How To Grill Skirt Steak

Skirt steak, known for its robust flavor and satisfyingly chewy texture, is a grill master's dream. It's a relatively thin cut of beef that loves the heat of the grill, and when cooked properly, it can become a mouthwatering masterpiece. It's commonly used in Mexican and South American cuisine. In this guide, we'll take you through some recommended steps to cook skirt steak on a grill, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• Skirt Steak: Typically, you'll find skirt steak in long, narrow cuts. Depending on the number of servings you need, grab one or more steaks.
• Marinade or Seasoning: Create a flavorful marinade or use a simple dry rub to enhance the steak's taste. Common ingredients include garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and various seasonings like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. A couple of recommended steak rubs for skirt steak are our Chili Lime rub and our Fiesta Rub.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning just before grilling, or you can easily use our Salt & Pepper 50/50 or SPG rub to take care of the seasoning.
• Grill: Whether it's a gas grill or a charcoal grill, make sure it's clean and preheated.

Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions:

Prepping the Skirt Steak

• Begin by inspecting the skirt steak for any excess fat or silver skin. Trim it if necessary, but remember that a little fat can add flavor and moisture to the meat.
• If using dry rub only: simply coat both sides of the steak evenly with seasoning and let sit for 10-15 minutes before heading to the grill.
• If using a marinade: Place the steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag to marinate. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and pour over the steak ensuring the meat is well covered. Seal and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours. We recommend W Sauce for a marinade mixture.
• Cover the dish or seal the bag, and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preheating the Grill

• Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450-500°F (230-260°C). Ensure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

Grilling the Skirt Steak

• Remove the skirt steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Season both sides with salt and pepper just before grilling.
• Place the steak on the hot grill grates. Cook for approximately 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Skirt steak is thin, so it cooks quickly.
• Avoid overcooking, as skirt steak can become very tough if cooked past medium. Always be sure to cook the steak to internal temperature, the cut you purchased could be thicker or thinner than usual. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 120-130 °F internally for rare, 130-135 °F internally for medium-rare, and  135-145 °F internally for medium.

Resting and Slicing

• Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the skirt steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender result.
• After resting, it's time to slice the skirt steak. Cut it against the grain, which means you'll be cutting perpendicular to the long muscle fibers. This helps ensure each bite is tender.

Serving Your Grilled Skirt Steak

• Skirt steak is versatile and can be served in various ways. You can enjoy it as a standalone steak with your favorite sides, slice it thinly for tacos or fajitas, or use it in salads and sandwiches.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, or your favorite sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

With these simple steps, you'll have mastered the art of grilling skirt steak. Whether you're serving it up for a weekend BBQ or a weeknight dinner around the table with family and friends, you're sure to impress with this delicious and savory cut of beef. Get ready to savor the smoky, grilled goodness of perfectly cooked skirt steak!