How to Grill Skirt Steak: The Ultimate Guide for Juicy Results

Skirt steak, with its rich flavor and tender texture, is a popular choice for grilling enthusiasts. Its long, thin shape makes it perfect for slicing into bite-sized pieces, and its inherent juiciness allows for a variety of marinades and seasonings. But knowing how to grill skirt steak properly can make all the difference between a delicious meal and a dry, tough disappointment.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the perfect cut to achieving that perfect sear and juicy interior. So, grab your grill tools and let’s get grilling!

Choosing the Right Cut

The first step to grilling a fantastic skirt steak is choosing the right cut. Look for a skirt steak that is bright red in color, with good marbling. Avoid any cuts that appear dry, discolored, or have a strong odor.

Here’s what you need to consider:

• Thickness: Aim for a skirt steak that is about 1 inch thick. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
• Marbling: The more marbling, the more flavorful and juicy your steak will be.
• Freshness: Opt for fresh, high-quality skirt steak for the best results.

Preparing Your Steak for Grilling

Once you’ve chosen your steak, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. This involves seasoning and marinating, both of which can enhance the flavor and tenderness of your steak.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Trim any excess fat: Using a sharp knife, trim away any excess fat from the skirt steak. This will prevent the steak from becoming overly greasy.
2. Season with salt and pepper: Generously season the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
3. Marinate (optional): For a more flavorful steak, consider marinating it for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. A simple marinade of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger can work wonders.

Firing Up the Grill

With your steak prepped and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the grill. For the best results, use a gas or charcoal grill.

Here’s how to get your grill ready:

1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat (around 500°F). This will create a nice sear on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy.
2. Clean the grill grates: Before grilling, clean the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any residue. This will prevent your steak from sticking.
3. Oil the grill grates: Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. This will prevent the steak from sticking and will help create a nice sear.

Grilling Your Skirt Steak to Perfection

Now comes the fun part: grilling your steak! This step requires a bit of attention and a good understanding of grilling times.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Place the steak on the grill: Place the steak on the hot grill grates.
2. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side: Grill the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the outside is nicely seared and the inside is still pink.
3. Reduce the heat: Once the steak is seared, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue grilling for another 3-5 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer. A medium-rare skirt steak should have an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

Resting and Slicing

Once your skirt steak is cooked to perfection, it’s important to let it rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Here’s how to rest your steak:

1. Remove the steak from the grill: After grilling, remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
2. Tent with foil: Tent the steak with aluminum foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute.
3. Rest for 5-10 minutes: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Slicing and Serving

After resting, it’s time to slice your skirt steak. This should be done against the grain, meaning slicing across the muscle fibers. This will make the steak more tender and easier to chew.

Here’s how to slice your skirt steak:

1. Use a sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain.
2. Slice into thin strips: Slice the steak into thin strips, about ½ inch thick.
3. Serve immediately: Once sliced, serve the steak immediately with your favorite sides.

Beyond the Basics: Elevate Your Skirt Steak

While the basic grilling technique is essential, there are several ways to elevate your skirt steak and take your grilling game to the next level.

Here are some tips:

• Experiment with marinades: Marinades can add incredible depth of flavor to your steak. Try a citrus marinade with lime juice, orange zest, and garlic, or a chimichurri sauce for a vibrant South American twist.
• Add a smoky flavor: If you’re using a charcoal grill, try adding wood chips to the coals for a smoky flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the grill.
• Create a flavorful crust: Before grilling, try coating your steak with a mixture of spices, herbs, and even crushed peppercorns for a flavorful crust.

The Final Bite: A Delicious Conclusion

Grilling skirt steak is a delicious and rewarding experience. With the right techniques and a little creativity, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Remember to choose the right cut, prepare it properly, and grill it to your desired level of doneness. And don’t forget to let it rest before slicing!

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled skirt steak?

A: Grilled skirt steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular choices include grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Q: How long can I marinate skirt steak?

A: Skirt steak can be marinated for anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. However, if you’re marinating for longer than 4 hours, it’s best to keep the steak refrigerated.

Q: What are some other cuts of meat that can be grilled like skirt steak?

A: Other cuts of meat that can be grilled similarly to skirt steak include flank steak, hanger steak, and tri-tip. These cuts are all relatively thin and flavorful, and they cook quickly on the grill.

Q: Can I grill skirt steak indoors?

A: You can grill skirt steak indoors using an indoor grill or a cast iron skillet. However, you may not be able to achieve the same smoky flavor as you would with an outdoor grill.

Q: What are some tips for grilling skirt steak on a gas grill?

A: When grilling skirt steak on a gas grill, make sure to preheat the grill to high heat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. And don’t forget to let the steak rest before slicing.