Name: Easy Skirt Steak Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb skirt steak; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

This easy skirt steak recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a flavorful and juicy steak ready in no time.

Photos of Easy Skirt Steak Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common, but if you're not familiar with skirt steak, it can usually be found in the meat section of your supermarket. It's known for its rich flavor and should be cooked quickly at high heat to retain its tenderness.

Ingredients For Easy Skirt Steak Recipe

Skirt steak: This cut of beef is prized for its flavor and needs to be cooked quickly at high heat.

Kosher salt: Coarse-grained salt that helps season the meat and enhance its natural flavors.

Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the steak.

Olive oil: Used for searing the steak, it adds a wonderful richness and helps achieve a nice crust.

One reader, Adah Benitez says:

This easy skirt steak recipe is fantastic! The steak turned out perfectly juicy and flavorful. The instructions were clear and simple to follow. It’s now a go-to for quick, delicious dinners. Highly recommend!

Adah Benitez

Key Techniques for Preparing Skirt Steak

How to pat steaks dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the surface of the steak to ensure proper browning. How to season steak: Generously apply kosher salt and ground black pepper to both sides of the steak. How to heat a cast-iron skillet: Preheat the skillet over high heat for about 3 minutes to ensure it is hot enough for searing. How to sear steak: Use tongs to place the steak in the hot skillet, press down for better contact, and sear each side for 2 to 4 minutes until browned. How to check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees F for medium-rare doneness. How to rest steak: Transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes to retain juices. How to slice steak: Hold the carving knife at a 45-degree angle and slice the steak across the grain into ¼-inch thick slices.

How To Make Easy Skirt Steak

Dig in a tender and juicy beef with this skirt steak recipe. This lean meat is simply seasoned and browned to the perfect doneness for an appetizing dinner.

Preparation: 8 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 23 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbskirt steak
1tspkosher salt,as needed for seasoning
½tspground black pepper,as needed for seasoning
2tbspolive oil

Instructions

If the skirt steak comes in a long strip, cut into 2 or 3 smaller pieces, 5 to 7 inches in length. This will allow them to fit better in the pan and make them easier to slice later.
Thoroughly pat steaks dry with paper towels on each side. The surface should be very dry to help brown the surface of the meat. Generously season each side of the steaks with salt and pepper.
Heat a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat for 3 minutes. Once hot, add the olive oil.
Use tongs to carefully add the steak to the pan, then press down firmly on the surface a few times for more contact. Sear the first side for about 2 to 4 minutes until browned, depending on the thickness of the meat.
Flip and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes. For medium-rare doneness, cook steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees F. Work in two batches if needed.
Transfer steak to a cutting board, loosely cover with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Hold the carving knife at a 45-degree angle and then, slice the steak across the grain about ¼-inch thick slices. Transfer skirt steak to a serving plate.

Nutrition

Calories: 281.52kcal
Fat: 21.25g
Saturated Fat: 6.64g
Trans Fat: 0.78g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.74g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.39g
Carbohydrates: 0.18g
Fiber: 0.07g
Sugar: 0.00g
Protein: 22.78g
Cholesterol: 73.71mg
Sodium: 280.07mg
Calcium: 8.27mg
Potassium: 291.96mg
Iron: 2.00mg
Vitamin A: 4.61µg

Expert Technique Tips for Perfectly Cooked Skirt Steak

To achieve a perfect sear on your skirt steak, make sure the cast-iron skillet is thoroughly preheated. A hot pan ensures that the olive oil shimmers and creates a non-stick surface, allowing the steak to develop a rich, caramelized crust.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Easy Skirt Steak Recipe

Pre-cut the steak: Cut the skirt steak into smaller pieces before seasoning to save time during cooking.

Dry the meat ahead: Pat the steak dry and season it in advance, so it's ready to cook immediately.

Preheat the skillet: Heat the cast-iron skillet while prepping the steak to reduce waiting time.

Batch cooking: Cook the steak in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and save time.

Rest while cleaning: Let the steak rest under foil while you clean up, making efficient use of time.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Skirt Steak Recipe

skirt steak - Substitute with flank steak: Flank steak has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for grilling or searing.
skirt steak - Substitute with hanger steak: Hanger steak is another cut that offers a rich, beefy flavor and can be cooked in the same manner as skirt steak.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar grain size and salinity, making it an easy swap in most recipes.
kosher salt - Substitute with table salt: If using table salt, reduce the amount slightly as it is finer and more concentrated in flavor.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and can be used in the same quantity.
ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicier kick, crushed red pepper flakes can be used, though adjust the quantity to taste.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking steak.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is another healthy option with a high smoke point, perfect for searing meat.

