in the marinade the Once the steak has finished marinating, it is time to cook it. Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Then, cook the steak for about two minutes per side. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help to lock in the juices.
The Equipment
Moving Out to the Grill
Grab your favorite beverage, grill thongs and let the grill experience begin! Are you looking for an easier way to light your charcoal or maintain the temperature? Check out our article on how to light a charcoal grill.
Let’s Cook Steak!
Setup your grill for indirect heat. We’ll start on the direct heat to get a good sear, and then move the steaks to indirect heat to finish the cook.
Depending on how you like your steak, sear them each side for 1-2 minutes, then move them to indirect heat until they reach your desired internal temperature.
After the steak has rested (about 10 minutes), it is time to slice it. The best way to slice skirt steak is against the grain. This means that you will need to slice the steak in a perpendicular direction to the muscle fibers. Slicing against the grain can be a bit tricky, so make sure to use a sharp knife. Cut the beef into thin slices for the best texture.
What to serve with Marinated Skirt Steak
Once you have sliced the steak, it is time to serve it. A grilled steak recipe like this one pairs very well roasted potatoes and broccoli or a simple salad. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.
This Roasted Broccoli and Potato recipe can by easily made while you are grilling the steak and letting it rest. The vegetables roast for about 30 minutes, and only need to be stirred once about half way through the cooking time.
Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes
- 4 Russet Potatoes
- 2 cups of broccoli
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- Cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F
- Coat the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
- Place the vegetables on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for 30 minutes stirring half way through.
- The vegetables are done when they are browned and cooked through (approx. 30 minutes)
So there you have it! A simple guide to making marinated skirt steak. This is a great weeknight recipe with a budget friendly cut of beef. With a little prep time making the steak marinade in advance, you can easily make this recipe quickly after work. We hope you enjoy this dish as much as we do! Until next time, happy grilling!