Introduction
BBQ skirt steak is a flavorful and inexpensive cut of beef that can be prepared quickly on the grill. When cooked properly, skirt steak is juicy, tender and full of robust, beefy flavor. The cut comes from the diaphragm muscles of the cow and has a distinct grain that requires special care when cooking. Follow this simple guide to learn how to choose, prepare and grill skirt steak for backyard barbecue perfection.
Selecting Skirt Steak
- Look for skirt steak that is evenly red in color with little visible fat or marrow. White streaks of fat running through the meat are normal.
- Choose steaks that are flexible and bend easily rather than stiff cuts. This indicates tenderness.
- Opt for steaks that are at least 1/2 inch thick, around 8 – 12 ounces each. Thinner cuts will overcook too quickly.
- Plan on purchasing 1/2 pound of skirt steak per person when serving as a main course. Adjust amounts for appetizers.
Preparing Skirt Steak for the Grill
Trim and Slice
- First, trim off any large chunks of fat or silver skin membrane from the surface of the steak.
- Slice against the visible grain into approximately 4-inch long strips. This makes the meat easier to chew later.
Season Well
- Generously season both sides of the steak pieces all over with salt and pepper or a spice rub.
- Coat the meat well so flavor permeates throughout when grilling.
- Let the steaks sit at room temperature 30 minutes post seasoning.
Marinate (Optional)
- For robust flavor, marinate the skirt steak strips for 1-2 hours before grilling.
- Great marinades for skirt steak include citrus juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire, garlic and onion.
- Pat the meat dry with paper towels after marinating to prevent steaming on the grill.
Grilling Skirt Steak Perfectly
Use High Heat
- Preheat your grill to high, around 500°F. Skirt steak requires high, searing heat.
- Clean and oil the grates right before placing steaks for ideal charring.
Grill On Both Sides
- Place steaks on the hot grill perpendicular to the grates to avoid flare-ups.
- Grill approximately 3-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Use tongs instead of a fork when flipping to avoid losing juices.
Slice Against the Grain
- After grilling, let the steak rest 5 minutes then slice very thinly against the visible grain.
- Slicing properly makes skirt steak far more tender and easy to chew.
Don’t Overcook
- Skirt steak toughens quickly when overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.
- For medium-rare aim for 130 – 135°F internal temp. For well-done aim for 155 – 160°F.
- If any pieces are thicker than others, move them to a cooler part of the grill to prevent overcooking.
Serving Delicious BBQ Skirt Steak
- Pair grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, compound butter or cilantro pesto for extra flavor.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers or corn on the cob.
- Top slices with cilantro, diced onion and a hearty dash of lime juice.
- Stuff grilled skirt steak into warm corn tortillas for tasty steak tacos with all the fixings.
- For steak salad, slice over a bed of fresh greens, tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette.
Grilled skirt steak is budget-friendly option with big, bold beefy taste perfect for backyard barbecues. Follow these simple tips for choosing, preparing and cooking skirt steak on the grill for a flavorful meal the whole family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to tenderize skirt steak?
The best way to tenderize skirt steak is to slice it against the grain after cooking. Cutting against the prominent lines of muscle fiber effectively shortens the muscle strands, making the meat far easier to chew. Proper slicing technique is key for tender skirt steak.
Should you marinate skirt steak?
Marinating is an optional but highly recommended step for maximum flavor. The thin cut of skirt steak absorbs marinade quickly, adding lots of extra taste. Acidic ingredients like wine, citrus juice or vinegar help break down fibers for tenderness.
What is a good marinade for grilled skirt steak?
Great marinade options for skirt steak include:
- Soy sauce, lime, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar
- Red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, parsley
- Beer or cola, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro
- Teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
What side dishes go well with skirt steak?
Grilled skirt steak pairs beautifully with fresh summertime sides like:
- Corn on the cob with lime and cayenne butter
- Grilled peppers and zucchini
- Tomato cucumber salad
- Chimichurri rice or beans
- Guacamole and chips
- Grilled bread for dipping
Can you grill frozen skirt steak?
It is best not to grill skirt steak directly from frozen. Allow the meat to thaw in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours before marinating and cooking. Grilling frozen steak risks uneven cooking plus loss of moisture and flavor.
What temperature should I grill skirt steak?
Use high heat, around 500°F, when grilling skirt steak. The high temperature helps develop a nice char and caramelized crust before the interior overcooks. Cook approximately 3-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, using a meat thermometer to check.
Conclusion
With its deep beefy flavor and low price, skirt steak is a magnificent choice for easy backyard grilling. Follow this handy guide to select, season, and slice skirt steak properly for perfect results off the barbecue every time. Mastering cooking this flavorful cut helps elevate everyday meals into truly memorable backyard feasts.