Presenting Your Delicious Skirt Steak Dish

Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the skirt steak into thin, ¼-inch thick slices and arrange them in a fan shape on the plate to highlight the beautiful sear and tenderness.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a balsamic reduction or chimichurri sauce artistically around the steak to enhance the flavor and visual appeal.
Incorporate texture: Add a small side of crispy roasted potatoes or caramelized onions to provide a contrast in texture and complement the steak.
Use a stylish plate: Present the dish on a sleek, white ceramic plate to make the colors of the steak and garnishes stand out.
Highlight the resting juices: Pour a small amount of the resting juices from the steak over the slices to add moisture and flavor, ensuring the dish looks succulent.
Add a fresh element: Include a small side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the steak.
Create height: Stack the slices of steak slightly to add dimension and make the presentation more dynamic and visually appealing.
Use microgreens: Sprinkle a few microgreens over the top of the steak for a refined touch and a hint of freshness.
Finish with a touch of sea salt: Just before serving, add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the steak slices to enhance the flavor and add a slight crunch.

Essential Tools for Making Skirt Steak

Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty pan that retains and evenly distributes heat, perfect for searing the skirt steak to achieve a nice brown crust.
Tongs: Essential for safely adding and flipping the steak in the hot skillet without piercing the meat and losing juices.
Carving knife: A sharp knife used to slice the steak at a 45-degree angle, ensuring clean cuts and maintaining the steak's texture.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to rest and slice the steak on, preventing damage to your countertops.
Paper towels: Used to thoroughly pat the steaks dry, which helps in achieving a better sear.
Meat thermometer: A tool to check the internal temperature of the steak, ensuring it reaches the desired doneness of 130 degrees F for medium-rare.
Aluminum foil: Used to loosely cover the steak while it rests, helping to retain heat and redistribute juices.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and olive oil.
Serving plate: A plate to transfer the sliced skirt steak onto for serving.

Storing and Freezing Your Skirt Steak Dish

To store leftover skirt steak, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the skirt steak. Wrap the cooled steak tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the package with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen skirt steak, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the steak from the packaging and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.
Reheat the thawed skirt steak in a preheated skillet or on the grill over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can quickly become tough and dry.
Alternatively, you can reheat the skirt steak in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the steak on a baking sheet, and cover it with foil. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Sliced skirt steak can also be frozen for later use in salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries. Place the sliced steak in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Skirt Steak

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the leftover skirt steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the meat. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 110°F (43°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
For a quicker method, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover skirt steak and sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through. Be careful not to overcook the meat, as it can quickly become tough and dry.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the skirt steak by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in a water bath set to 130°F (54°C) for about 30 minutes. This method ensures that the meat is heated evenly and retains its moisture.
For a flavorful twist, slice the leftover skirt steak thinly and add it to a hot skillet with sliced onions, bell peppers, and your favorite fajita seasonings. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the steak is heated through. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
Create a quick and easy steak sandwich by reheating thinly sliced leftover skirt steak in a skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil. Pile the warm steak onto a crusty roll and top with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and your favorite condiments, such as horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard.

Fascinating Facts About Skirt Steak

A random fact about this skirt steak recipe is that skirt steak is known for its rich, beefy flavor and is often used in Mexican cuisine, particularly in dishes like fajitas.

Budget-Friendly Skirt Steak: Is It Economical for Home Cooking?

This skirt steak recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With minimal ingredients like kosher salt, ground black pepper, and olive oil, the overall cost remains low. Skirt steak is generally affordable compared to other cuts of beef. For a household of four, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20 USD. Considering the simplicity and deliciousness, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10.

Is This Skirt Steak Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The easy skirt steak recipe is relatively healthy, as it uses a lean cut of beef and minimal ingredients. Skirt steak is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. The recipe also calls for a moderate amount of healthy olive oil, which provides beneficial monounsaturated fats. However, the high heat cooking method and the cut's natural fat content may lead to the formation of harmful compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Marinate the steak in a mixture of olive oil, citrus juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking to reduce the formation of HCAs and add flavor without extra salt
Use a lower heat setting and cook the steak to medium-rare or medium doneness to minimize the formation of harmful compounds
Serve the steak with a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Opt for grass-fed beef when possible, as it tends to have a healthier fatty acid profile and higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

The Editor's Take on This Skirt Steak Recipe

This skirt steak recipe is straightforward and efficient, perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal. The use of a cast-iron skillet ensures a beautiful sear, enhancing the meat's natural flavors. Seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper keeps it simple, allowing the steak's quality to shine. Resting the meat before slicing is crucial for retaining juices, and cutting against the grain ensures tenderness. Overall, it's a reliable method for achieving a delicious, restaurant-quality steak at home.

