Introduction
Skirt steak is a flavorful and affordable cut of beef, but it can be challenging to cook it correctly. Whether it’s for a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner, it’s essential to know how to prepare this cut to ensure that it’s tender, juicy, and delicious. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to cook skirt steak, from choosing the right cut to selecting the perfect marinade, and everything in between.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand the importance of choosing the right cut of skirt steak. Look for well-marbled meat with a clear beef flavor, and avoid any cuts that have a lot of fat or gristle.
Now that you’ve selected the perfect cut, it’s time to marinate it. This step is crucial to add additional flavors and tenderize the meat, so it’s not chewy. You can use your favorite marinade recipe or go with a classic combination of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil.
When it comes to cooking, there are various techniques to consider, and the best one depends on your preference. Pan-searing provides a crispy crust, broiling gives a charred and smoky flavor, and grilling adds a barbecue flavor. No matter which method you choose, be sure to cook your skillet steak till done. Since it’s a thin cut, it doesn’t need more than a few minutes on medium-high heat.
Once the steak is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures that the juices don’t escape, resulting in a dry piece of meat.
Recipe-Centered
If you’re looking for a tasty skirt steak recipe that’s easy to make, consider the classic street carne asada. For this recipe, you’ll need skirt steak, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and olive oil.
To start, mix the spices with lime juice and olive oil. Then marinate the steak, occasionally flipping it on both sides to ensure full coverage. When ready to cook, heat the grill pan or outdoor grill on high heat. Once hot, sear the steak for two to four minutes per side, depending on how done you like it.
Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving on freshly made tortillas. Some tasty sides that would go great with this dish include guacamole, salsa, and grilled vegetables drizzled with Mexican crema.
Health-Conscious Method
If you’re more health-conscious, grilling or broiling skirt steak is an excellent option. These cooking methods help reduce the oil and fat content, making it a lighter dish without sacrificing taste.
Before cooking, ensure that the steak is lean by trimming any visible fat. Keep in mind that overcooking skirt steak makes it chewy, so aim for medium-rare to medium. For sides, consider adding roasted, non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potatoes.
Marinade Focused
If you’re tired of basic marinades and want to experiment with new flavors, consider trying a chimichurri sauce. This Argentinian favorite is made of parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
To use the chimichurri as a marinade, puree the ingredients in a food processor and let the steak sit in the mixture for at least an hour. Then cook using your preferred method and serve with mixed greens.
Regional Recipes
Skirt steak has become a popular cut of beef worldwide and is featured in many regional recipes. For example, in Thai cuisine, it’s often used in beef salad with lime and chili dressing.
To make this recipe, cook the skirt steak using grilled or broiled methods following a traditional Thai-style marination with fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and coconut sugar. Once cooked, slice it and place it on top of fresh greens and toss it together with fresh mint, cilantro, and sliced cucumber.
Conclusion
Preparing a delicious skirt steak meal is easier than it seems, focusing on selecting the right cut, choosing the perfect marinade, and cooking it on a medium-high heat. Whether you’re looking for a classic recipe or seeking to experiment with new flavors, skirt steak is versatile and affordable, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen.
If you’ve tried any of these recipes, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.