Skirt steak is a cut of beef that comes from the diaphragm of the cow. This thin and flavorful cut is perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. Skirt steak is often used in dishes like fajitas, tacos, or served on its own with a side salad. Cooking skirt steak is easy, but it does require some attention to ensure that it doesn’t become tough and chewy. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of cooking skirt steak and offer some tips to help you make the most of this delicious cut of meat.
Preparing Skirt Steak
There are a few things you need to do before cooking your skirt steak. First, remove it from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let it come to room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly. Then, pat the steak dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to give the steak some extra flavor.
Cooking Skirt Steak
There are several ways to cook skirt steak, including grilling, pan-searing, and broiling. Each method has its own advantages, and the one you choose will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available.
Grilling Skirt Steak
Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook skirt steak because it gives the meat a nice charred flavor and crispy exterior. Here’s how to grill skirt steak:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the steak with oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill.
3. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Skirt steak should be cooked to medium-rare, which is 130-135°F. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Once the steak is cooked to your desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the steak juicier and more tender.
Pan-Searing Skirt Steak
Pan-searing is a great option if you don’t have access to a grill or want to cook your steak indoors. Here’s how to pan-sear skirt steak:
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Skirt steak should be cooked to medium-rare, which is 130-135°F. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
4. Once the steak is cooked to your desired temperature, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Broiling Skirt Steak
If you have a broiler, you can use it to cook skirt steak. Here’s how to broil skirt steak:
1. Preheat your broiler on high.
2. Place the steak on a broiler pan or a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
3. Broil the steak for 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Skirt steak should be cooked to medium-rare, which is 130-135°F. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Once the steak is cooked to your desired temperature, remove it from the broiler and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Tips for Cooking Skirt Steak
– Don’t overcook skirt steak. This cut is thin and cooks quickly, so it’s easy to overdo it and end up with a tough and chewy steak. Aim for medium-rare doneness and don’t cook it past medium.
– Let the steak rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak juicier and more tender.
– Slice against the grain. Skirt steak has a distinctive grain, and it’s important to slice it against the grain to make the meat more tender.
– Use a meat thermometer. This will ensure that you cook your steak to the right temperature and avoid overcooking it.
FAQs
Q: Can you marinate skirt steak?
A: Yes, skirt steak is a great cut to marinate. It’s thin and flavorful, so it absorbs marinades quickly. You can use a variety of marinades, including a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs or a more complex marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and lime juice.
Q: How long should you marinate skirt steak?
A: Skirt steak only needs to be marinated for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Since it’s a thin cut of meat, it doesn’t need as much time to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
Q: How do you know when skirt steak is done?
A: The best way to know when skirt steak is done is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for medium-rare doneness, which is 130-135°F. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
Q: What can you serve with skirt steak?
A: Skirt steak is a versatile cut of meat that can be paired with a variety of sides. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or potatoes. You can also use it as the protein in dishes like fajitas, tacos, or stir-fries.