Enhance Your Easy Skirt Steak Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes infused with the rich, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic. This side dish will complement the savory notes of your skirt steak, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Add a touch of elegance to your meal with perfectly grilled asparagus, lightly charred and drizzled with a hint of fresh lemon zest. The bright, citrusy notes will cut through the richness of the steak, providing a refreshing contrast that elevates the entire dining experience.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Transform humble Brussels sprouts into a gourmet delight by roasting them until crispy and then tossing them in a tangy balsamic glaze. The caramelized exterior and the sweet-tart glaze will add depth and complexity to your meal, making each bite a symphony of flavors.

Herbed Quinoa Salad: For a lighter, yet equally satisfying side, consider a vibrant quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs, diced vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette. This dish not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also provides a nutritious and flavorful counterpoint to the rich, meaty steak.

Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Aioli: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet potato fries are a delightful twist on the classic fry. Pair them with a spicy aioli dipping sauce to add a kick of heat that will perfectly complement the savory, juicy skirt steak.

Delicious Alternatives to Easy Skirt Steak Recipe

Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce: Transform your flank steak into a culinary masterpiece with a vibrant chimichurri sauce. This main course is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home. The tangy and herbaceous sauce complements the rich, beefy flavor of the steak, making every bite a delight.

Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak: Indulge in the luxurious flavors of a ribeye steak cooked to perfection and topped with a decadent garlic butter sauce. This main course is ideal for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Red Wine Sauce: Elevate your sirloin steak with a rich and savory red wine sauce. This main course is perfect for a romantic dinner or a sophisticated gathering. The deep flavors of the sauce enhance the natural taste of the steak, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

Steak Fajitas: Bring the flavors of a Mexican fiesta to your table with steak fajitas. This main course features tender strips of beef marinated in a zesty blend of spices, then cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a fun and delicious meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Savor the comforting and creamy goodness of beef stroganoff. This main course combines tender strips of beef with a rich and velvety sour cream sauce, served over a bed of egg noodles. It's a classic dish that's perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Skirt Steak

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start your meal. Imagine large, juicy mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and finely chopped spinach. The filling is then topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and baked until golden brown. The result is a creamy, flavorful bite that pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine. These little morsels are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great choice for entertaining guests.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with a hint of garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of the crunchy bread and the fresh, tangy topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This appetizer is not only easy to prepare but also brings a touch of elegance to any dining experience.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a decadent chocolate lava cake with a molten center that oozes out as you cut into it. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, allowing the cold and creamy texture to contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey chocolate. A drizzle of raspberry coulis adds a tangy twist, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top gives it a touch of elegance. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Tiramisu: Transport your guests to Italy with a classic tiramisu. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers are interspersed with a rich and creamy mascarpone mixture. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet layers. For an added touch, serve with a side of fresh berries to cut through the richness. A sprig of mint and a light dusting of chocolate shavings can elevate the presentation, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Why trust this Easy Skirt Steak Recipe:

This recipe ensures a perfect skirt steak every time by emphasizing key techniques like thoroughly drying the meat and using a hot cast-iron skillet. The simple seasoning of kosher salt and ground black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the steak, while the olive oil helps achieve a beautiful sear. Resting the meat before slicing ensures maximum juiciness.

Share your thoughts on this easy skirt steak recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How do I know when the steak is done?

I usually go by the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130 degrees F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check by touch; the steak should feel slightly springy.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Absolutely! You can use any high smoke point oil like canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil. Olive oil is just a common choice for its flavor.

What if I don't have a cast-iron skillet?

No worries! You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet. Cast iron is great for its heat retention, but stainless steel or even a good non-stick pan will work.

How long should I let the steak rest?

Letting the steak rest for about 10 minutes is key. It allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.

Can I marinate the skirt steak beforehand?

Sure thing! While this recipe keeps it simple with just salt and pepper, you can marinate the steak for extra flavor. Just make sure to pat it dry before cooking to get that nice sear.